Driving across public ways

[jbrumberg]

Dougster:

I admit that I also live in good old Taxachusetts, but there has always been a big difference between the eastern and western parts of the state. It is my opinion that if you live west of Worcester for anything other than paying taxes and funding Boston area projects one usually does not exist. I have spoken to several police officers in my area (Western MA). They have consistently told me that if I have a SMV plate, have my hazard lights and headlights on, use my directional blinkers/hand signals, and drive completely on the road I am legal on the local roads. There may be a problem if I use my rear working lights while on the road, but I will not drive on the road at night so I do not use the rear lights. I occasionally drive on the road along my property line (~.5 Mile) as well as between my home and where I work (1.3 miles) and have not had any problems with the local police. I will add that I have made it a point to befriend the locals . Jay

 

[AndyM]

How's the clam chowda down there?

No clam chowder down here... got some venison bologna in the refrigerator though!

 

[Dougster]

Dougster: I admit that I also live in good old Taxachusetts, but there has always been a big difference between the eastern and western parts of the state. It is my opinion that if you live west of Worcester for anything other than paying taxes and funding Boston area projects one usually does not exist. I have spoken to several police officers in my area (Western MA). They have consistently told me that if I have a SMV plate, have my hazard lights and headlights on, use my directional blinkers/hand signals, and drive completely on the road I am legal on the local roads. There may be a problem if I use my rear working lights while on the road, but I will not drive on the road at night so I do not use the rear lights. I occasionally drive on the road along my property line (~.5 Mile) as well as between my home and where I work (1.3 miles) and have not had any problems with the local police. I will add that I have made it a point to befriend the locals . Jay

Hi Jay. Thanks for the reply. Clearly, it makes all the difference in the world if you have managed to get a special plate. In fact, that is my main goal. I'd be interested to find out how you did that and I'd ask that you send me a private message off-line with the details. Since your property size qualifies you for farm plates, you may have managed to convince state officials that you are principally engaged in farming (or logging) for profit as the RMV rules require for such plates.

Some good news: Turns out I may have found a loophole last night in the PRT General Laws that I may be able to exploit. Problem is that RMV implementing rules appear to squash it. I'll post more about it later this morning.

Dougster

 

[Doc_Bob]

No license, title or insurance required

Hmmmmm, MVA, no insurance, say goodbye to the farm and all your assets.
Bob

 

[Dougster]

Some good news: Turns out I may have found a loophole last night in the PRT General Laws that I may be able to exploit. Problem is that RMV implementing rules appear to squash it. I'll post more about it later this morning.

Extracted (with insignificant editing) from PRT General Laws Chapter 90: Section 9:

"A tractor may be operated without registration upon any way for a distance not exceeding one-half mile, if said tractor is used exclusively for agricultural purposes, or between one-half mile and two miles if said tractor is used exclusively for agricultural purposes and the owner thereof maintains in full force a policy of liability insurance or for a distance not exceeding three hundred yards, if such tractor is used for industrial purposes other than agricultural purposes, for the purpose of going from property owned or occupied by the owner of such tractor to other property so owned or occupied."

This looks really encouraging until you get to the implementing rules which define "agricultural purposes" to mean principally engaged in farming of at least 5 acres (or logging on at least 10 acres) for profit... which cuts me out flat. Mere landscaping or related work is specifically *not* considered an agricultural purpose. And obviously, my neighbors property is not "owned or occupied" by me.

However, the "distance not exceeding three hundred yards, if such tractor is used for industrial purposes" clause may be the loophole I was looking for. While only 900 feet, it gets me to maybe 12 neighbors yards (out of 72) and might be considered to apply to the distance from my remotely parked trailer to the neighbor's yard... significantly easing where I could park the trailer.

The big question is: Is landscaping assistance in a residential neighborhood legally considered to be an "industrial purpose"???

Dougster

 

[N80]

Down here in SC there may be laws regarding this type of thing....but no one knows them if they do. Even a trailer does not need a plate or registration. (But try to get a building permit, whole other story ).

In any case, my B-I-L lives on a long country road that is paved and is (sort of) maintained by the county. He does not have tags or registration for any of his jeeps, trucks, tractors, or even his gigantic old Fiat articulated loader. They only use these on the county road they live on, never on the highway or in town, obviously. He also drives his cows, sometimes 200-300 at a time, down this road. He is quite concerned that do gooders, lawyers, peace groupers and bureaucrats (sp?) will change this. He pretty much has the plans/capability to run parallel dirt roads/trails down the length of the road for moving cows and equipment. It is terrible to have to be that paranoid.

 

[Dougster]

Down here in SC there may be laws regarding this type of thing....but no one knows them if they do. Even a trailer does not need a plate or registration. (But try to get a building permit, whole other story ). In any case, my B-I-L lives on a long country road that is paved and is (sort of) maintained by the county. He does not have tags or registration for any of his jeeps, trucks, tractors, or even his gigantic old Fiat articulated loader. They only use these on the county road they live on, never on the highway or in town, obviously. He also drives his cows, sometimes 200-300 at a time, down this road. He is quite concerned that do gooders, lawyers, peace groupers and bureaucrats (sp?) will change this. He pretty much has the plans/capability to run parallel dirt roads/trails down the length of the road for moving cows and equipment. It is terrible to have to be that paranoid.

The day will come... hopefully in about 2 to 2-1/2 years... when I will move out of the PRT and into "Live Free or Die" country (New Hampshire). That is the plan anyway. Just need a little more of that global warming thang first!

