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The following list of questions and answers clarify traffic rules when using a tractor or other farm equipment of the highway. Note that the definition of a highway includes any public road in Alberta. Farmers using a highway to transport farm equipment must obey the law.
Where applicable, reference to specific legislation has been added at the end of the answers. This information can be used as a guide if you would like to reference the legislation.
Q: What am I required to do when I meet another vehicle driving the opposite direction, and passing will be difficult?
A: Stop your vehicle before you pass the other vehicle. Look to see how you can pass safety. If needed, have the other vehicle pass while you give directions. Alberta Regulation (AR) 304/2002 sections 14 and 15
Q: What are the laws regarding the dimensions of farm equipment on a highway?
A: Height: the maximum height of the farm equipment and any load must not be higher than 4.15 metres (13.5 feet) which is measured from the surface of the highway. However, you may qualify for a permit if your load is higher.
Length: The total length of farm equipment and its load on the highway cannot be longer than 23 metres (75 feet). If your load is longer, you may qualify for a permit.
Width: The normal width of a vehicle or trailer cannot be wider than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet). If your load is wider, you may qualify for a permit.
The width can go up to 3.8 metres (12.35 feet) if it is being towed by a farm tractor and the trailer is being used to move farm operations materials from one farm or field to another farm, or from one portion of a farm or field to another portion of the farm or field. AR 315/2002 part 1, section 7(b)
If the load is wider than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet), attach flags at the widest part of the vehicle or load during daylight and warning lights during darkness. AR 315/2002 part 1, section 6
When towing farm equipment with a tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment, a permit is not required if the width exceeds 2.6 metres. Additionally, flags and lights on the widest points of the equipment are not required but are recommended to improve visibility.
Q: Where can I get more information and permits?
A: You can get more information and permits at the Transport Engineering branch of Alberta Transportation. The phone number is 1-800-662-7138. You can also ask them how to get information on line.
Q: What are the size rules for moving hay?
A: You must obtain a permit for moving hay if the load is higher than 4.15 metres (13.5 feet) or wider than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet). AR 315/2002 part 1, section 8
Q: What are the size rules for moving grain bins?
A: You must obtain a permit when moving grain bins if the load is higher than 4.15 metres (13.5 feet) or wider than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet). AR 315/2002 part 1, section 8
Q: What are the rules for a farm tractor that is has a dozer blade? How wide can the dozer blade be?
A: If your rubber-tired farm tractor with a dozer blade is wider than 2.5 metres (8.5 feet), you must attach flags on the sides of the blade in daylight and warning lights in darkness. AR 315/2002 part 1, section 8
Q: What should a warning flag look like?
A: Warning flags must have a rectangular shape and be red or orange in colour with sides that are least 400 millimetres (16 inches) in length. AR 315/2002 section 1(eee)
Q: What kind of warning lights are needed?
A: Warning lights must be amber (yellow) at the front and red at the back. The lights must be bright enough to be seen 150 metres (500 feet) away in normal darkness. AR 315/2002 section (fff)
Q: Do I need dimensional or wide load signs when towing or hauling farm equipment?
A: No. However, signs are recommended when you are hauling farm equipment that is wider than 3.05 metres (10 feet). The signs should be placed at the front of the towing vehicle and back of the towing vehicle or trailer.
Q: Are pilot vehicles required when towing or hauling farm equipment?
A: No. However, a pilot vehicle is recommended if you are hauling farm equipment that is wider than 3.85 metres (12.5 feet).
Q: What does the law say about self-propelled farm equipment?
A: The following are requirements for self-propelled farm equipment:
- There must be two headlights on self-propelled farm equipment. The lights must be turned on while on the highway in the dark. AR 304/2002 division 13, section 55.1
- The self-propelled farm equipment must have clearance lamps and be used when the width is greater than 2.6 metres (8.5 feet). The lamps must be attached at the back. AR 304/2002 division 13, section 55
- You must be able to see the tail lamps 150 metres away. They must be on when the headlights or auxiliary driving lights are on. AR 122/2009 division 2, section 13
- If your self-propelled farm equipment has signal lights, they must be in working order. If the self-propelled farm equipment did not come with signal lights, they are not required by law but are recommended for safety. AR 122/2009 section 23(1)
- The self-propelled farm equipment must have two brake lights. AR 122/2009 section 18
- Self-propelled farm equipment must have serviceable brakes. AR 122/2009 part 1, division 2, section 54(3)
- Self-propelled farm equipment does not have to have reflectors, but reflectors are recommended.
- Self-propelled farm equipment does not have to have reflective tape, but reflective tape is recommended.
- The self-propelled farm equipment must have rear view mirrors. AR 122/2009 section 74
Q: What is the law when moving a load that hangs over the end of a vehicle or trailer?
A: If the load hangs over more than 1.5 metres (five feet), you have to attach a red or orange flag to the back of the load. The flag must be 300 millimetres (12 inches) square.
 Q: When do I need a slow moving vehicle sign?
A: You need a sign when you are travelling slower than 40 kilometres per hour. Attach the sign at the back of the self-propelled farm equipment and towed implement.
Q: Do I need to wear a seat belt when driving self-propelled farm equipment on a highway?
A: If the equipment came with a seat belt, you must wear it. AR 122/2009 section 84
Q: Can I get charged for distracted driving and impaired driving when driving farm equipment on a highway?
A: Yes. If you would like more information about distracted driving and impaired driving laws, go to:
https://saferoads.com/drivers/safety-issues/distracted
Contact:
Alberta Farm Safety Program: farm.safety@gov.ab.ca
or toll-free: 310-FARM (3276)
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Farm Safety Staff:
Janice Donkers, Youth Coordinator: janice.donkers@gov.ab.ca
Kenda Lubeck, Awareness Coordinator: kenda.lubeck@gov.ab.ca
Raelyn Peterson, Coordinator: raelyn.d.peterson@gov.ab.ca
Sharon Stollery, Manager: sharon.stollery@gov.ab.ca
Blair Takahashi, Specialist: blair.takahashi@gov.ab.ca
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