New York Bill Makes Transport of Ag Vehicles Easier

A bill has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that saves farmers money and makes it easier for farm vehicles to travel on roadways.

Previously, agriculture plated vehicles could travel on public highways only to landfills, motor vehicle repair shops or between portions of a farm or farms.

Now, under the bill crafted by state Sen. Patricia Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie and chair of the state Senate Agriculture Committee, vehicles registered for agricultural purposes will be permitted to travel on public highways from their point of sale to a farm.

“Before now, farm vehicles needed to be transported by trailer from their point of sale to the farm, adding to the cost of the vehicle and placing an unnecessary burden on farmers,” said Ritchie.  

“By removing this inconsistency in the law, we will save farmers from extra costs and make it easier for them to transport the vehicles that are essential to their operations.”

The bipartisan measure was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, D-Forestburgh.

New Law Cuts in Half Fee for Registering Agricultural Trailers

From state Sen. Patricia Ritchie:

A bill has been signed into law that will save farmers money by cutting fees to register trailers used for transporting produce, livestock and other items. 

The bill written and sponsored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther will cut the trailer fees in half. Now, trucks used for farming activities can be registered for a lesser fee than those used for other purposes but there is no reduced fee for agricultural trailers.  

Under the measure (S. 4241-B), trailers used for farming purposes will be charged a smaller fee, bringing the cost in line with trucks used for agriculture. 

“Farming isn’t just a land intensive businesses, it’s a transportation intensive business, with agribusiness professionals logging countless miles annually to move produce, livestock, supplies and other goods,” said Ritchie.

“By lowering the registration fee for agricultural trailers, we are cutting costs for farmers, which in turn, will allow them to further expand their businesses and support the continued growth of New York’s leading industry.”

“Agriculture contributes over $37 billion to New York’s economy," said Gunther. "While this measure may seem small, it will result in more money being invested into farming and will stimulate other areas of the economy as well.”

Currently, the fee to register a trailer is $5.39 per 500 pounds.  Under the new law, the registration fee for agricultural trailers will be reduced to $2.50 per 500 pounds.