But up until then, the fact is that I *do* live in a suburban residential neighborhood in a town with strict zoning bylaws in a fundamentally non-agricultural state, neither of which take kindly to certain practices. To some around here, I am disturbing the peace just owning a tractor with a backhoe. Complaints from certain neighbors are an ever-present threat.

On the other hand, most of the neighborhood appears at ease with the idea of a tractor living here provided I garage it at night in accordance with town law. With major neighborhood road reconstruction (including tree and sidewalk removals) taking place over the next year or so, I think they are going to be very happy to have quick and easy access to my assorted services.

Dougster

 

[Jimbrown]

You just need to move out here to the wild west. If there are any laws no one cares. Contractors rent equipment from the rental place and drive it miles to the job site and back. My neighbor just bought a tractor and drove it 20 miles to his house. no one cares.

 

[Dougster]

You just need to move out here to the wild west. If there are any laws no one cares. Contractors rent equipment from the rental place and drive it miles to the job site and back. My neighbor just bought a tractor and drove it 20 miles to his house. no one cares.

Now I've been out to Arizona many times... and I've seen your cops and prisons. If that's the law... great! Otherwise, with my luck, I'd be the first to get "life without parole" for driving my tractor across the street!

Dougster

 

[PHIL850]

Dougster, Do you have any information regarding the process of obtaining said "Hoisters LIC" in this wonderful state of taxes and fees? Some day I to will banish myself to the wilds of the northeast kingdom of Vermont and away from the regulations of the mass-***.

regards, Phil C.

 

[MikeD74T]

The day will come... hopefully in about 2 to 2-1/2 years... when I will move out of the PRT and into "Live Free or Die" country (New Hampshire).
Dougster

Dougster, The southern 1/3 of NH isn't much better than Taxachusetts because of transplants that bring their attitude & expectations with them. Hope you don't ....... MikeD74T

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, Do you have any information regarding the process of obtaining said "Hoisters LIC" in this wonderful state of taxes and fees? Some day I to will banish myself to the wilds of the northeast kingdom of Vermont and away from the regulations of the mass-***.
regards, Phil C.

Hi Phil - Most information you'd need is right on the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Safety's website. Google "Mass DPS" and it will bring you right to it. If you want more info, send me a private message and I'll give you a call.

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, The southern 1/3 of NH isn't much better than Taxachusetts because of transplants that bring their attitude & expectations with them. Hope you don't ....... MikeD74T

Believe me Mike... I hear you loud and clear, am well aware of that unfortunate phenomena... and you have absolutely nothing to worry about with moi. I am decidedly *not* one of those who wishes to spread PRT insanity to the land of "Live Free of Die"! I even consider Rush Limbaugh to be far too liberal.

It's funny but everytime I drive North across the border I feel like a free man again in a free country... kinda like the old days... even if only temporarily. Sounds silly, but it's absolutely true!

Dougster

 

[MadReferee]

I live in the southern part of NH, near Milford. The attitude around here is definately not Mass-like. Unless you get to Amherst . I can't see any of my neighbors when the leaves are on the trees and only part of one when the leaves are gone.

Unfortunately it seems the only ones who vote are the Mass transplants in the larger towns. They want Mass services, schools, etc but still want the NH lifestyle. Unfortunately those of us who like the slow quiet life are paying the price for the transplants.

 

[Dougster]

Unfortunately it seems the only ones who vote are the Mass transplants in the larger towns. They want Mass services, schools, etc but still want the NH lifestyle. Unfortunately those of us who like the slow quiet life are paying the price for the transplants.

I hear you Mad. May sound funny, but I'm as concerned about it as you are. New Hampshire is the last bastion of reason and sanity in the Northeast and it is sad and ironic that those who can no longer afford the results of PRT socialism and unchecked political corruption are forced to move North... and then bring the socialist ideas and spending practices with them! Holy Cow!!!

I was sad to see your most recent election results. Fortunately, you still have a *LONG* way to go before one party rule (and all that means) comes to your fine state.

Dougster

 

[john_bud]

See? Folks think I am making this stuff up or that I have gone paranoid. Folks also thought I was crazy when I wrote that I needed a CDL medical exam certificate and something called a "hoister's license" to legally use my Mahindra tractor on my own property. Entire process took me more than 3 months, $125.00 in various fees, passing a written exam and waiting for the wheels of government to turn before I had the license in hand and could legally drive my own tractor on my own property.

Dougster

Dougster,

This hoister thing is driving me nuts.

I went back to the web site and downloaded the PDF on hosting and found out a few things. Your in violation of section 6 paragraph b!

b) Protection of Operator. Where the operator of an excavating machine may be exposed to the elements or overhead hazards, a suitable equipped cab for protection against such conditions shall be provided.


You better trade in that non-cab model and get one with a cab. And remember that all cabs need a ROPS and FOPS.

 

[jbrumberg]

Dougster:

As to politics I do not see much difference between the two main parties. As to politicians most of them are a bunch of pandering, self-serving individuals who every now and then will do something that will get you to support them. I liken most of them to those practitioners of the oldest profession- and the best one will always gets the most money (i.e. wins). It appears to me that all of them want more government and regulation (i.. money). As to driving on the local roads I really think that western MA is a different state. It may be a function of zoning and/or the fact that I have no neighbors across from my .5 mile of road frontage and that there are only 5 houses on the 1.3 miles between my home and workplace. I do carry two different tractor insurance policies of to cover me. I have to re-explore my notes on my coverages as well as ask one of the "locals". I will get back to you. Jay

 

[billfires]

Dougster, do a search on "Certificate of Origin". Ronzonie stated it he had to get a certificate of origin and that it cost him $122.00 to register and $375 for insurance. This was in 2004. Sorry for being computer illiterate on linking posts. Bill C