HARRISBURG – Senator Camera Bartolotta’s (R-46) bill to allow farmers to use a Class A, B or C driver’s license when operating farm vehicles with a combined weight of more than 26,000 pounds on roadways was signed into law today.
“This new law will more effectively facilitate the transport phase of farming, which has been disrupted because of confusion about how to interpret a law passed years ago. Disruptions can translate to supply issues, leaving Pennsylvanians with limited access to fresh produce, dairy and meat – which is why my bill was so critical,” Sen. Bartolotta said.
A Class A driver’s license is a graduated license above the common Class C license and requires an additional road test and fee.
Act 170 of 2014 clarified that farmers did not need a CDL when operating farm trucks, or farm trucks hauling trailers, with a combined weight of more than 26,000 pounds. However, it was unclear as to whether a farmer could use a Class C or Class A driver’s license when operating those vehicles.
Even though Act 170 was supposed to reduce burdens on farmers, the Pennsylvania State Police has been requiring farmers to have a non-commercial Class A driver’s license with weights that exceed 26,000 pounds.
Senate Bill 725, now Act 90 of 2021, is effective immediately.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer, 717-787-1463