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The warning was issued after a teenager in Buncrana, Donegal was pulled over by Gardai driving a high-powered tractor with trail conditioner mower.
It is understood he was on a learner permit and the vehicle was not legally on the road.
The Garda Twitter account tweeted photos of the tractor accompanied by the message: "Appeal to all farmers Please be responsible -Work Safely. Would you let a 16 year old drive this on public road.Bsafe".
Appeal to all farmers Please be responsible -Work Safely. Would you let a 16 year old drive this on public road.Bsafe pic.twitter.com/U22wSy7MHG
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) June 2, 2014One Twitter user asked asked the Garda Twitter account about the legalities of the situation:
@GardaTraffic I thought you could drive a tractor legally at 16? I did when I was that age.
— Tommy McAuliffe (@McAuliffeTom1) June 2, 2014The Garda Twitter account responded:
@McAuliffeTom1 Yes, but the tractor must be legally on a public road and if permit holder can only carry passenger who is qualified
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) June 2, 2014The minimum age limit to drive work vehicles with or without a trailer, such as a land tractor or JCB, is 16 years. Also, you cannot take a driving test for at least 6 months after getting your first learner permit.
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