VTL 385-1(b) – Overwidth Farm Equipment (Up to 12 Feet)

Vehicle and Traffic Law (“VTL”) § 385(1)(b) creates a limited exception to New York’s general overwidth vehicle rule, which prohibits any vehicle wider than 8 feet 6 inches from traveling on public highways. Under this exception, farm vehicles and implements used solely for farm purposes may travel up to 12 feet wide — provided they operate during daylight hours and on highways where the Department of Transportation has not issued a specific prohibition. You are most likely to receive this ticket if an officer observed your tractor, combine, or other agricultural equipment operating after dark, on a restricted highway, or if your equipment exceeded the 12-foot cap; equipment exceeding that threshold falls under the 12-to-17-foot farm equipment violation instead. A 12-foot implement can span the full width of a single travel lane — standard lane widths in New York range from 10 to 12 feet on rural roads — which explains why the statute draws the exemption limit there. This violation carries no license points. If you received it alongside other tickets, the Benjamin Goldman Law Office will typically address it at no additional charge; consultations are free.

Penalties for VTL 385-1(b) Overwidth Farm Vehicle

Statute

The relevant section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law states:

§ 385. Dimensions and weights of vehicles.

1. (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to vehicles and implements or combinations thereof, not over twelve feet in width and used solely for farm purposes, except upon any highway at any time on which operation is prohibited by order of the department of transportation.

What This Means for Drivers: Farm vehicles and implements (like tractors, hay loaders, and combines) are allowed to be up to 12 feet wide on most roads, provided they are used solely for farm purposes. However, this exemption does not apply at night (sunset to sunrise) or on highways where the DOT has specifically prohibited them.

Defense against VTL § 385(1)(b) Tickets

Defending these tickets often involves proving the nature of the vehicle and the time of operation.

Common defense angles include:

• Vehicle Classification: Demonstrating that the equipment is indeed an implement of husbandry used solely for farm purposes.
• Measurement Disputes: Challenging the officer's measurement if the vehicle was actually under the 12-foot limit allowed by paragraph (b).
• Time of Day: Proving operation occurred during daylight hours if the ticket was issued based on time restrictions.
• Route Permissions: Verifying that the specific road did not have a DOT order prohibiting such vehicles.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office understands the importance of agriculture to the New York economy. We help farmers and equipment operators defend their licenses and avoid unnecessary fines. Contact us for a free consultation. Although this violation on its own does not have points, you may have received other traffic tickets at the same traffic stop, which are worth addressing or fighting.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has been in operation since 2011. Since we have been in operation, our firm has helped hundreds of thousands clients with all kinds of traffic-related charges. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office represents motorists in every part of New York State. Attorneys at our firm fight hard for each client, not resting until we are assured that we have obtained the most optimal disposition that is available under the circumstances. Our efforts are reflected in the many five-star reviews our firm has received.

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