Registered Farm Vehicles (F-tag)
For what purposes can I use a registered farm vehicle?
Vehicles that are registered for farming purposes can be used to transport:- agricultural products to market or to other points for sale or processing;
- materials, tools, equipment, or supplies that will be used or consumed on the farm;
- anything incidental to the routine operation of the farm;
- farm produce, supplies, equipment, or materials to another farm through a mutual agreement with the owner of the other farm;
- forest products to the farm including forest materials originating on a farm or related to the regular operation of the farm;
- forest products which originate on the farm.
When I register my vehicle as a farm vehicle, will I be asked for information about my farm?
Yes. You will be asked to provide:- location and acreage of the farm or farms;
- type of commodity farmed and the approximate amounts produced annually;
- a signed statement that the vehicle will be used only for authorized purposes.
What are the requirements for registering a vehicle as a farm vehicle?
To register a vehicle as a farm vehicle, the vehicle must have a gross weight of 7,500 pounds or more (Va. Code § 46.2-698). Farm vehicles must also meet titling and insurance requirements.How much does a farm vehicle registration cost?
To register a vehicle for farming purposes you will pay one-half the registration fee paid for a private vehicle; however, your registration fee will be at least $15.00. (Va. Code § 46.2-698)Who may use farm vehicle plates?
Farm vehicle license plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles may be used on a vehicle used for farming purposes by anyone who owns, rents, or operates a farm of a size that reasonably requires the use of such a vehicle to transport agricultural products.Can a farm vehicle using F-tags be used for anything other than farming?
Yes; however, non-farm use is limited to the personal use of the owner and his immediate family to attend church or school, to secure medical treatment or supplies, or to secure other household or family necessities.Are there penalties for knowingly registering a vehicle as a farm vehicle when it will not be used for farming purposes?
Yes. Knowingly making a false statement on a registration application is a Class 6 felony. (Va. Code § 46.2-605)Is there a penalty for operating a farm vehicle for non-farm purposes on a Virginia highway?
Yes. Operating a vehicle bearing an F-tag for non-farm use on a Virginia highway is a Class 2 misde- meanor. (Va. Code § 46.2-698(F))Does a farm vehicle have to be titled?
Yes. Every motor vehicle operated on a highway must be titled, even those exempt from registration. (Va. Code § 46.2-600)What are the insurance requirements for farm vehicles licensed with an F-tag?
When you register the vehicle, you must certify that it is insured or you must pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee at the time of registration.(Va. Code § 46.2-706)When do I need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a registered farm vehicle?
A CDL is required if your farm vehicle is operated 150 miles or more from your Virginia-based farm and meets the following definition of a commercial vehicle.- has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more; or
- is a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle(s) being towed has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds; or
- can carry 16 or more passengers including the driver; or
- requires hazardous material placards; or
- the vehicle is used in the operation of a contract or common carrier; or
- used in another state. (Additional licensing requirements may be required for out- of-state operation.)(Va. Code § 46.2-341.4)
Based on federal and state law, these vehicles require a pre-trip inspection. For additional information refer to the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual.
