Farming and Rural Roads

Anyone using a vehicle on public roads has a responsibility to ensure they are doing so safely. Using public roads for agricultural purposes is essential for many people, but it is important to manage the risks carefully.

The ‘hierarchy of road users’ which was introduced in 2022, places road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. However, it does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.

As vehicles in general have become larger and heavier, and the volume of traffic has changed since many rural roads were built, it is necessary for drivers to proceed with caution to avoid collisions or damage to the road and edge of the carriageway.

The information provided in this document is intended as a brief overview to assist farm owners and drivers. Agricultural vehicle operators should ensure that they are fully aware of their legal obligations both on and off the road.

The National Farmers' Union is a trusted body for agriculture and horticulture.

Find out more at NFU-cymru.org.uk

Mud on the carriageway

Landowners are responsible for mud and water that runs from fields and gates onto the roads, and you may have to carry out work to prevent this from happening. Mud and water can reduce the grip level of the road surface.

If you use your vehicle off-road, such as on a farm, ensure that you clear excessive amounts of mud and debris from it before driving on the road. If mud from your farm or site gets deposited on the carriageway, this should be appropriately cleared.

If you have livestock, such as cattle, regularly crossing or travelling along a road, you are responsible for moving them safely and for clearing up any mess.

Maintenance

If you are planning to work on or next to a road, such as maintaining a hedgerow, the local authority can offer advice to help you take reasonable steps to keep the risk to road users to a minimum.

This could include signage, hi-visibility clothing and appropriate licences that may be required.

Driving on public roads

To drive an agricultural tractor on the road, you need a category F licence. Category B (car) licence holders will automatically have the category F entitlement.

If you intend to drive a tracklaying vehicle, including tractors, on the public road a category H entitlement is required. Find out more here.

The weight limit for an agricultural tractor and trailer combination is 31 tonnes. The trailer itself is limited to 18.29 tonnes (including any load imposed on the tractor through the hitch). Drivers must ensure that their vehicle is not overweight.

Some vehicles may be too wide to travel on rural roads and may result in drivers damaging the edge of the carriageway, such as grass verges, or even getting their vehicle stuck. It is important to plan your route carefully and not to proceed if the road is unsuitable for your vehicle.

Overloading your trailer, even if you are only travelling a short distance on a quiet road, is dangerous.

If you’re driving on a public road, you must ensure that your vehicle is safe to use and you comply with the law.

Vulnerable road users

When driving on rural roads, be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and slow-moving farm vehicles.

There may also be mud on the road surface. Reduce your speed when approaching a bend and make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

When passing animals, drive slowly. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them.

Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on a road and take extra care.

Fatal 5

Driving an agricultural vehicle, even at a relatively low speed, requires your full concentration.

Regardless of the vehicle you are driving, and whether travel is workrelated, commuting or a private journey, identifying the risks and acting responsibly can reduce the probability of being involved in a serious or fatal collision.

The ‘Fatal 5’ highlights some of the significant contributory factors in collisions.

Most people are already aware that drink or drug driving is illegal, but a small minority still choose to selfishly take the risk. The effects of alcohol and drugs can remain for a considerable amount of time. Be aware that some prescription or over-the-counter medication can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Exceeding the speed limit or driving within the limit but still too fast for the conditions, can have devastating consequences. It takes longer to stop and if there is a collision, it is more severe, causing greater injury to vehicle occupants and any other road user they hit.

Careless driving, which can include driving too close to other vehicles or failing to comply with road signs or markings, is not only anti-social but could result in a collision.

Wear a seat belt, this is a legal requirement. Not wearing a seat belt can be a fatal decision even on short, familiar routes or at low speeds.

Using a mobile phone at the wheel is dangerous and irresponsible. Please wait until you are parked in a safe place before attempting to interact with your phone.