Delaware farmers gathered on December 12 to get answers about transportation rules and road safety during a panel discussion at the Delaware Farm Bureau Convention. Officials from three state agencies – Mark Luszcz with the Delaware Department of Transportation, Keith Lamey representing Delaware State Police, and Jacob Carey from the Division of Motor Vehicles – addressed questions from agricultural producers statewide.
Harvest Season Road Signs
Agricultural producers inquired about implementing rotating warning signs during busy harvest periods. Luszcz responded that harvest time overlaps with numerous special events when temporary signage is already prevalent. He advised farmers to contact DelDOT about problem areas where additional warning signs might be beneficial.
Concerns were also raised about road signs positioned directly across from each other on two-lane highways. While some locations make alternating placement impossible, Luszcz said DelDOT workers receive instructions to offset signs when feasible. Problems can be reported through #77, the DelDOT mobile app, or the department’s website issue reporting feature.
Understanding Farm Tag Classifications
Carey outlined the distinction between Farm Vehicle and Farm Truck registration tags: Farm Vehicle tags don’t mandate inspections, but Farm Truck tags do require them.
Questions arose about the 20-mile operating limit for Farm Vehicle tags. Carey specified that these vehicles can travel on roads and highways within a 20-mile radius of farms owned or operated by the vehicle owner.
He stressed that colored diesel fuel remains restricted to off-road applications only, with no exceptions for Farm Vehicle or Farm Truck tagged equipment.
State Police noted that MAP-21 federal legislation established farm trailer tags and related exemptions. Without proper farm trailer registration, operators forfeit these exemptions regardless of their truck’s farm tag status.
Frequent Enforcement Issues
Lamey identified under-inflated tires as the most common violation his department encounters. Tires are considered flat when they reach 50% of required pressure, and this infraction can rapidly harm safety ratings. He urged regular tire pressure monitoring.
Additional frequent violations include improperly secured cargo and malfunctioning lighting systems. Load securement guidelines are available at fcsa.com.
Roundabout Challenges
Farmers voiced frustration about roundabouts being inadequately sized for agricultural equipment. Luszcz explained that these traffic circles are becoming more common due to their proven ability to reduce accidents by 70-80%.
All new roundabouts utilize a design tested by farmers, and DelDOT attempts to include local consultants in planning. However, the department may be unaware of farm-to-farm traffic patterns without notification. DelDOT has no authority over roundabouts constructed by private developers.
Farmers should monitor DelDOT’s website for upcoming construction projects, as design-phase input is more effective than post-construction modifications.
Roadway Width Limitations
DelDOT recognized narrow road concerns but highlighted the challenge that wider roadways typically encourage higher speeds, while shoulder additions are prohibitively expensive. As an example, adding shoulders to every two-lane road in Sussex County would require 40-50 years and approximately $16 billion, excluding inflation.
Licensing and Weight Requirements
Vehicles exceeding 10,000 GVW should obtain DOT numbers. Weight limits for Farm Vehicle and Farm Truck registrations depend on manufacturer door tag specifications, and registration cannot exceed these limits.
State Police recommended the Non-CDL license option for farmers. Qualification requires being over 18, having one year of driving experience, maintaining a valid license, and passing knowledge and road tests. Lamey described this alternative as simpler and more affordable than commercial driver’s license requirements.
