6 minute read
Ag Law & You: Road Rules For Farm Equipment
Road Work:
Operating Ag Equipment On Alabama Roadways
Farmers face various state and federal laws when operating farm vehicles on public roads. Safely navigating these laws is critical for farmers and their employees, who rely on these “implements of husbandry,” particularly during busy seasons like planting and harvesting.
Alabama law defines implements of husbandry as every vehicle designed and modified exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or livestock operations or for lifting or carrying another implement.
These implements of husbandry are exempt from many requirements other vehicles follow. For example, farmers are not always required to register the implement of husbandry if used on a road.
If the implement of husbandry is temporarily driven on a highway, it’s not subject to vehicle width, height, length or weight requirements, and the operator is not required to have a driver’s license. This exemption only applies to temporary movement. Driving a combine 200 miles to auction would likely not fall within the exemption. The operator is also not required to have liability insurance or a certificate of title.
Although exempt from many requirements, the way the agricultural vehicle is operated on a highway still matters; it can’t be used negligently or in a way that will injure others. For example, operating in the dark without proper lights isn’t acceptable since it
could harm others or the driver.
Implements of husbandry with a maximum speed of 25 mph are required to have reflective, orange slow-moving vehicle triangles. Even if the vehicle can go faster, a farmer can still use a slow-moving vehicle triangle to identify it as a hazard.
Though defined in the code of Alabama, it’s not always clear what makes an implement of husbandry. When asked whether a Ford Bronco fit the parameters for implements of husbandry, the Alabama Supreme Court said it depends on the facts of each case and is a question a jury should answer. Factors include what farm activities the vehicle is used for, how often it’s used for non-farm activities, what is done with the vehicle when not used for farm activities and whether the vehicle was modified to help it achieve farm tasks.
When farmers operate agricultural equipment on the road, especially when that equipment could be used for something other than farming, they may still get pulled over and questioned — despite the exemption.
As always, farmers should use extreme caution when operating equipment, whether designed for road use or not. It’s important farmers and motorists stay alert to keep everyone safe.
What’s an implement of husbandry?
The material presented above is for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice. If readers require speci c advice or services, a lawyer or other professional should be consulted.
Now is the time to speak up.
Become a leader for independence and inclusion.
If you’re passionate about the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to:
• Education and Early Intervention • Recreation
• Employment • Childcare
• Community Supports • Transportation
• Healthcare • Quality Assurance
• Housing
Then now is the time to apply for membership on the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.
People with developmental disabilities, their loved ones, and those who serve them are ideal candidates for the Council. We need your voice to be heard in your community and across our state on issues of importance to those with developmental disabilities.
Independence. Advocacy. Productivity. Inclusion. You’re key to making the difference.
Apply today at acdd.org.
Phone: 334-242-3976 | Toll-Free: 1-800-232-2158 www.ACDD.org | Facebook.com/ACDDAL
Simply Southern Spotlight
Old Gin Gets New Lease On Life
The Pratt Gin Co. Complex was once the largest manufacturer of cotton gins in the world. Operations at the plant along Autauga Creek in downtown Prattville ceased in 2009. Currently, Old House Specialists is part of a group working to restore the five remaining buildings of the complex, which will be converted into luxury apartments.
Saturday, Central Time Market Station Time Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM
RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central ALWAYS ON: SimplySouthernTV.net
What is Old House Specialists, and what is your role with them?
K.C. Catledge: Old House Specialists was created by Hilda Dent 10 years ago and is based in Montgomery. I am site superintendent, and we do historic preservation and restoration work. KC: Oh, yes. The other day in town, I struck up a conversation with a man who works for the city. When I told him who I work for, he got all excited and bubbly because he’s wanted to see something happen with this project for a while. Now that it’s finally going on and taking shape, everybody is excited about it.
What is Old House Specialists’ role in the Pratt Gin Co. Complex restoration?
KC: We are mainly restoring the windows. On the wooden windows, we’re going to strip down all the old paint, treat the wood and restore it to its original glory. One of the buildings has metal windows we’re restoring. Another part is saving as much of the old glass as we can. It has a wavy look to it because it was handcrafted.
Why is it important to restore these features rather than replace them? Does it seem like locals are excited y’all are working on this project?
For you personally, why is historic preservation work important?
KC: The wood they used to make these old windows is so good, you don’t want to get rid of it. These windows have been around since the 1800s. Replacements aren’t made to last. If something goes wrong, you have to take it out and put a new window in. On the metal windows, that metal doesn’t rot or deteriorate. It’s also part of the actual structure of the building, so you can’t permanently remove it without damaging the building.
Simply Southern TV is sponsored by
KC: As a second-generation builder, it’s the history of doing construction work. My father had me out on job sites when I was 6 or 7 years old. Now, old buildings seem to be my niche. This ties back to some of the things my father would have been doing back in the day. I get a chance to come behind some of the great builders in the world who have gone before us. It’s amazing to see how they did it back then with limited tools and knowledge. They were so good at what they did. Now, it’s a matter of restoring and keeping it around for the next generation to see.
Simply Southern’s segment about this story airs on broadcast stations Aug. 27 and 28 and on RFD-TV Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV.net.
Wheat & Feed Grain Checko
Alfa® supports education and athletics through scholarships, mentoring and donations.
Communities are built by those who work TOGETHER.
