Harvest time means more farm equipment will be present on provincial roads
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
A recent Farms.com article tested farmers on their knowledge when it comes to driving and transporting farm equipment on Alberta roads.
So without any hesitation, here are the correct responses and explanations.
1. Distracted driving laws do not apply to farm equipment on provincial roads.
The answer is false.
Why?
Under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), drivers of all motor vehicles are restricted from using hand-held devices, even when stopped at red lights.
The penalty is a $287 fine and three demerit points.
However, if the equipment is operated in a farmer’s field, the distracted driving laws don’t apply.
Between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there were 27,417 distracted driving convictions in Alberta.
2. Tractors are allowed to have as many headlamps as the owner wishes.
The answer is false.
Why?
Tractors must have at least two, but no more than four, headlamps, according to the TSA’s Vehicle Equipment Regulation.
3. You need a permit to move grain bins and hay if the loads are higher than 4.15 metres (13.5 feet) or wider than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet).
The answer is true.
If a load meets those size measurements, it needs a permit, according to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
4. If a rubber tired farm tractor is pulling a trailer, it is exempt from road bans.
The answer is false.
Why?
Under the TSA’s section on road bans, a rubber tired farm tractor is only exempt from a road ban if it is not pulling a trailer.
5. Self-propelled farm equipment must have a minimum of four brake lights.
The answer is false.
Why?
Under the TSA’s rulings, self-propelled farm equipment must have a minimum of two brake lights.
6. Tail lamps should emit a ____ light and be visible from at least _____ away.
Red; 150 metres
Red; 100 metres
White; 300 metres
Red; 80 metres
The answer is a red light, visible from at least 150 metres away.
7. Slow moving signs aren’t needed in Alberta because everyone knows farm equipment moves slowly.
The answer is false.
Why?
Equipment requires a slow moving vehicle sign if traveling slower than 40 km/h, according to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
8. Turn signals are not mandatory on farm equipment.
The answer is true.
Why?
Turn signals are not required but should be kept in good working condition if the machinery is equipped with them, according to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
9. Farm machinery doesn’t require rearview mirrors.
The answer is false.
Why?
Each tractor or self-propelled piece of equipment must have a rearview mirror, according to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
10. Farmers don’t have to wear seat belts when operating equipment on Alberta roads.
The answer is false.
Why?
If a vehicle is equipped with a seat belt, it must be worn, the TSA dictates.
How well did you do on the quiz?