When Fred Whitford travels country roads during the day or night this time of year, he knows to watch out for farm machinery. And he knows if he sees farm equipment up ahead, it will be moving much more slowly than he is. Unfortunately, many people aren’t as accustomed to encountering farm machinery on the road as Whitford is.

Whitford, the director of Purdue University Pesticide Programs, published PPP-083 about transporting farm vehicles on the road. Here are six tips based on that publication.

1. A slow-moving vehicle sign is a must. It doesn’t matter how many fancy flashing lights you have on the tractor or the trailing implement. The law says you must have an SMV sign mounted 3 to 5 feet above the pavement and in the center of the load, or as close as possible. Red flags are not substitutes for SMV signs. And make sure the sign is in good condition.

2. Don’t tow more implements than what's allowed. The general rule is that you can only tow two implements. So if you’re pulling three anhydrous ammonia tanks behind a tractor or a pickup and the back one flips on a curve, you could be cited for towing too many implements, Whitford says. It’s also a potential risky situation you can avoid.  

3. The three-car rule is law, not just a courtesy. Indiana code states that if you are driving a slow-moving vehicle and three or more vehicles get backed up behind you, it’s your duty to pull over at the next possible safe place and allow them to pass, Whitford notes. It’s also good public relations to let motorists pass when it's safe to do so.

4. A child does not need a license to drive a tractor on the road. However, hopefully you have trained him or her how to drive safely, how to make signals and how to judge speeds of oncoming vehicles. The law does not require a license to drive a tractor, and there is no minimum age requirement to do so.

5. Make sure any implement you are towing is visible. State law says that where flashers are required on tractors, flashing lights on the tractor or on a pickup are sufficient, and you don’t need flashing lights at the rear of the implement you are towing. However, it’s your responsibility to make sure the flashing lights are visible. If the implement blocks the flashing lights, then flashing lights could be required on the implement.

6. Know the rules about reflectors and flashing lights. Equipment built after July 1, 2006, must have reflectors and lights, according to requirements outlined in Indiana code. Reflective tape is not required, but it recommended, Whitford notes. He adds that what’s required by law and what’s the best practice for safety may not always be the same thing; err on the side of safety.