WVU Extension Agent – Agriculture and Natural Resources
As we move into fall, producers across the county and state are gearing up for harvest season. While checking equipment, supplies, and other items off your to-do list, make sure your farm vehicles are road ready as well. A few minutes spent reviewing safety equipment and paperwork can help avoid delays during the busy harvest season.
Equipment Checklist
If your vehicle travels at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less, it must display a Slow Moving Vehicle emblem while operating on a public highway. The emblem should be mounted in a visible location and be clean, unfaded, and unobstructed.
Before heading onto the roadway, inspect lights, flashers, reflectors, and trailer equipment to ensure they are functioning properly and safe for road use. Taking time to verify that safety equipment is in place can improve visibility and help prevent accidents.
Farm Use Vehicle Exemption
West Virginia allows certain farm vehicles to operate without registration and license plates when used as an implement of husbandry for qualifying agricultural purposes. To qualify, producers must obtain a Farm Use Exemption Certificate through their county assessor’s office. The vehicle must display a Farm Use exemption decal on the lower driver’s side of the windshield and have the words “FARM USE” displayed in at least 10-inch letters on both sides of the vehicle.
Insurance is still required even when operating under a farm use exemption.
Producers should remember that farm use exemptions are limited to specific agricultural purposes, including travel between farm locations, transportation of agricultural products and livestock, and trips to repair facilities. The exemption is not intended for personal transportation or general business use. Certain vehicle exemptions are also limited to travel distances of 35 miles.
Farm Vehicle Driver Exemption
West Virginia law also provides an exemption for bona fide farmers and farm vehicle drivers operating vehicles that would otherwise require a Commercial Driver’s License. According to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, the exemption applies when the vehicle is operated by a farmer or farm vehicle driver; used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm; not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier; and operated within 150 air miles of the qualifying farm.
Drivers operating under this exemption must still possess a valid driver’s license and carry the Farm Vehicle Driver Exemption Certificate while operating the vehicle. Exemption certificates are valid for five years. Producers interested in obtaining a Farm Vehicle Driver Exemption Certificate should apply through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
Forms, applications, and additional information regarding both farm-use vehicles and farm vehicle driver exemptions can be found at dmv.wv.gov/forms.
Most importantly, if you encounter farm equipment or other agricultural vehicles on the roadway, slow down and use caution. Farm equipment is often large, travels at slower speeds, and may need extra room to maneuver. Be patient and allow operators the time and space needed to safely travel between fields and farms. As harvest activity increases, a little patience can go a long way toward ensuring everyone makes it home safely.
