I need to drive on the roads in PA legally

rlcowder · Dec 3, 2005

Hi Everyone, I upgraded my JD 425 to a JD 2201 last year and was just reading a post about insurance so I have an question along that line. I drive my tractor up the road about 1500 feet to my mothers house to clear her driveway and I want to follow the law. I live in western PA and have never had trouble with the local police or anyone else. My mind keeps telling me I should find a way to make it legal for me to drive on the roads. Can I get a plate for this tractor like contractors do and legally drive on the roads? Would a unbrella policy be enough protection. Thanks for the help.

beenthere · Dec 3, 2005

I can't tell if you are afraid of breaking a law (contact the police for the laws you need to follow) or afraid of not being insured (contact your insurance agent/company) ??

I drive my tractor on the roads, and figure I'm no different than the farmers that do it.

RoyJackson · Dec 3, 2005

I don't think you have any problem at all...just drive the tractor.

As your 2210 is smaller, I would have an escort behind me...flashers on and all that. If that's not possible, lights, flags...what ever you need for maximum visability...that's the most important thing!

I drove my 670 ten miles across PA roads (south central) and got passed by at least two cops...no problem at all.

PA is rural enough where a lot of farmers move equipment over the road. I've never seen a plate on any of their tractors.

kmdigital · Dec 3, 2005

In most states you are supposed to have an SMV emblem on the back for any slow moving vehicle. In fact, you may get ticketed if you get caught without it.

DavesTractor · Dec 3, 2005

( In most states you are supposed to have an SMV emblem on the back for any slow moving vehicle. In fact, you may get ticketed if you get caught without it.
)

That is true in California, conversely if you are hauling the tractor on your trailer and going over 25MPH, you must have the SMV covered. I've been reminded of that by the CHP, but never ticketed. It's so easy to forget.

gmsssi · Dec 3, 2005

( In most states you are supposed to have an SMV emblem on the back for any slow moving vehicle. In fact, you may get ticketed if you get caught without it. )

That's exactly what you need in PA to be legal!

jimainiac · Dec 3, 2005

When I have to go out in the road I put one of those magnetic mount amber blinky lights on top of the roll bar. I wired in a weatherproof powerpoint behind the seat. That, in addition to the lights and flashers, makes you pretty visable.

rlcowder · Dec 4, 2005

Well thanks everyone my insurance agent assures me the umbrella policy will take care of the liability part. I have the emblem on the back already so that is done. Today I was going to put some lights on the roll bar so I will just add and amber strobe and call it done. Thanks for your help.

RobertN · Dec 4, 2005

Email the Pa State Troopers. They surely must have a web page with contact info. I have done that out here when I have had Calif questions(like proper restraints while trailering). It was nice to get the definitive answer directly. CHP was nice in thier replies, and answered very promptly too.

QRTRHRS · Dec 4, 2005

Here is a link to PA's lighting requirements. http://members.aol.com/StatutesPA/75.Cp.43.html While I cannot find a link, I do know that in PA if you are plowing snow on or near a highway then you need a strobe light. Take note that the various trucks you see plowing do have them.

For normal highway use, flashers and the SMV should be sufficient but a strobe can only add to your visability.