New Amendments to Improve Road Safety, Support Farm Community

New legislation for farm vehicles driving on highways was introduced in the legislature today, May 10.

The amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act strive to ease the transportation burden on farmers, recognize technological changes to equipment, and ensure public safety.

"The amendments bring the rules for transporting farm equipment up to date," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "This legislation provides safe and clear rules for highway use in relation to farming operations."

The changes pertain to Sections 2, 117 and 181 of Chapter 293 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

One amendment concerns new definitions for farm equipment. Another sets a 40-km/h speed limit, when using a "slow-moving" vehicle sign, and would also apply to operators of backhoes and loaders.

The third amendment lifts the requirement for brakes on towed farm vehicles -- provided the operator displays a slow moving sign and follows the 40-km/h speed limit. However, 20km/h becomes the speed limit if the combination of farm vehicles cannot stop within 10 metres when travelling 20km/h. Farmers would no longer have to install brakes on towed vehicles that are not designed with them. The new speed restrictions would ensure safe operations.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture had asked the provincial government for a new legal framework that would allow farmers to operate their equipment efficiently and safely. Staff representatives from the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Department of Agriculture, and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations worked with the federation to develop the new legislation.