Motoring Law and Farming

As summer approaches, I was recently asked to clarify the legal position in respect of Motoring Law issues that crop (no pun intended) up from time to time involving farmers and their employees …

Driving licences and age:

Tractors and trailers

• A person aged 16 can drive a tractor as long as it is not more than 2.45 metres wide and they have passed their tractor test.

• They can also drive tow trailers less than 2.45m with 2 wheels or 4 wheels close-coupled

• As a rough guide, older tractors are smaller than newer ones

• At the age of 17, once a driving test (Class B) has been passed, a 31t tractor and trailer can be driven

• However, a person still needs to be 21 before they can drive a combine harvester, telehandler and self propelled foragers/sprayers

Insurance

• Employers should ensure that this is in place, expressly covering those under 17.

Mobile phones

• The rules are the same as for other motorists…6 penalty points and a fine.