New law will require decals on farm tractors

By MARC KOVAC

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — By the middle of this month, motorists in rural areas of Ohio will probably start spotting circular decals on agricultural implements.

The symbols, featuring a larger No. 40, will be required on tractors that travel at speeds greater than 25 mph, thanks to legislation OK’d at the Statehouse earlier this summer and slated to take effect this month.

House Bill 9, sponsored by Wooster Republican Rep. Jim Carmichael, updates current state laws concerning so-called fast tractors. More than 250 of the fast-moving implements are in use in Ohio, including about 60 in Wayne County, Carmichael’s home district.

Under prior state law, agricultural machinery was exempt from rules and regulations affecting other motor vehicles.

According to an analysis conducted by the state’s Legislative Service Commission, such farm equipment could be operated by drivers who didn’t have valid licenses, though implements could not be maneuvered at speeds greater than 25 mph.

The new law requires farm machinery capable for being operated at speeds greater than 25 mph to display a specials peed identification symbol. Additionally, operators taking the equipment on public roadways will have to have valid driver’s or commercial driver’s licenses and ensure they have "reasonable control" over the vehicles. Violators will face misdemeanor charges.

The bill does not affect farm vehicles driven at speeds of 25 mph or less. The law takes effect Oct. 18.