Ask a Trooper

By Andy Schmidt | The Daily Journal

Published Friday, June 20, 2008

Question: Where is this law that says farmers do not have to license their tractors and trailers? They use the roads just like I do so why don't they have to pay taxes for that like me?

Answer: Minnesota statute 168.012 sb 2 states, "Implements of husbandry, as defined in section 168A.01, subdivision 8, and tractors used solely for agricultural purposes or tractors, together with trailers or wagons thereto attached, occasionally hauling agricultural products or necessary commodities used on the farm from said farm to and from the usual marketplace of the owner, tractors for drawing threshing machinery and implements of husbandry temporarily moved upon the highway, shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter."

And according to 168A.01 sb 8 (a) an implement of husbandry is defined as, "every vehicle, including a farm tractor and farm wagon, designed or adapted exclusively for agricultural, horticultural, or livestock raising operations or for lifting or carrying an implement of husbandry and in either case not subject to registration if used upon the highways. (b) A towed vehicle meeting the description in paragraph (a) is an implement of husbandry without regard to whether the vehicle is towed by an implement of husbandry or by a registered motor vehicle. (c) A self-propelled motor vehicle used in livestock raising operations is an implement of husbandry only if it is: (1) owned by or under the control of a farmer; (2) operated at speeds not exceeding 30 miles per hour; and (3) displaying the slow-moving vehicle emblem described in section 169.522

As for your second question, I suggest you take that up with your elected officials. I will however say that they (farmers) do pay taxes for road use just like you and me. They drive cars and pickups and basically pay taxes on them just like you and me.

It is the trucks and tractors (that are primarily used in the fields and only use the road to get to/from those fields) that get reduced or no road user taxation rates.

Here are some simple tasks to help you avoid being in a crash: Turn on your lights; drive sober; stop talking on the cell phone; slow down; and because not every driver out there is as careful as you, buckle up.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at, andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us.