Driving Your Tractor On Roads

There are times when you need to get your tractor to a different part of town and don’t have time or money for a trailer. Thankfully, it’s legal to drive yours on the road—but there are some special rules you’ll need to follow. We here at Southern Trailer Works want to make this as easy for you as possible, so we’ve summarized some of the bigger points for you below. To learn more, or to see the tractors we have for sale, contact our store in Schriever, Louisiana, today!

Highways

Broadly speaking, you’ll be alright to drive on most public roads in Louisiana. However, if you need to get on a local highway for any reason, you’ll only be able to drive on the shoulder of the road—which, of course, requires that the highway in question has a shoulder large enough for your tractor. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to find a way around the highway. 

It’s also important to note that you cannot, in any circumstance, drive your tractor on an interstate highway. But on the bright side, you don’t need a driver’s license to drive it on the shoulder of a local highway. So long as you follow the laws in this section and the one below and the operator is at least twelve years of age, no driver’s license is needed.

Other State Requirements

You’ll need a “slow moving vehicle” sign posted on the back of your tractor to comply with Louisiana State laws, or you’ll need to use hazard warning signals or something similar that’s been approved by the commissioner. Essentially, you need a state-approved method of making sure the vehicles around you are hyper-aware of how large and slow your vehicle is. 

Add Lights

This isn’t legally required, but your tractor should have headlights if you’ll be driving it on the road. Particularly if it’s dark or the weather’s bad, this can save lives and a lot of money. Break lights are also important and helpful for making sure folks driving up behind you are aware of your presence.

Insurance

This also isn’t required, but it can be a very, very good idea to make sure your tractor is insured before you drive it on public roads. Your average farm equipment insurance policy may or may not cover that already, so make sure you check with your company that you’re covered for this type of driving. 

Be Cautious

This is just good driving advice in general, but it’s particularly important when you’re driving a machine as large, heavy, and powerful as a tractor on a road meant for smaller vehicles. Make sure to follow all local laws and to signal well in advance of any turns or merges. 

We hope this guide helps you and your tractor get where you’re going safely! For more information, or to see the tractors we have available, contact us at Southern Trailer Works. We proudly serve Thibodaux and New Orleans, Louisiana—let us serve you today!