Agricultural machinerySouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
54. Agricultural machinery
Agricultural machinery includes vehicles, machines and equipment designed for farming and agricultural work, such as cultivating soil, planting, harvesting, mowing, transporting crops or operating agricultural implements. Examples include tractors, combine harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, mowing machines and other specialised equipment.
Agricultural machinery may be designed mainly for use on fields but may also need to travel on public roads. When using public roads, the applicable registration, driving-licence, lighting, dimensions, speed and road-access rules depend on the type and legal classification of the machine.
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What is agricultural machinery?
Agricultural machinery includes vehicles and machines designed to perform farming operations such as cultivating, planting, harvesting, mowing or transporting agricultural materials.
What are examples of agricultural machinery?
Examples include tractors, combine harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, forage harvesters, mowing machines and agricultural trailers.
Is all agricultural machinery legally considered a vehicle?
No. Some agricultural machines are self-propelled vehicles, while others are implements or equipment that must be attached to or towed by another vehicle. Their legal classification depends on their construction and use.
Can agricultural machinery use public roads?
Yes, when legally permitted and suitably equipped. Registration, insurance, lighting, dimensions, speed and driving-licence requirements may apply.
Do you need a special licence to drive agricultural machinery?
This depends on the country and type of machine. Some countries have a dedicated agricultural-vehicle licence, while other vehicles fall under ordinary car or heavy-vehicle licence categories.
Do agricultural machines have special speed limits?
They may. The permitted speed can depend on the machine's construction speed, mass, tyres and road type. Many agricultural machines are designed to travel considerably more slowly than ordinary road vehicles.
Can agricultural machinery use motorways?
Agricultural vehicles are frequently prohibited from motorways or other high-speed roads. The exact restrictions depend on local traffic law.
Why should drivers take care when approaching agricultural machinery?
Agricultural machinery can be slow, wide or unusually long and may turn into fields or farm entrances. Drivers should reduce speed where necessary and overtake only with sufficient visibility and space.
Can agricultural machinery be wider than an ordinary vehicle?
Yes. Some machinery exceeds normal road dimensions. Folding equipment, special markings, permits or other restrictions may apply before it can travel on public roads.
Can agricultural machinery tow trailers or implements?
Yes, when designed and approved to do so. Tractors commonly tow agricultural trailers and implements, subject to applicable mass, braking, coupling and dimensional requirements.
