Legislation that would update the state law regarding multipurpose agriculture vehicles (MAV) heads to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk to sign into law.
The Senate approved the bill on June 9 and by the House of Representatives Monday.
Under current law, Pennsylvania farmers are permitted to use MAVs up to 62-inches wide on public roads. Newer MAVs measure 64-inches wide, and Senate Bill 995 would permit MAVs of up to 66-inches. MAVs must weigh 2,000 pounds or less in dry weight and be used exclusively for agriculture.
MAVs also are called “side by side” vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
The bill does not increase the distances that farmers can travel from their farms.
“That two-inch difference may not seem to be drastic, but by using these vehicles on roadways, our farmers are now finding themselves in violation of the vehicle code,” state Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie County) said. “This bill is part of our continuing efforts to help Pennsylvania farmers by updating state statutes to reflect changes in the agricultural industry.”
Senate Bill 995 amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. If Wolf signs the bill into law, it will go into effect in 60 days.