Road testing of tractors comes into force from next May.

The test for fast tractors used for road haulage has been signed into law by Minister for Transport Shane Ross.

It will apply to new and existing tractors with 40km/h or faster gearboxes used for commercial road haulage involving journeys of more than 25km from the owner’s yard. These conditions are more harsh than had been expected.

The rules will apply to tractors transporting bales of hay, silage and straw, meaning it will affect most farmers in the country.

Failing to have a valid test will result in a mandatory court appearance with five penalty points, a possible fine of up to €5,000 and possible imprisonment for up to three months.

Fast tractors will require a test from 20 May 2018. The first test will be due when the tractor is four years old and after that every two years.

It is a cut-and-paste of UK legislation

Tractors that are already four years old will have to be tested straight away. The RSA will allow a grace period until 20 August 2018 for these tractors to be tested.

Where the tractor is roadworthy, the farmer will be given a pass statement. If a tractor fails, the farmer will have the option of a retest, which must be done within 21 days. The test fee is €171.16 plus VAT for a tractor weighing over 7.45t, with a retest fee of €59.08.

The test fee for a lighter tractor is €146.52 plus VAT, with a retest fee of €47.26.

Farmers or contractors moving farm equipment along a public road with a fast tractor in order to do field work will be exempt.

Opposition

The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) warned the proposed 25km limit was totally unworkable in Irish farming conditions. The FCI wants the limit set at 100km.

The regulation was signed into law with no consultation with farming bodies, including the FCI, national chair Richard White said.

“This will add significant costs to farmers who will be forced to engage road haulage contractors to move bales from many outfarms.”

“There is huge concern that this rule will force into duty many smaller and older tractors which are designed for speeds less than 40km/h, with added road safety risks.”

ICMSA president John Comer said the new laws were another arbitrary cost to farmers and contractors involving hassle and an administration burden.

“It is a cut-and-paste of UK legislation – which they decided not to proceed with in that jurisdiction. This tells you everything you need to know.”

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