Agricultural vehicles
Here you will find some information about the requirements relating to farm vehicles when travelling on public roads.
Overdimension Vehicles
Any vehicle, trailer or implement or agricultural machine that exceeds 2.55 metres must mark their excess projections by the use of overdimension hazard flags or panels. The over dimension hazard warning panels displayed must be NZ compliant (yellow and orange), not the European (red and white).
However a tractor that exceeds 2.55 metres (but does not exceed 3.1 metres) can use an amber beacon when used on the road.
Vehicles that are over 3.1 metres, in certain circumstances will need a pilot and an “OVERSIZE” sign displayed (exceeds 40 kph during daytime, travelling on the road at night).
For more information, check out the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule, pages 106 onwards.
Any vehicle that exceeds 2.55 metres wide will need a pilot if the following occurs:
- Encroaches over the centre line by more than 500mm.
- Encroaches over half the available road space on a road that is not marked with a centre line.
- Approaching vehicles need to make a significant reduction in speed to pass.
- Travels on a road where, without a pilot there would be inadequate warning to other road users of an approaching over dimension vehicle.
Towing of trailers
A towing vehicle and full trailer cannot exceed 20 metres. Any other combination of vehicle also cannot exceed 20 metres, e.g. a tractor or other agricultural machine towing two trailers. There are differences of what is permitted for light vehicles versus heavy vehicles:
The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, Sec 7.18(3) states:
“a driver of a tractor may tow up to 2 light vehicles so long as the tractor manufacturer’s ratings are not exceeded”
The Vehicle Dimensions And Mass Rule (VDAM) 3.14(3)(d) specifies the number of trailers that a heavy motor vehicle can tow:
"A heavy motor vehicle must not tow more than one trailer, except if that vehicle is-
(d) a rigid vehicle towing two trailers whose total gross mass is less than 20,000kg, provided the rearmost trailer is a light trailer."
VDAM defines a trailer as “a vehicle without motive power that is capable being drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle from which it is readily detachable”. So a heavy tractor towing two agricultural implements, is by definition towing two trailers.
Stock droving and cattle on roads
Safe Work Procedures are to be used when driving stock or cattle on public roads in order to ensure the safety of everyone.
Local Councils have specific requirements for stock movement on local roads and the New Zealand Transport Agency has requirements for stock movement on State Highways.
Beef + Lamb NZ Stock Movement and Public Roads Safe Work Procedure
Timaru District Council Public Places bylaw (Pages 28-30)
Waimate District Council - Stock droving requirements
Ashburton District Council Transportation and Parking Bylaw (starts Page 20)
Selwyn District Council Stock Droving Bylaw
Hurunui District Council Animal Bylaws and Livestock Movement Bylaw
Transport Service Licence (TSL)
A Transport Service Licence is a special type of licence needed to operate a goods service, large or small passenger service, vehicle recovery service or rental service. A TSL provides proof that you have the knowledge needed to operate any of these types of transport service safely and properly.
A Transport Service Licence is needed for farmers to transport goods on public roads if they are using a heavy vehicle (including truck/trailer combo) that has a Gross Vehicle Mass over 6,000kg. In other words, this means when the truck/trailer is fully loaded, it is designed to carry over 6,000kg.
If a trailer or truck has a GVM of less that 6,000kg is used, then a TSL is not required.
A TSL is not required if the tractor is towing an agricultural implement or agricultural machine, as they cannot be used to carry goods. Similarly, a TSL is not needed if the farmer is driving a combined harvester on the road, despite the GVM likely exceeding 6,000kg as a combined harvester it is not designed to carry goods.
The advantage in obtaining a Transport Service Licence is you're allowed to carry more and heavier goods on the road at any one time, so long as you also comply with the design limitation of the truck / trailer (as shown on the Certificate of Loading) and the weight limitations set out in the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule.
During an inspection it may be discovered that an operator is using a truck or a trailer that has a GVM exceeding 6,000kg to carry goods. This inspection could be as the result of a crash. Enquiries will be undertaken at the roadside to see if the operator holds a TSL.
If the operator does not hold a TSL they are deemed to be operating a goods service without a licence and are “Forbidden to Operate”. If they continue to operate a goods service, after being forbidden to operate, they run the risk of, if caught, having the vehicle impounded at the roadside and being charged. Vehicles will be impounded immediately meaning if you are carrying stock, the stock would be off-loaded at the roadside. The farmer is responsible for impoundment fees, and will be summoned to Court.
The TSL factsheet contains information on how to apply for a Transport Service Licence.
Agricultural vehicles guide
NZTA Agricultural Vehicles Guide covers the following topics in more detail:
- Vehicle registration and licensing.
- Road user charges (RUC).
- Key vehicle safety issues such as being a slow, large vehicle with projecting parts, towing connections and lighting.
- Warrants and certificates of fitness (WoF/ CoF).
- Driver licensing.
- Transport service licence (TSL).
- Work time and logbook requirements.
- Fatigue management.
The guide applies to agricultural vehicles driven on a road – namely streets and highways, and also any place the public has access to, including bridges, beaches, riverbeds, carparks, reserve lands, wharves and road shoulders.
Download a copy of the Agricultural Vehicles Guide.
