Tractors - Road Operation : OSH Answers

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• What should you do when driving a farm tractor on a road?
• What should you not do?

• Choose routes with care. Avoid busy routes. Avoid routes with narrow roads and restricted distance visibility.
• Use an escort vehicle if you must travel busy routes or if you have obscured visibility.
• If applicable, attach a slow-moving vehicle sign (red-orange, fluorescent triangle), red flag or marker, and any appropriate lighting and reflectors.
• Lock brake pedals together for even operation.
• Raise all implements to their transport position and lock them in place.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Adjust travel speed to road conditions and towed equipment.
• Occupy the entire traffic lane. Do not straddle one-half of the lane and the shoulder--it confuses other drivers.
• Slow down and pull over to let traffic pass if it is safe to do so. Choose a level location with good visibility in both directions.
• Use the throttle rather than the brakes to slow down if towing one or more pieces of machinery on a highway to avoid jack-knifing equipment.
• Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to ascend when carrying a load.
• Stay off the roads after dark unless necessary and then only when equipment is properly lit (white light(s) in front; red light(s) at rear).
• Always signal your plan to slow, stop, or turn.
• Use hand signals if your tractor does not have signal lights.
• Equip your vehicle with signals if the load or equipment does not allow other drivers to see hand signals.
• Ensure that there is enough room to maneuver safely before entering or crossing a road or turning across a lane.
• Keep signs and lights clean.

• Replace faded or damaged slow-moving vehicle signs.
• Indicate the size of equipment with flags during the day and with lights at night.
• Check your operator manual as some tractors may freewheel in higher gears. Freewheeling can be dangerous when travelling downhill. Use a lower gear range.

• Do not allow riders on the tractor or towed equipment.
• Do not take equipment out of gear to "freewheel" downhill. The resulting speed could cause severe steering and braking problems. Tractors are not designed for downshifting gears while moving.
• Do not drive partly on the shoulder and partly on the paved road.

• Fact sheet last revised: 2025-05-27

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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

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