Trailers: lighting is at top of the list
WHILE the vast majority of farmers will not be impacted on greatly by the latest tractor-trailers laws in force since January 1, the IFA in Galway have advised that all trailers should be properly lit-up and carry reflective strips.
Farmers and contractors using higher speed tractors and longer-heavier trailers have been advised to check the specific regulations that now apply, but for lower speed smaller tractors and trailers, the ‘basics of proper lighting’ are the most important requirement.
It should be noted though that all farmers are restricted to pulling a total trailer weight of no more than three times that of the tractor they are using to pull the load.
For those using tractors travelling under 40kph (25mph), who abide by the ‘three times’ load limit, they will not require any retrospective fitting or plating, once the trailer is manufactured before January 1, 2016.
All agricultural trailers are now required to be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, indicators and number plate lighting.
Galway IFA Environment Committee Chairman, Bertie Roche, warned farmers to be aware of the fact that a maximum fine of €2,500 could be imposed for breaches of the law in relation to trailer requirement.
“For many farmers though with tractors travelling at under 40kph with average sized trailers, what they need to ensure is that they are lit-up to the specified standard.
“Regardless of the new laws, this is good practice for everyone using the road. Farmers should have their back trailer lights and indicators in good working order and really it wouldn’t cost a lot to have reflective strips along the sides and the back of those trailers,” said Bertie Roche.
He added that for those farmers and contractors operating the faster tractors and bigger trailers there were far more stringent requirements relating to braking systems, tyre thread requirements and automatic break-away devices.
For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.