Do You Need A Permit for that? Moving Farm Equipment on Highways
When moving agricultural equipment on a highway, you will need to know the type of equipment covered, as well as situations requiring a permit. You will also need to know the restrictions, when escort vehicles are required and designated highways. There may be times when you do not require a permit to haul farm machinery. This depends on the type of equipment being moved, the time of day and the highway you’re using.
The following are considered farm equipment:
- Tractors
- Combines
- Tilling equipment
- Seeders
- Sprayers
- Manure spreaders
This definition does not include items used for shelter/storage of agricultural products, such as:
-Livestock shelters
-Grain bins
-Hopper bottoms or cones
Permit Required
- When farm equipment is being towed or is self-propelled:
- on a designated highway and protrudes into the oncoming lane for a two lane highway;
- on a highway and protrudes into the passing lane for a four lane highway; or
- at night (between sunset and sunrise) on a non-designated highway.
- When farm equipment is loaded on a vehicle or dollies and travels on any provincial highway (exceeding 2.6 m or 8.6 ft wide).
- Single trip permits are available if machinery exceeds the maximum size limits up to an unlimited amount. If over 7.3 m in width, route approval is required. If over 5.18 m in height, permits are subject to clearance of vertical structures and utilities (ex. power lines).
- If the machinery is partially loaded on a dolly, and is also running on its own wheels, it is considered towed farm equipment, and follows the permit guidelines for towed farm equipment.
For a permit, contact the SGI Permit Office at 306-775-6969
When No Permit is Required
- Farm equipment that is being transported on a municipal road and does not travel on a provincial highway.
- Equipment that is towed behind a vehicle or that is self-propelled on a non-designated provincial highway when travelling during daylight hours.
- Over-dimension signs and flashing beacons are recommended but not mandatory.
Restrictions
Loaded farm equipment cannot be hauled on Fridays, Sundays and statutory holidays including:
- After 3 p.m. on Fridays (starting the Friday before Victoria Day and ending Labour Day).
- After noon on Sundays, Public Holidays, December 24, 27, and 31.
- After 3 p.m. on the day before a public holiday. If a holiday falls on a Monday, normal Sunday restrictions apply.
- After 3 p.m. on Fridays, when a public holiday falls on the following Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
Escort Vehicles
- Regulation escort vehicles are required:
- When equipment is loaded and exceeds dimensions (refer to the fact sheet below).
- When travelling from dealership to dealership.
- When travelling from dealership to auction.
- Farm escort vehicles are required:
- When travelling from dealership to farm.
- When travelling only on municipal roads.
- Most lanes on provincial highways are between 3.5 m and 3.7 m wide. If the equipment is wider, you may need an escort or permit.
- If the equipment is loaded, it is not allowed to travel on the shoulder unless the equipment is towed, it is allowed to travel on the shoulder.
Designated Highway
Highway | Description |
1 | All |
2 | Assiniboia to Chamberlain and Jct. Hwy 11 to Jct. Hwy 264 |
3 | Tisdale to Jct. Hwy 404 |
4 | Jct. Hwy 379 to Jct. Hwy 342 and North Battleford to Jct. Hwy 26 |
5 | Watson to Saskatoon |
6 | Corinne to Melfort |
7 | All |
9 | Jct. Hwy 13 to Jct. 48 and Yorkton to Canora |
10 | All |
11 | All |
14 | Saskatoon to Biggar |
16 | All |
18 | Jct. Hwy 9 to Jct. Hwy 39 |
21 | Kindersley to Kerrobert |
22 | Esterhazy to Jct. Hwy 9 |
33 | 10 km southeast of Regina to Regina |
35 | Tisdale to Nipawin |
39 | U.S. Border to Corinne |
41 | Jct. Hwy 5 to Jct. Hwy 27 |
46 | All |
55 | Prince Albert to Jct. Hwy 120 |