Do you need a license? What about insurance?
The start of seeding season across the Prairies means an increased presence of tractors and other pieces of equipment on roads and farms.
But for a farmer or equipment operator is it as simple as turning the tractor on and going about his or her day?
It depends.
With that at top of mind, Farms.com is putting together a series of articles about operator requirements when it comes to ag machinery.
This piece focuses on Saskatchewan.
Do you need a license to drive a tractor?
Not exclusively.
If the tractor is for use on private land only, the operator doesn’t need to have a license.
If the tractor is going to travel on public roads in Saskatchewan, the operator must have an intermediate or full Class 5 license or higher and must be at least 16 years old.
Younger operators can begin their Class 5 licensing after holding a Class 7 beginner’s license for at least nine months.
Do you need insurance for the tractor?
Well, it depends.
If the tractor stays on private land, there’s no legal requirement in Saskatchewan to have it insured.
But if the tractor travels on public roads, it must be covered by a valid insurance policy.
Tractors and other pieces of equipment cannot be added to passenger vehicle policies.
Targeted ag insurance providers like SGI CANADA, Sandbox Mutual Insurance, and Trustmark Insurance, can support farmers with farm and machinery insurance needs.
These insurance packages can help protect equipment, homes, buildings, livestock, and other assets.
Policy costs vary depending on multiple factors, and producers are encouraged to contact brokers for specific quotes.
What about operating someone else’s tractor?
In this case, the guest driver isn’t required to have a valid license or insurance if the tractor stays on private property.
But if the tractor is travelling on public roads, the driver must have an intermediate or full Class 5 license and be at least 16 years old.
The tractor owner’s farm insurance policy would dictate coverage for guest or secondary operators.
What do operators need to know about driving tractors on public roads?
In Saskatchewan, there are multiple rules for moving farm equipment, like when a permit or escort vehicle is required.
A permit is needed, for example, when operating farm equipment at night (between sunset and sunrise) on a non-designated highway.
An example of this kind of road is Highway 600 in the RM of Antler.
And an escort vehicle is needed if transporting equipment between dealerships, or from a dealership to an auction.
A full list of permit and escort requirements can be found on the Saskatchewan government website.
How well versed are you in Saskatchewan’s road rules for farm equipment?
Be sure to check Farms.com often for similar information related to farm equipment in Alberta and Manitoba.