Tractors & Road Safety: Can You Drive a Tractor on the Road?

Tractors were not designed for the road, but there are times when driving a tractor on public roads is necessary—for instance, going between properties or taking your tractor in for mechanical repairs.

If you need to drive your tractor on the road, consider these transportation tips:

1. Review Your State’s Specific Laws and Regulations

   Each state has their own laws for driving tractors on the road. Research your state's specific laws for tractors on public roads so you can avoid trouble getting to your destination.

2. Follow Regular Tractor Safety

   The same safety tips you follow on your property should be used on public roads, like correctly sitting on your equipment, not jumping off before it has fully stopped, checking the brakes and steering for proper operation, as well as making sure all headlights and tail lights work.

3. Add an SMV Emblem to the Tractor

   Most states require drivers to display a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign on the back of their equipment when pulling or driving a tractor on public roads. This alerts other drivers of your speed.

4. Pull Over When Necessary

   Other motorists will be tempted to drive around you since you have to drive much slower than they do. For your safety, and theirs, pull to the side of the road, as necessary and if you can safely do so. This is encouraged by many states as a courtesy to other drivers and sometimes required in others.

5. Test Your Tractor Lights

   Farm vehicles that drive on rural roads or public highways may need several lights depending on local laws and regulations. These can include:

   • Two working headlights

   • One red tail light positioned on the far left side on the back of the tractor

   • When towing, two red reflectors on the left and right side of the back of the tractor

   • Hazard lights when operating on public roads

   Source: Texas Department of Insurance

6. Brush Up on Traffic Rules

   Driving a tractor on public roads is a lot different than driving a car or truck. Because it moves much slower than other motor vehicles and is much larger, following traffic rules is even more critical. Some specific guidelines to remember as you drive your equipment include:

   • Using turn signals at least 100 feet before turning

   • Yielding to right-of-way vehicles traveling on multi-lane or paved roads

   • Avoiding last-minute turns

   See additional traffic rules.

7. Grab Your Driver’s License

   While it may be tempting to transport your tractor without your driver’s license, you still need to have one in many states when you drive farm equipment on the road.

8. Check Your Insurance Coverage

   Insurance coverage for farm machinery is important, especially when driving on the road. Your risk of a traffic accident increases, and some insurance policies will not cover damage caused to your tractor if it was off your property when the incident occurred.

9. Apply for a Special Permit

   In some states, you may need a special permit to drive your tractor on the road. Check state laws and regulations, sourced above, to find out and then obtain the proper permit.

10. Watch Your Speed Limit

    Tractors aren’t just slow because they can’t go any faster. In most states, tractors are only allowed to travel up to 25 mph on public roads. Remember to watch your speed. Not only will you avoid getting a ticket, but you can take turns easier and decrease your chances of getting into a traffic accident.

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