Drivers can’t be younger than 15 years old
Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for British Columbia.
Do British Columbians need a license to drive a tractor?
If the tractor or piece of equipment is operated on private land or between parts of the same farm, and is either unladen or carrying farm goods, and the driver is at least 15 years old, a license isn’t required.
If, however, a tractor is being used to transport goods to a market or away from the farm, a farm tractor license and “F” series plates may be required.
If the tractor operator is a temporary foreign worker through the Season Agricultural Worker Program, he or she can drive farm equipment for up to 12 months using a valid driver’s license from their home country.
Stays longer than 12 months require a valid B.C. Driver’s License.
What else do British Columbians need to know about operating farm equipment on public roads?
Farm equipment is prohibited on Schedule 1 highways like the Trans-Canada Highway except to cross them, unless the operator has a special permit from the provincial transportation ministry.
Equipment wider than 3.7 metres must have “wide load” signs on the front and red flags on each corner.
John Deere 2230 field cultivators, for example, have working widths exceeding those dimensions.
Equipment moving at 40km/h or slower must have a SMV sign.
And towed equipment must have two separate types of attachment.
Is insurance mandatory for farm equipment?
If the equipment travels on public roads, at least basic insurance coverage is mandatory.
APV49, an Unlicensed Farm Tractor Certificate from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, for example, is a special insurance certificate that covers farm equipment on public roads.
If the equipment is on private land, insurance isn’t mandatory but highly recommended because lenders like Farm Credit Canada and major Canadian banks could require proof of insurance for financed equipment.
In B.C, insurance providers like The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia and Western Coast Insurance Services can support farmers with farm and machinery insurance needs.
These packages can protect equipment, buildings, livestock, and other assets.
Because no farm is the same, producers are encouraged to contact brokers directly to come up with a tailored insurance plan for their specific farm operation.
And farmers who sign up for a BC Farmer ID Card from the BC Agriculture Council can receive insurance savings through Co-operators Insurance.
Click here if you’re interested in the insurance and licensing requirements for farm equipment in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.