A Class 5 license is needed for travel on public roads
Farms.com’s Canadian tour of licensing and insurance requirements for ag machinery continues with a look at Newfoundland and Labrador.
Do farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador need a license for farm equipment?
If the equipment remains on private property, an operator doesn’t need to hold a license.
But if the machinery travels on public roads, the operator must have a valid Class 5 license, which can be obtained at 16 years old. This aligns with rules in P.E.I.
A Class 8 license is available in Newfoundland and Labrador for 16-year-olds too.
This license applies to traction engine vehicles only like steam-powered tractors.
And a letter from an employer certifying the applicant’s training in traction engine equipment is necessary.
Is insurance mandatory for farm equipment?
Insurance isn’t a legal requirement for farm equipment in Newfoundland and Labrador, just like it isn’t mandatory in Ontario or New Brunswick.
A notable jurisdictional difference is in B.C.
In that province, ag equipment used on public roads must have at least basic insurance coverage.
Having insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador is, however, highly recommended as it protects against losses, damages, and liability.
In addition, it could be a prerequisite to secure financing.
Lenders like Farm Credit Canada and most major banks require proof of insurance as part of a financing agreement.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, insurance companies like Westland Insurance and Co-operators can help producers come up with the right insurance plan for their operation.
And since no farm is identical, farmers are encouraged to contact brokers directly to begin these conversations.
Additional information about farm equipment operation in Newfoundland and Labrador
The CFIA restricts the movement of soil and machinery that can carry soil from leaving the province to prevent the spread of potato wart and potato cyst nematode. Written authorization from the CFIA may be necessary in these cases.