MnDOT asks motorists and farm equipment operators to safely share the road during planting season
MANKATO, Minn. — Motorists traveling Minnesota roadways this spring should watch for large farm equipment moving between farms and fields for planting season, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Crash data shows there were 392 crashes involving farm equipment in Minnesota from 2023 to 2025, resulting in 12 deaths and 167 injuries.
“Farmers need our highways to move important equipment to prepare and plant fields each spring, and there are many ways to stay safe during this time. Drivers should slow down and prepare to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles, especially on rural, two-lane roads, from now until early summer” said Brian Sorenson, MnDOT state traffic engineer.
Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.
Motorists should:
- Slow down and watch for farm equipment, particularly at dusk and dawn on two-lane rural roads
- Use caution when approaching farm equipment
- Watch for debris dropped by farm equipment
- Drive with headlights on at all times
- Wait for a safe place to pass
Farm equipment operators should:
- Use lights as required, and flashing lights as allowed, to make equipment more visible
- Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph
- Check height of loaded vehicle to ensure it is below the legal height limit of 13 feet six inches. Vehicles or loads measuring over 13 feet 6 inches may require a permit from the agency that owns the road. For state permit requirements and information visit MnDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits webpage.
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