Rothman Bill to Cut Red Tape for Farmers Passes Senate

HARRISBURG - Legislation introduced by Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) to cut red tape for hardworking farmers passed the Senate today with a vote of 49-1.

Senate Bill 203, companion legislation to House Bill 313 introduced by Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-Perry), eliminates outdated transportation rules for farmers, giving them greater flexibility to drive certain farm vehicles at night.

"Our farmers provide the sustenance we need to live, contribute significantly to our economy, and play important roles in our community, the least we can do is remove onerous restrictions from their path," Rothman said. "The needs of animals, crops, structures and equipment aren't limited to daylight hours, so it's critical that farm vehicles be readily available for agricultural use as needed."

Currently, state law prohibits certain farm vehicles from driving on Pennsylvania roadways between sunset and sunrise. While well intentioned, this broad prohibition fails to reflect how safe and road ready these vehicles are at all hours. Rothman's legislation would lift this restriction, giving farmers flexibility to operate their vehicles, ranging from small cars to larger trucks, when their work demands it.

"These types of farm vehicles already maintain the necessary equipment required by PennDOT to safely operate at night," Stambaugh said. "Removing the current prohibition against them being driven between sunset and sunrise, will assist our farmers in efficiently produce the food and fiber we all need."

Senate Bill 203 can now be considered by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

VIDEO: Sen. Rothman urges Senate colleagues to support Senate Bill 203.

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