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Have you ever been driving along only to be stuck behind a tractor? Farmers seem to drive their tractors all over the place, even if traffic backs up for miles. Is there anything drivers can do about it? Let’s see if it’s illegal to drive a tractor on the road. 

Is it illegal to drive a tractor on the road? 

Sometimes it is illegal to drive a tractor on the road. But sometimes farmers are operating within their rights and drivers get stuck behind them as they chug along. 

There are different state laws that farm equipment should be considered. However, farm equipment is allowed on any state system road except for interstates and fully controlled access roads. 

In North Carolina, equipment can be allowed on the interstate and freeways that have been fully evaluated and pre-approved by the Notch Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT). 

The requirements include having an escort vehicle trailing behind and the warning lights must be on. On two lanes roads, tractor drivers are required to drive safely while following all rules and regulations.

If you take an unapproved route, you might put yourself and other cars in danger. You might be liable for any damages if an accident occurs. 

A man driving a tractor on the road with traffic behind
Farm equipment on the road | iStock

Because farm equipment is often oversized and operates at slower speeds, they can be dangerous in traffic. 

Also, you’re allowed to drive your tractor at 25 mph on the road. Do not exceed 25 mpg if it can go faster and slow down if you’re towing equipment. 

Drivers need to take caution while passing tractors on the road. They may impair the visibility of oncoming traffic. Plus, you need to pass in safe, designated zones. In some states, it’s illegal to pass farm equipment in no-pass zones. 

In Texas and other states, you can legally drive a tractor at 16 without a driver’s license. I just thought that was wild and dangerous. Anyways, you can drive a tractor on the road, just make sure you’re following your state’s laws.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.