Driving Your Tractor On The Road

Your tractor is the backbone of your agricultural operation, but getting it from location to location can be a pain. Don’t worry if you don’t have a trailer—many tractors can actually be legally driven on most roads! We here at Mike Cooper Tractor want you to stay safe while driving your tractor, so we’ve put together a few tips for just that. If you want to know more, or you’re looking for a new tractor to try this with, contact our store in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, today!

Be Vigilant

Tractors aren’t known for speed or agility, and these heavy machines can be a danger to you and those around you. Drive especially carefully and defensively on public roads and keep an eye on traffic. Try to avoid busy or high-speed areas, and keep in mind that you need special dispensation from the Department of Public Safety to drive your tractor on Oklahoma highways.

Minor Modifications

You’ll need a couple of add-ons to make your tractor street-legal. While you don’t need a special license plate on your tractor, you do need a slow-moving vehicle sign. Make sure it’s easily visible to folks behind you, even if you’re towing something.

You’ll also need proper lighting. Your tractor must have two forward-facing headlights, a red tail light that’s continuous and visible for 500 feet, and hazard lights. The hazards must be on when driving on public roads. Again, these must be visible even if you’re towing something.

Licenses

You don’t need a specific license to drive your tractor on public roads, but if your tractor and any trailer has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of over 26,000, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDR). You’ll also need to obey all rules of the road, since breaking these can result in significant fines. 

Insurance

Tractors don’t necessarily need to be registered with the state of Oklahoma, but you will need proper insurance. Make sure it’s insured to drive on the road, since that’s a specific type of insurance. Sit down with your insurance agent to go over your policy and update it as necessary.

Safe Driving

Like we mentioned earlier, you need to obey all rules of the road and drive extra safely. Wear your seatbelt, drive defensively, signal properly, etc. Rollover protection upgrades can be literal lifesavers in case of an accident. Make sure to familiarize yourself with local laws about tractors on roads to avoid any legal upsets.

We hope this guide helps you get your tractor where you need it! If you have any questions, or you want to browse through the tractors we have for sale, contact us at Mike Cooper Tractors. We proudly serve the people of Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma—let us serve you today!