Mid-County Newsletter MCnewsletter-fall14 | Page 6

Page 6 www . midcountycoop . com

Covered farm vehicles are now exempt from certain inspection requirements , but if a vehicle is found to be unsafe , the penalty for non-compliance is still in effect .

Unsafe vehicles may be pulled over by law enforcement personnel and required to have necessary updates made , or they may need to be towed .

As a result , a Department of Transportation ( DOT ) inspection is still recommended for many farm vehicles . DOT inspections offer peace of mind for vehicle safety , with checks on the following : Brake System Parking Brake Steering Mechanism Lighting Devices and Reflectors Tires Horn Windshield Wipers Rearview Mirrors Coupling Devices Wheels and Rims Emergency Equipment

As defined by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety ( DPS ), covered farm vehicles are single-unit or articulated commercial motor vehicles that :

• display a farm license plate or other designation ;

• are operated by a farmer , family member of the farmer , or employee of the farmer ;

• transport agricultural commodities , livestock , machinery , or supplies to or from a farm ;

• are not used in “ for-hire ” operations ;

• do not transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring the vehicle display placards ; and

• have a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less , and is operated within the US . If the weight is greater than 26,000 pounds , the vehicle must be operated wholly within its state of registry , or , when crossing lines , be within 150 miles of the farm . Mid-County Auto , Truck & Tire Center performs quality DOT inspections to make sure your vehicle meets all state and federal specifications . We assure your vehicle is safe for you and others on the road . Call us today at ( 952 ) 466-3710 to learn more .

Pick up a FREE key tag at Mid-County Auto Truck and Tire Center . With 5 oil changes , get the 6th one FREE with your Mid-County key tag punch card .

Lynn Zellmann

Preferred Customer

( 952 ) 466-3710

Buy 5 Oil Changes Get the sixth FREE Not valid with any other offers . Cars and light trucks only .

1 2 3 4 5 FREE