Operators must be at least 16 years old to drive on public roads
METADATA –
Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario.
Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor?
No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private land or public roads, but drivers must be at least 16 years old.
Operators younger than 16 can only drive farm vehicles directly across a public road.
Temporary foreign workers may also operate tractors without a license. If, however, the worker’s license from their home country is suspended, they’re prohibited from driving a tractor on a public road.
Is insurance mandatory for farm equipment in Ontario?
Insurance isn’t mandatory for equipment like tractors and combines but highly recommended.
In addition, ag lenders like Farm Credit Canada and Royal Bank may require proof of insurance as part of an equipment loan application process.
In Ontario, insurance producers like Cayuga Mutual Insurance and Duliban Insurance can support farmers in developing a comprehensive insurance plan.
And the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has partnered with Co-operators to provide members with access to exclusive insurance coverage and savings.
Since no farm is the same, producers are encouraged to contact brokers directly to begin these conversations.
Other rules for operating farm equipment on Ontario roads
Ag machinery is prohibited from travel on 400 Series highways unless there’s no other route to the farm.
Farm wagons and implements towed behind a tractor must have at least two separate means of attachment.
Farm equipment travelling from a farm to a commercial elevator or processing plant must have a license plate.
Machinery wider than 2.6 m requires two amber flashing lights on the front and the rear.