Recommendations made for farm machinery on roads

MADISON, Wis. — Recommended changes to the laws governing the operation of heavy farm machinery on public roads have been submitted to the Wisconsin Legislature.

The state agriculture and transportation departments have been meeting with farmers and others around the state to study the impact of farm equipment on Wisconsin roads. The group’s recommendations were sent to the legislature on Tuesday.

They include updating definitions for farm machinery, imposing new lighting and marking standards for those that cross the centerline of the roadway, improving operator training requirements and creating new length and weight limits for some machinery.

Agriculture Secretary Ben Brancel says the recommendations allow farmers to do their job while recognizing the need for public safety and protection of the state’s infrastructure.