Farm rules
Page 42
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I run an operation transporting plant and spoil, some of it for hire-and-reward; some of it is my own goods. My vehicle is an articulated farm truck. What are the requirements for staying within the law? For example, do I need an 0-licence and a tachograph?
Stan Crozier
Keswick, Cumbria The starting point tor the law is that any vehicle that carries goods or burden is considered to be a goods vehicle.
Depending on its permitted operating weight and the use it is being put to, the vehicle may have to have a ministry plate and IVIoT and its vehicle excise duty rate may change. In such circumstances a farm vehicle may no longer be able to use red diesel and the driver may have to hold a full HGV driving licence.
The driver may also have to comply with tachograph rules and observe driver's hours while the operator may have to hold an 0-licence.
The failure to comply with the different sets of rules can lead to fines, penalty points being endorsed on driving licences and even the impounding and seizure ot the vehicle.
Unfortunately, each piece of legislation is different with varying requirements for different vehicles. There is no simple answerwithout knowing exactly what the vehicle is. what it is doing and what distances are involved. The best course of action is to speak to a knowledgeable solicitor and take specific legal advice.