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Wisconsin Safe  Operation of Tractor and Machinery Certification Program

Wisconsin Act 455

Wisconsin Act 455, Section 10 creates section 346.925 of the state statutes as follows:

"346.925 Operation of agricultural machinery by youthful operators (1) After April 30, 1996 no person may direct or permit a child under the age of 16 years to operate a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry on the highway unless the child has been certified as successfully completing a tractor and machinery operation safety training course that is equivalent to the requirements other than age, specified under 29 CFR part 570.70 to 570.72. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to operation of a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry on the highway on a course that is perpendicular to the direction of the highway."
 

Who will need this certification program?

The new law also states "Any person violating s.346.925 or 346.94(8) or (8m) may be required to forfeit not to exceed $20.00 for the first offense or not to exceed $50 for each subsequent offense.

This program is designed to meet both state and federal requirements. The program is open to any youth:

  • under the age of 16 who will be operating tractors or self-propelled implements of husbandry on a public road under direction of their parent or guardian for work related to their family farm operation
    or
  • ages 14 -15 who will be employed or working without pay on a farm other than their family farm and completes the requirements for a federal certificate of training.

To successfully complete and receive a certificate of training

In order for a youth to successfully complete the program and receive the Wisconsin Safe Operation of Tractor and Machinery Certificate of Training he or she must:
  • attend 24-hours of instructional training;
  • pass a written exam with a score of 70% or greater; and
  • pass a driving exam, which demonstrates tractor driving ability in a 2-wheel course with a trailed implement.