Agricultural tractors
Tractor categories, N-plates, driver licensing, training and technical details.
This content is for general information only. It does not, and is not intended to, provide legal or technical advice or to represent a legal interpretation of the matters it addresses.
Frequently asked questions
Category T comprises all wheeled tractors; each wheeled tractor category is supplemented at the end of an ‘a’ or ‘b’ index according to its design speed:
‘a’ for wheeled tractors with a maximum design speed below or equal to 40 km/h.
‘b’ for wheeled tractors with a maximum design speed above 40 km/h.
For further information on tractor categories refer to EU Regulation 167/2013
| Tractor Category | Definition of Category |
| T1 | Wheeled tractors with the closest axle to the driver having a minimum track width of not less than 1,150 mm, with an unladen mass in running order of more than 600 kg and with a ground clearance of not more than 1,000 mm |
| T2 | Wheeled tractors with a minimum track width of less than 1,150 mm, with an unladen mass in running order of more than 600 kg; with a ground clearance of not more than 600mm; if the height of the centre of gravity of the tractor measured in relation to the ground divided by the average minimum track for each axle exceeds 0.90, the maximum design speed shall be restricted to 30 km/h. |
| T3 | Wheeled tractors with unladen mass in running order of not more than 600 kg |
| T4 | Special purpose wheeled tractors with a maximum design speed of not more than 40 km/h |
| T4.1 | High clearance tractors |
| T4.2 | Extra-wide tractors |
| T4.3 | Low clearance tractors |
It is defined as:
- having at least two axles;
- having a design speed of 6 km/h or more as specified by the manufacturer;
- may be equipped with one or more passenger seats;
- designed specially to draw and work with other equipment attachments and is used for agricultural, fisheries, forestry or horticultural work.
Yes. Tractors are required to have number plates to the front and rear. For further information you will need to contact Revenue.
The type-approval of agricultural or forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed machinery together with their systems, components and separate technical units falls under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
No, unless they are being used for commercial purposes. See link to CVRT for fast tractor testing details.
No. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy at all times. See HSA ‘Essential Tractor Safety Checks’ leaflet for more information.
You will need to contact Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine regarding information on type-approval.
You will need to contact Revenue to enquire what documentation they require to register an imported tractor in Ireland.
No. However under the Roads Act 1993 it is an offence to place or deposit ‘dung or urine from an animal owned by him or any material or thing which falls from a vehicle owned or used by him’. For further information contact your local authority.
Yes. All tractors and self-propelled machines are required to be fitted with a flashing amber beacon and have it switched on when in use.
See our factsheet on Weights and Dimensions.
If you use an agricultural tractor on a public road it must be licensed, taxed and insured. Contact your Local authority who have responsibility for hedge cutting and road maintenance.
We would advise that forks or other front mounted handling attachments should be faced down as it is considered a dangerous projection causing risks of injury to other road users. For further guidance on safe use of tractors and machinery on the farm see the HSA website.