Parts and characteristics of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors

This Directive defines the legal framework intended to ensure compliance with safety rules in the design and construction of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors. It thus contributes to the free circulation of this category of products in the internal market.

ACT

Directive 2009/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on certain parts and characteristics of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors (codified version) (Text with EEA relevance).

SUMMARY

This Directive lays down technical prescriptions concerning the design and construction of agricultural or forestry tractors. These prescriptions concern:

• the maximum permissible laden mass;
• the location and fitting of the rear registration plates;
• fuel tanks;
• ballast weights;
• audible warning devices;
• permissible sound levels;
• exhaust systems (silencers).

Definition

A tractor (agricultural or forestry) is specially designed to tow, push, carry or power certain tools, machinery or trailers intended for agricultural or forestry use. The term includes any motor vehicle fitted with wheels or endless tracks and having at least two axles.

A tractor may be equipped to carry a load and passengers.

This Directive shall apply to tractors which are equipped with pneumatic tyres and have a maximum design speed of between 6 and 40 km/h.

Granting of EC type-approval

Member States shall grant EC type-approval (which certifies that a type of vehicle, system or equipment satisfies the technical prescriptions required for its entry into service) or national type-approval if tractors satisfy all of the above prescriptions. Failing this, Member States may consider the certificates provided as not valid and may refuse the registration, sale or entry into service of the vehicle.

This Directive repeals Directive 74/151/EC.

Last updated: 01.02.2010