Watch Out For Slower-Moving Farm Equipment During The Fall Harvest Season; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Issues Reminders

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that with the fall harvest season comes an increased chance of encountering farm machinery on roads and highways.

The Douglas County Sheriff's office has some safety reminders to remember as we move through the season.

Drivers should slow down immediately whenever they see a florescent orange slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of a tractor or other piece of equipment. They also must be alert, focused and patient while trying to pass slow-moving vehicles.

“Before you attempt to pass a slow-moving vehicle, make sure you can clearly see what’s up ahead in front of that vehicle,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald.

To do their part in preventing crashes, farmers and other operators of slow-moving vehicles must follow safety regulations. According to state law, farm tractors, agricultural implements, animal-drawn vehicles or other vehicles that are normally operated at speeds below 25 miles-per-hour must display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign on the left rear of the vehicle. In all cases—even when the vehicle is not a SMV—if it is operated during hours of darkness, the front and rear of the vehicle must have lights illuminated (white to the front, red to the rear). A citation for failure to display a SMV sign or a violation of the lighting requirement each costs $162.70.

Vehicles traveling slower than normal traffic must stay as far to the right-side of the roadway as practical. This does not mean slow vehicles must drive on the shoulder of the road although this is allowed if there is room to do so safely.