Travelling with a tractor mounted fore-end loader or telescopic materials handler on the public highway: general guidance for safe operation

When travelling on the public highway, the forks (or other front-mounted handling attachment) should be:

If this advice is not followed, the attachment may be regarded as a dangerous projection, other road users may be deemed to be at risk, and the driver may be prosecuted for dangerous driving.  Keep the centre of gravity of the loader as low as possible to improve stability. Positioning the loader in the lowered position will also improve visibility and aid driver observation from the cab.  Driving, waiting to pull out from a gateway or field or manoeuvring with the loader raised and projecting beyond the machine could create a risk to other road users such as lorry drivers. 

Do not travel on the public highway with the machine attachment carrying a load, as this may contravene road traffic legislation.  Do not lift or lower the loader and turn at the same time as this can induce instability, particularly if carried out at speed.

Before driving on the public highway, you should also check the following:

The risks arising from machines turning out of fields or yards onto the public highway can be reduced by implementing suitable control measures.  For example:

For more information in relation to driving machines on the public highway contact VOSA or the police.

2021-07-19