By Jessica Merzdorf
A new publication from Purdue Extension will help clarify the rules of the road for farmers.
A Farmers Guide to Indiana Transportation Regulations is designed to help farmers determine what category they fit in under state and federal transportation laws.
Topics include vehicle weight and dimension limits, securing loads, fuel, license plates and permits, as well as reasons why compliance is important.
The publication was written by Fred Whitford, coordinator of the Purdue Pesticide Programs, with input from farmers, consultants, police and legal advisers.
“I’ve been getting so many questions from farmers about transportation regulations that I knew it was time to develop this publication,” Whitford said. “Many of the state’s farmers rely on Purdue Extension for the latest information on these complex and confusing rules. The good news is that we have a team of experts to make sure we are providing the best, most up-to-date answers to the questions.”
Four categories
Under the state’s transportation regulations, a “farmer” is defined as someone who transports only his or her own products, supplies and equipment to and from designated locations, such as a marketplace or properties that he or she owns. Farmers are classified into four categories depending on how far they typically travel when transporting their goods and whether they cross state lines. Each category has its own set of regulations.
Compliance with these regulations is important from a liability standpoint as well as a safety standpoint, Whitford said, as penalties for noncompliance can be severe.
Source:purdue.edu