On December 12, representatives from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Delaware State Police (DSP) participated in a panel discussion at the Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) Convention. The topic was trucking and traffic safety in agriculture. Panelists included Mark Luszcz from DelDOT, Keith Lamey from DSP, and Jacob Carey from DMV.
Farmers from across the state attended to gain clarification on laws and regulations related to trucking and traffic safety.
Signage During Harvest Season
Farmers asked about using rotating road signage to share safety messages during harvest season. Luszcz explained that harvest season coincides with a heavy special event time, so temporary signs are already widely used. However, if there are specific “hot spots,” farmers should notify DelDOT so they can consider adding signage.
Farmers also raised concerns about road signs being placed parallel to each other on two-lane roads. Luszcz noted that while some locations make staggering unavoidable, DelDOT staff are instructed to stagger signs whenever possible. If you notice an issue, report it by dialing #77, using the DelDOT app, or visiting the DelDOT website and selecting “Report an Issue.”
Farm Vehicle Versus Farm Truck Tags
Carey explained the key difference between Farm Vehicle (FV) and Farm Truck (FT) tags: FV tags do not require inspection, while FT tags do.
Attendees asked about the 20-mile radius for FV tags. Carey clarified that vehicles with FV tags may operate on roads and highways within 20 miles of a farm owned or managed by the vehicle’s owner.
He also emphasized that dyed diesel fuel is for off-road use only with no exceptions, even with FV or FT tags.
DSP added that MAP-21 legislation created farm trailer tags and exemptions. However, if your trailer does not have a farm trailer tag, you lose those exemptions, even if the truck pulling it has a farm tag.
Common Violations with DSP
Lamey from DSP shared that their most frequents violations are with flat tires. He noted that a flat tire is defined at 50% of required air pressure. He has seen this violation quickly damage people’s safety ratings. He recommended frequently checking tire pressure.
He also shared that some other common violations are unsecured loads and non-functioning lights. For more information on proper load securement, visit fcsa.com.
Roundabouts
Farmers expressed concerns about roundabouts being too small for farm machinery. Luszcz explained that roundabouts are increasing because they have been proven to reduce crashes by 70-80%.
He noted that all new roundabouts are designed using a farmer-tested model, and DelDOT tries to involve local consultants in projects. However, they may not know if a road is used for farm-to-farm travel unless notified. DelDOT also has no control over developer-built roundabouts.
Farmers are encouraged to check DelDOT’s website for upcoming projects. It’s easier to address concerns during the design stage than after construction begins.
Road Widths
DelDOT acknowledged concerns about narrow roads but explained the challenge that wider roads often lead to higher speeds, and adding shoulders is extremely costly. He gave an example that adding shoulders to all two-lane roads in Sussex County would take 40–50 years and cost about $16 billion, without inflation.
CDLs and Truck Weights
If hauling over 10,000 GVW, a DOT number is recommended. Truck weights for FV and FT vehicles are based on the manufacturer’s door tag GVW; you cannot register a vehicle or trailer above this limit.
DSP suggested that farmers consider the Non-CDL license. To qualify for a Non-CDL, applicants must be over 18 years old, have at least one year of driving experience, and hold a valid driver’s license. In addition, they are required to pass a general knowledge test and a road test. Lamey explained that this option is both easier and less expensive than a CDL.
