New Rules for Farm Use Vehicles Effective July 1

Virginia farmers take note! Starting July 1, 2024, new regulations for farm-use vehicles will be enforced. These rules, enacted by Virginia lawmakers in 2023, require unregistered farm-use vehicles to display a DMV-issued permanent farm-use placard. The placard must be prominently displayed on panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 7,500 pounds.

Details of the New Regulation

Key Requirements:

• Placard Purchase: Farm vehicle owners must buy a DMV-issued placard for $15. This placard is valid for the lifetime of the vehicle.
• Application Process: Owners must apply for a local DMV Select or full-service DMV location. The application must include information about the farm’s location, size, and commodities, along with signed statements confirming the vehicle’s exempt use and insurance coverage.
• Display of Placard: The placard must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle starting July 1, 2024.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: A first violation will result in a fine of up to $250. Subsequent violations will also be fined $250 each.

Purpose of the New Rules

The new law ensures that farm use tags are used appropriately and that Virginia’s roads are safer. “As farm vehicles are key to agricultural productivity, it is important that Virginia farmers can continue to use them in their operations while preventing farm use tags from being used on other vehicles inappropriately,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie.

Conditions for Farm Use Vehicles

Eligible vehicles must meet specific criteria to qualify for the DMV-issued farm use placard:

• Agricultural Use: The vehicle must be used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the vehicle’s owner and not operated on public highways except for specific purposes.
• Limited Highway Use: Vehicles can operate on highways for up to 75 miles to transport farm produce and livestock or to reach storage houses, packing plants, markets, or sawmills.
• Seasonal Use: Vehicles can be used seasonally for specific agricultural activities, including transporting produce, livestock, and essential supplies.
• Special Exemptions: Vehicles drawn by farm tractors and used for specific agricultural purposes, such as transporting unginned cotton, peanuts, or fertilizer, are also eligible.

Exemptions and Insurance Requirements

Certain farm vehicles are exempt from needing the DMV-issued placard:

• Vehicles Over 7,500 Pounds: Farm vehicles with a GVWR greater than 7,500 pounds are exempt.
• Specific Machinery: Vehicles with attached machinery for spraying plants or specific agricultural purposes are also exempt.

All unregistered farm-use vehicles must be insured under a general liability policy that includes personal injury and property damage liability insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance within 30 days when requested by a law enforcement officer is a traffic infraction punishable by a $600 fine.

Encouragement from Authorities

DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey urged farmers to comply with the new regulations: “There is not much time left before enforcement begins, so we encourage farmers to bring their filled-out applications to their local DMV.” Similarly, VSP Superintendent Colonel Gary Settle highlighted the importance of the 12-month grace period, stating that it provided farmers ample time to familiarize themselves with the new requirements.

Conclusion

Virginia farmers must act now to ensure compliance with the new farm use vehicle regulations. By purchasing and displaying the DMV-issued farm use placard, farmers will adhere to the law and contribute to the safety and proper use of Virginia’s roads. For more information and to begin the application process, visit your local DMV Select or full-service DMV location.