Several statutes lay out guidelines for operating equipment on public roads:

Lighting

A farm tractor may not be operated on a public highway from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise unless it has at least two lighted headlights and a lighted tail or rear lamp.

In addition, farm machinery and towed farm equipment on a highway during this time period (or anytime when light or atmospheric conditions are such that persons on the highway are not clearly visible at a distance of 500 feet) must display lighted lamps and illuminating devices. (1 23 VSA #1243 & 1362)

Reflector/Slow Moving Vehicle Symbol

From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, farm machinery, including towed or trailing vehicles such as manure spreaders, hay wagons, harrows, etc., must have a red light or reflector attached that is clearly visible from the rear, or it must have a reflectorized “slow moving vehicle” symbol. (1 23 VSA #1361)

Traffic Flow

Slow moving farm vehicles and equipment must stay as close as possible to the right-hand side of the highway, and must pull off the highway at the first opportunity to allow traffic to pass. (1 23 VSA #1082)

Equipment

Farm Equipment Laws (Vermont)

Several statutes lay out guidelines for operating equipment on public roads:

Lighting

A farm tractor may not be operated on a public highway from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise unless it has at least two lighted headlights and a lighted tail or rear lamp.

In addition, farm machinery and towed farm equipment on a highway during this time period (or anytime when light or atmospheric conditions are such that persons on the highway are not clearly visible at a distance of 500 feet) must display lighted lamps and illuminating devices. (1 23 VSA #1243 & 1362)

Reflector/Slow Moving Vehicle Symbol

From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, farm machinery, including towed or trailing vehicles such as manure spreaders, hay wagons, harrows, etc., must have a red light or reflector attached that is clearly visible from the rear, or it must have a reflectorized “slow moving vehicle” symbol. (1 23 VSA #1361)

Traffic Flow

Slow moving farm vehicles and equipment must stay as close as possible to the right-hand side of the highway, and must pull off the highway at the first opportunity to allow traffic to pass. (1 23 VSA #1082)

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