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New road rules for farm machinery in Wisconsin

This is National Farm Safety and Health Week and with it a reminder of some changes in Wisconsin law. It is now legal to pass a slow-moving vehicle in a no-passing zone if it is traveling at less than half the posted speed limit. It is important that you are able to complete the pass safely. Do your best to make sure the operator is aware of your presence, just like with big trucks, if you can’t see the farm implement’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.

University of Wisconsin Extension farm safety specialist Cheryl Skjolaas notes most traffic accidents involving farm machinery occur when the implement slows down to make a left turn as the motorist is attempting to pass. She says, “Before you decide to pass, look for driveways into farms or fields where the farm vehicle operator could be turning. Check turn signals or watch for the operator to use a hand signal when signal lights are not present.”

Some farm machinery is wider than the lane and may go over the center line. Another point is to look for mailboxes and other obstacles along the right side of the road ahead as the implement may need to swing out to the left to get by.

Finally, farm machinery and implements have a right to the road in Wisconsin and are not required to drive on the shoulder or pull-off on the shoulder to let traffic get by.