Young teenagers can operate machinery on public highways in specific scenarios
As April continues, farmers are getting ready to plant the first seeds of the 2026 season.
And that means more tractors and other pieces of farm equipment on the road.
With the long list of items producers must keep in mind on the farm, is he or she making sure they’re following the rules when it comes to operating the equipment?
Farms.com is putting together articles to help farmers ensure they’re following the necessary road and insurance requirements with respect to ag machinery.
This piece focuses on North Carolina.
Do North Carolinians need a license to drive a tractor?
Tractor operators in North Carolina do not need a license whether the machinery is on private land or public roads with the exception of interstates and controlled access roadways like Interstate 85.
This can change if the tractor is being used to transport hazardous materials requiring placards.
In this occasion, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a HazMat endorsement may be necessary.
At what age can someone operate farm equipment?
State law doesn’t legislate the minimum age for someone to operate farm equipment on private land.
Federal law sets the age for this kind of work at 16.
Some restrictions do apply for public roads in the state.
Teenagers 14 and younger can only “operate farm tractors on highways that are adjacent to or running in front of their farmland,” North Carolina law says.
Is farm equipment insurance mandatory?
While not mandatory, machinery insurance is highly recommended and can be a requirement to secure financing from lenders like AgSouth Farm Credit.
Insurance providers like Inspro Professionals of NC and NC Grange Mutual Insurance Company are available to help farmers come up with specific insurance packages suitable for an individual operation’s needs.
Policy costs can vary depending on multiple factors like the size of the operation, the type of farm, and the value and condition of equipment.
Farmers are encouraged to contact brokers directly for specific quotes.
Click here if you’re interested in the insurance and licensing requirements for farm equipment in Texas.
Be sure to Visit Farms.com often as we cover the same topic from states like Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan.