Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

[Dougster]

Dougster, one problem I see is that Mass makes no provisions for registering or tagging a tractor. What can they cite you for if you are out on the road and get pulled over? It can't be for lack of registration/tag if they do not allow it to be tagged or registered. The law I read mentioned a vehicle had to be capable of travelling more than 12mph to be registered, your 4110 should be able to top that. If it is then only the matter of a windshield, then make one and stick on it that can be taken on and off for road trips.

Hi Keith - Can you send me your 12 MPH reference? Folks here have been telling me minimum 25 MPH speed capability for any type of vehicle to be registered for use on public roads... although it always appeared that rule was applied by guideline and not by statute.

The 4110 is rated at 15.26 MPH.

Dougster


p.s., Found your reference under the state's definition of "motor vehicles"... Among vehicles not defined as "motor vehicles" are: "vehicles used for other purposes than the transportation of property and incapable of being driven at a speed exceeding twelve miles per hour and which are used exclusively for the building, repair and maintenance of highways or designed especially for use elsewhere than on the travelled part of ways"

I'm not sure what this does for me one way or the other. At 15.26 MPH max, this clause does not apply to me (and thereby exempt me from registration?)... but neither does it grant me registration either. Many other regs & hurdles. Just because my tractor doesn't fit into a particular exempt vehicle category doesn't mean they must register me. -dougster

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, one problem I see is that Mass makes no provisions for registering or tagging a tractor.

Essentially correct for non-farming, non-logging private parties.

What can they cite you for if you are out on the road and get pulled over? It can't be for lack of registration/tag if they do not allow it to be tagged or registered

Just because a vehicle is not a "legally registerable vehicle" (to use the RMV term) does not mean that the cops can't pull you over, confiscate your vehicle and/or arrest you for driving it down a public road. It doesn't necessarily mean that they will... or that you couldn't get away with it if no cops were around... but that's not what I'm about. The cops could get you on just about anything they wanted... unregisterd/uninsured vehicle, driving to endanger, creating a public hazard, interferring with traffic, disturbing the peace, etc. They can be very creative when the need arises.

Incidentally, I always get a big laugh out of the free antique tractor pulls held biweekly in the summer one town North of me. At the end of the day, those that didn't trailer take to the roads in all directions like bats out of heck! It's truly a sight to see. Lime green antiques everywhere!!!

But the cops are great up there. I think they are all relatives of the farm owner anyway!!! I'll bet anything that not a single one of those guys has ever been hassled. There would be a major public outcry!!!

Dougster

 

[Keith_B]

Dougster, looks like your only solution is to move to a tractor friendly state.

Here in Kentucky you put on your SMV sign and you're good to go.

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, looks like your only solution is to move to a tractor friendly state. Here in Kentucky you put on your SMV sign and you're good to go.

Oh, no kidding. I know I've got to get out of here. This state is absolute insanity. My property taxes went up 10.3% this year... while I lost my job. Can't afford this place now... and it's going to get a lot worse under one-party rule and our bizarre new "tax & spend" moonbat governor.

2-1/2 years or less... and New Hampshire here I come!!! Just need a little more global warming to make it perfect!

Dougster

 

[knute_m]

Dougster,

It sure seems like you may be worrying about something that may not even be a problem.

I think I'd just use the tractor. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm old -- and I have a different attitude than I had 40 years ago. Let them cite you, then let the courts tell you what needs to be done -- if you get cited, or if you even end up in court.

I've lived in a lot of places. I can't think of anyplace where the local authorities would have ticketed me for using my tractor for doing reasonable tractor-related things. I certainly wouldn't have taken it across the Golden Gate Bridge when I lived in California, and I'd never take it on a paved 4-lane divided highway with 70 MHP limits, but . . .

Live dangerously,

Knute

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, It sure seems like you may be worrying about something that may not even be a problem. I think I'd just use the tractor. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm old -- and I have a different attitude than I had 40 years ago. Let them cite you, then let the courts tell you what needs to be done -- if you get cited, or if you even end up in court. I've lived in a lot of places. I can't think of anyplace where the local authorities would have ticketed me for using my tractor for doing reasonable tractor-related things. I certainly wouldn't have taken it across the Golden Gate Bridge when I lived in California, and I'd never take it on a paved 4-lane divided highway with 70 MHP limits, but . . . Live dangerously, Knute

Hi Knute - I'm old too... and I can certainly understand and appreciate your common sense attitude and advice. And believe me... I have traveled a lot and anywhere else in this grand land and I would probably feel exactly the same way as you. I'm just not sure you can apply reason and common sense in my particular situation and location and expect it will win out over stupid laws and stupid law enforcement. In my particular situation, I must say better safe than sorry.

Dougster

 

[Keith_B]

Hi Knute - I'm old too... and I can certainly understand and appreciate your common sense attitude and advice. And believe me... I have traveled a lot and anywhere else in this grand land and I would probably feel exactly the same way as you. I'm just not sure you can apply reason and common sense in my particular situation and location and expect it will win out over stupid laws and stupid law enforcement. In my particular situation, I must say better safe than sorry.

Dougster

Considering the state you live in they would let some murderer loose to make room for you in the lockup.

 

[Dougster]

Considering the state you live in they would let some murderer loose to make room for you in the lockup.

Only the illegal aliens or a "friend" of our new socialist moonbat governor!

Dougster

 

[thatguy]

Here in VA, in order for a vehicle to be considered a 'highway' vehicle, it must be able to maintain a minimum highway speed of either 35 or 45 mpg.. Also 'highway vehicles' are required to have state inspections (as someone mentioned rear view mirrors, working headllights, turn signals, back up lights, horn, seatbelts. etc etc)..

Good luck with all of this, but I think you are going to have a very hard time geting that MSO though..

Best of luck
Brian

 

[Dougster]

Here in VA, in order for a vehicle to be considered a 'highway' vehicle, it must be able to maintain a minimum highway speed of either 35 or 45 mpg.. Also 'highway vehicles' are required to have state inspections (as someone mentioned rear view mirrors, working headllights, turn signals, back up lights, horn, seatbelts. etc etc).. Good luck with all of this, but I think you are going to have a very hard time geting that MSO though.. Best of luck
Brian

Hi Brian - I don't think anyone expected me to suddenly show up on a major highway. I think they understand that I just need to travel a few secondary roads and maybe occasionally cross a major road... and I'm also sure there are other laws here that would keep me off said super-highways. I mean... I'm not out to get killed here!!!

But it has been one of their points... although certainly not the only one... that any vehicle that can't do at least 25 MPH cannot be reasonably expected to operate safely and without hindering traffic flow on public roads. Even I must admit, despite my predicament, I kinda get their point. Eastern Massachusetts is not exactly Indiana farm country!

Again, the real problem here is quirky state law that fails to address private party ownership of tractors... not the folks down at the RMV. I shouldn't even need a license plate... and they are just doing their jobs. I'm just trying to find a way through... or around... this unfortunate maze.

Dougster