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Wisconsin Ag News Headlines |
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Updated IoH Legislation Signed by Gov. Walker
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/30/2015
A bill that makes improvements to last year's Implements of Husbandry legislation is now the law of the land. On Wednesday, Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill 113, which initiated the second phase of the 2014 IoH policy that allows larger farm equipment to use public roadways legally under certain
circumstances.
The bill makes more than 20 adjustments to the 2014 policy. Sen. Jerry Petrowski from Marathon and Rep. Keith Ripp of Lodi co-authored both measures.
As part of the updated law, implements with rubber tracks can now legally operate on Wisconsin roadways. An IoH or agricultural commercial motor vehicle with proper permits can cross any intersecting highways on the way to the field. And special axle weight exemptions have been given to Category B planting,
tillage, cultivating and harvesting equipment that was originally given to Ag-CMVs that directly distribute feed to livestock, or directly apply fertilizer, lime, spray or seeds to a farm field.
Many are praising the bill's signing, but Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Jim Holte, who's group supported the IoH efforts, said more tweaks may have to be made in the future.
"It is likely that our work doesn't end here," Holte said. "As this law is implemented across the state, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation will continue to reach out to farmers, farm organizations and others to offer information and discuss issues regarding the operation of overweight and over-length farm
machinery on Wisconsin roads."
Meanwhile, there are some elements of the original law that will phase-in later this year. Starting November 1, 2015, any equipment or other ag vehicles that measure at least 15 feet in width or that extend over the center of the road will be required to have front and rear mounted flashing lights and reflective
material visible anytime on the highway. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in width must have an escort vehicle with hazard flashers activated if they are traveling more than a half-mile.
Another upcoming change involves self-propelled implements over 12 feet in width, as they will need to have yellow or amber rotating strobes or beacon lighting mounted at the highest practical point. If there is a combination of three vehicles--such as a tractor pulling two gravity wagons--operating during hours of
darkness, Richard said they will need to have at least one red or amber light, reflector or Slow Moving Vehicle sign on each side of each vehicle.
The original IoH legislation was enacted to allow farmers a way to legally haul their equipment from the farm to the field during planting and harvest time while providing local officials a way to protect their roads and bridges from being damaged.
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