SB 509

Definition of implement of husbandry

Current law includes various provisions relating to the operation on highways

of implements of husbandry and farm tractors. An "implement of husbandry" is

generally defined as a vehicle or piece of equipment or machinery designed for

agricultural purposes, used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations, and

used principally off the highway, or a trailer-mounted bulk liquid fertilizer

container. However, an "implement of husbandry" does not include certain vehicles,

such as motor trucks or farm trucks, with or without a trailer attached, when

operated as a commercial motor vehicle on a highway. A "farm tractor" is defined as

a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows,

mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry.

This bill modifies the definition of implement of husbandry. Under the bill, an

implement of husbandry is a self-propelled or towed vehicle that is manufactured,

designed, or reconstructed to be used and that is exclusively used in the conduct of

agricultural operations. An implement of husbandry includes a combination of

vehicles in which each vehicle in the combination is an implement of husbandry. An

implement of husbandry may include a farm tractor, a farm trailer, a self-propelled

combine, or other vehicles.

Definition and registration of agricultural commercial motor vehicles

The bill creates a definition of an agricultural commercial motor vehicle. An

agricultural commercial motor vehicle (agricultural CMV) is defined as a commercial

motor vehicle to which all of the following apply: 1) the vehicle is substantially

designed or equipped, or materially altered from its original construction, for the

purpose of agricultural use; 2) the vehicle was designed and manufactured primarily

for highway use and, with limited exceptions, was manufactured to meet federal

motor vehicle highway safety standards; 3) the vehicle is used exclusively in the

conduct of agricultural operations; and 4) the vehicle is directly engaged in

harvesting farm products, directly applies fertilizer, spray, or seeds to a farm field,

or distributes feed to livestock. An agricultural CMV is not an implement of

husbandry.

Under the bill, an agricultural CMV is exempt from motor vehicle registration

with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Under the bill, the owner or operator of an agricultural CMV may certify, on a

form prescribed by DOT, that the vehicle and its operation satisfy all requirements

to be an agricultural CMV. This certification may be offered to DOT or any traffic

officer as evidence of the truth of the matters asserted in the certification, but the

certification is not conclusive of these matters.

Vehicle size and weight limitations

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may operate on a

highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory limits