More farm vehicles to be on the roadways

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists that with this falls harvest season just around the corner, motorists will experience increased farm equipment, Implements of Husbandry on the roads.

What is an Implement of Husbandry? Minnesota statutes define an Implement of Husbandry as a self-propelled or towed vehicle designed or adapted to be used exclusively for timber-harvesting, agricultural, horticultural, or livestock-raising operations. This includes any towed vehicle that meets the above definition whether is being towed by another Implement of Husbandry or by a registered motor vehicle.

If you operate or tow a tractor, combine, hay wagon or other Implement of Husbandry on public roads, you must follow state laws designed to ensure your safety and that of other drivers.

Because Implements of Husbandry travel at much slower speeds well under the posted speed limit and are generally wider than the lane of traffic they are traveling in, they can cause traffic backups and visibility issues.

If passing farm equipment, drivers must ask themselves; Is it legal?  Is it safe?  Is it worth it?  Before passing, check your side mirrors and rear view mirrors to ensure no one else is passing. Pass only when safe to do so and within a passing zone and return to your lane of travel as soon as possible.

Driver’s need to stay alert and consider all who use the roadways. Drive safe and drive smart.