Lawmakers OK bill clarifying tractor use on highways

The Oregon Senate last week gave final legislative approval to a bill that will provide farmers with further protections in operating farm tractors on public roads.

House Bill 2236 is part of an effort by the Oregon Farm Bureau to address irregularity and uncertainty regarding whether farm tractors can be operated on roads with speed limits greater than 35 miles per hour.

“As a former police chief who has spent a large part of my career in rural law enforcement, I know the need our farmers have to be able to use public roads when moving their equipment between parcels,” said Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton. “HB 2236 protects their ability to do so, and I was honored to serve as its chief sponsor.”

Under ORS 811.512, it is a traffic violation to operate vehicles with top speeds of between 20 and 25 miles per hour on roads with speed limits of more than 35 miles per hour. While this statute authorizes local governments to exempt certain low-speed vehicles within their boundaries, some counties have yet to take that step. HB 2236 provides a statewide exemption of farm tractors from the provisions of ORS 811.512.

“I was first made aware of this issue by farming constituents in both Marion and Clackamas counties. Oregon’s agricultural community transcends political boundaries, and farmers operating their tractors may at times need to cross multiple county lines,” Lewis said.

“By the same token, the safe movement of farm equipment on our roads is essential. This bill does not change any of the requirements related to lighting, mirrors, and other safety equipment with which tractors and other low-speed vehicles must comply. It simply calls for a uniform set of expectations across the state,” he added.

HB 2236 now moves to the governor’s desk for final consideration and signing.