encounter any problems at the local county courthouse, having a copy of each of these manuals at your disposal will help guide the public official (most likely a county treasurer) through the process. It is not surprising that this issue is confusing to county officials, so please be patient when encountering a prob- lem. Encouraging them to engage with DMV employees at the State level will be very helpful to you, your customer and the county official.
Often, I am asked if brakes and turn signals are required on these types of trailers. I turned to the Nebras- ka State Patrol with this question and received a very simple answer. “If the farm plated trailer is licensed in Nebraska and pulled by a Nebraska farm plated power unit with a registered weight of 16 tons or less, then we would enforce Nebraska State Statute 60-6,246 (brake requirements) and 60-6,226 (lighting requirements) for this trailer.” Nebraska State Statute 60-6,246 states that trailers with a carrying capac- ity of more than 10,000 pounds and semitrailers must be equipped with brakes. In addition, 60-6,226 requires that trailers be equipped with brake and turn signal lights in good working order. If this trailer is being towed by a farm plated power unit with a registered weight of more than 16 tons or a commercial plated vehicle, then we would enforce the requirements found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regula- tions (FMCSRs). Part 9393.42(b)(3) states that trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less (which are subject to this part) are not required to be equipped with brakes if the sum of the axle weights of the towed vehicle does not exceed 40 percent of the sum of the axle weights of the towing vehicle. All other trailers must have brakes. In addition to this, part 393.11 (lamps and reflective devices) of the FMCSRs require that trailers have the appropriate lighting (brakes, turn signals, tail lamps, and etc.) to ensure safe operation.
As you can see, the regulations take a decided step up when towing a trailer with commercial plates or a farm plated vehicle of 16 tons or more. That’s why I suggest your farming customers plate their trailers and farm trailers. Your dealership does not have this option. Any trailer you use will be plated commercially and will fall under FMCSRs.
As always, if you encounter issues with other retailers not following proper procedures or misinforming your customer, please bring it to my attention. I may be able to help. Don’t hesitate to call if you encounter any problems or a customer encounters issues while attempting to register or license a trailer. I can put you in touch with the correct authorities in Lincoln to remedy the problem.
nebraska SALES TAX spotlight
Q: A:
Does a farm equipment dealer need to obtain an overwidth trucking permit when hauling or towing farm equipment in the state in the normal course of business operations?
No, you do not. Nebraska State Statute 60-6,288 outlines a blanket exemption that applies to farm equipment dealers. The only restriction is that you cannot operate on the Interstate highway system and you must not impede traffic.
(2) No vehicle which exceeds a total outside width of one hundred two inches, including any load but excluding designated safety devices, shall be permitted on any highway which is not a portion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, except that such prohibition shall not apply to:
(a) Farm equipment in temporary movement, during daylight hours or during hours of darkness when the clearance light requirements of section 60-6,235 are fully complied with, in the normal course of farm operations…
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