3. Questions and Answers

 

When must I use my lights?

When moving equipment at night or during reduced visibility conditions, all lights required under this regulation must be operational and illuminated.

 

Do implements towed by a motor vehicle need any different or additional markings?

Regardless of size, agricultural implements towed by a motor vehicle must have a Slow-Moving Vehicle identification (SMV) emblem mounted, which is clearly visible to the driver in a vehicle approaching from the rear.

 

Can I use an escort vehicle?

Escort vehicles can be used in situations where lighting malfunctions on self-propelled or towed agricultural implements enroute, but only while the malfunctioning equipment is being moved to the nearest place where it can be repaired.

A suggested procedure in the event of lamp failures follows:

  1. Move your equipment to the nearest safe place off a public road.
  2. Arrange for escort vehicles.
  3. Using escort vehicles, move the equipment to a location where the failure can be repaired.

An escort vehicle is defined by the Lighting and Marking Regulation as an “agricultural tractor or a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, moped or a mobility vehicle.”

Escort vehicles must meet the following requirements:

 

What if I tow agricultural implements behind my farm truck?

For maximum safety and visibility, the truck should have the necessary seven-pin connector to mate with the operational lighting package, which may already exist on the towed implement. However, this is not a requirement of the regulation.

For the purposes of the regulation, agricultural implements towed behind a motor vehicle, regardless of date of manufacture, can be treated as existing equipment. Therefore, marking for daytime travel and temporary lighting for nighttime travel is allowed in these situations.

NOTE: The seven-pin connector is the same as those used in automotive trailer applications. However, for standardized agricultural applications the receptacle mounts on the tractor, not on the implement. This differs from the standardized trailer lighting wiring (which mounts the receptacle on the towed equipment), and may not mate directly with agricultural applications. An adapter may be required in these situations.

 

What if I tow a new implement (hard-wired with a seven-pin connector for lighting) with an older tractor not equipped with a seven-pin connector?

Of all the possible combinations of existing and new equipment, this situation causes the most concern. In this situation, both the towing vehicle and the towed implement can be treated as existing equipment. Therefore, if required, temporary lighting can be used on the towed implement, even though it may already be equipped with permanently affixed lights. In this situation you may also use flags and an SMV emblem in lieu of lights for daytime travel only.

 

How does this regulation affect anhydrous ammonia tanks?

Anhydrous ammonia tanks must comply with the requirements of the Lighting and Marking Regulations.

 

Can I use flood lamps or general service lamps on public roads?

Floodlamps and general service lamps are designed to illuminate the machine or field work. Front-facing floodlamps shall be aimed downward so as not to blind oncoming traffic. Rear-facing service or flood lamps should be off when travelling on public roads.

 

Do I still need a permit to use a beacon when transporting farm equipment?

No. Although they are not required by the Lighting and Marking Regulation, oscillating beacons are recommended for extra visibility when towing or escorting farm machinery on public roads.

 

I want to hard-wire my own lights. What are the standardized wiring connections?

The wiring diagram in FIGURE 17 details the industry standardized wiring connections used on manufactured agricultural machinery. At minimum, terminals 1, 3, 5, and 6 should be wired. Also, the receptacle is installed on the towing vehicle, while the plug is installed on the towed implement.

FIGURE 17. Industry standard wiring connections for seven-pin agricultural connectors.