Ahead of this year’s Ploughing, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising that fast tractors being used in a public place at any time for transporting a load that is not related to on-farm agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming or fisheries operations are now subject to compulsory roadworthiness testing.

Tractors which can exceed a speed of 40km/hr will require testing. The RSA has said that the types of activities that would bring them within scope of compulsory testing would, for example, include carrying out plant hire, construction, haulage, road maintenance or quarrying activities either on a full- or part-time basis, etc.

The test is a maintenance and condition check, including a check of the items necessary to assure a minimum standard of roadworthiness of the vehicle, ie braking, lighting, steering and suspension systems.

Once the test is passed, tractor owners will receive a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), with a detachable disc that must be displayed on the vehicle’s windscreen.

Failure to have a valid CRW displayed on a tractor can result in fines and penalties if stopped by the gardaí.

The RSA is advising tractor drivers that once a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) is received they should:

1. Keep it safe and secure. If requested, show it to a member of An Garda Síochána for inspection.

2. Put the disc attached to your CRW on display on your vehicle’s windscreen or trailer. This disc must be on display at all times.

3. Maintain and check your vehicle so it is safe to use on public roads.

You must continue to:

  • Maintain and service the vehicle in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Carry out preventative maintenance checks on your vehicle(s) as needed (the regularity of these checks will depend on factors like mileage, wear and tear and manufacturer’s instructions).
  • Make sure that you and any other drivers do walk-around checks of vehicles before starting a journey and report any defects so that repairs can be done.
  • Testing fees

    The cost of the fees for the roadworthiness testing for fast tractors are the same as those for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs), with a similar Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW).

  • For fast tractors that have a DGVW between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, the cost is €146.52 (ex. VAT), with a retest fee of €47.26 (ex. VAT).
  • For fast tractors that have a DGVW exceeding 7,500kg, the cost is €171.16 (ex. VAT), with a retest fee of €59.08.
  • The RSA will be at the National Ploughing Championships at block two, row nine, stand 209, to answer any queries people may have.

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