Specialized Equipment on Public Streets
Safety Information Sheet
1.
Prior to using unregistered specialized equipment on public streets it is recommended that
the district contact the local traffic enforcement agency for any local restrictions.
a. Specialized equipment is to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles if
the local traffic enforcement agency prohibits unregistered vehicles on public streets.
2.
Specialized equipment is subject to all the traffic laws applicable to a motor vehicle, and
the driver of specialized equipment is subject to all laws applicable to the driver of a
motor vehicle, including a valid driver’s license.
3.
Specialized equipment includes riding lawn mowers, fork lift trucks, front loaders, back
hoes, and any other tractor used by school personnel.
a. These types of equipment do not meet the definition of implements of husbandry in
the California Vehicle Code (CVC)
1) Implements of Husbandry: a vehicle which is used exclusively in the conduct of
agricultural operations.
2) Agricultural: pertaining to farming, husbandry, tilling, or the culture of the earth
(Webster’s Dictionary)
4.
Certain types of specialized equipment are exempt from vehicle registration (CVC
Sections 4010, 4012, 4013).
5.
Only registered vehicles are allowed on public streets (CVC Section 4000).
a. Exception: California law grants certain exceptions to vehicles that are unregistered,
and travel at low speeds, to operate on public streets. These exemptions are usually
governed by the local authority. Distances vary from ¼ mile to one (1) mile.
6.
If the specialized equipment is designed to be and is operated at a speed of 25 miles per
hour or less, it is to display a “slow-moving vehicle emblem,”
a. Such emblem shall consist of a truncated equilateral triangle having a minimum
height of 14 inches with a red reflective border not less than 1-¾inches in width and a
fluorescent orange center (CVC Section 24615).
Approved 12/13/2011
Specialized Equipment on Public Streets
Safety Information Sheet
7.
Page 2
All specialized equipment driven on public streets should be equipped with a minimum
of headlights, tail lights, brake lights, rear reflector emblem, and a horn.
a. If the equipment is greater than 100 inches wide:
1) During light hours, a solid red or fluorescent orange flag or cloth not less than
12 inches square is to be displayed on the left side,
2) During dark hours, an amber light visible from 500 feet is to be displayed on the
left side
8.
All specialized equipment should have the district logo prominently displayed.
9.
No person is to operate any vehicle after notice by a peace officer that the vehicle is in an
unsafe condition or is not equipped as required by the CVC, except as may be necessary
to return the vehicle to the place of business of the owner or to a garage, until the vehicle
and its equipment have been made to conform with the requirements of the CVC.
10.
While on public streets with specialized equipment it is recommended that drivers
attempt to avoid interaction with traffic as much as possible.
a. Whenever possible allow traffic to pass and avoid traffic back up,
b. Always give pedestrians the right of way,
c. Plan the time of day to use the public roads to avoid heavy traffic hours,
d. Whenever possible stay off of heavily traveled streets, use side streets when possible.
11.
Air Resources Board (ARB) Requirements (www.arb.ca.gov/ordiesel)
a. Applies to all self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles over 25 horsepower,
b. Vehicles must be reported to the ARB,
c. An ARB Equipment Identification Number (EIN) is to be obtained and attached to
the vehicle,
d. Idling is limited to five (5) minutes,
e. Seller must provide disclosure of the regulation
f. No vehicle manufactured prior to 1996 may be added to the district fleet.
12.
A person may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears except plugs or
molds designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer’s ability to hear a siren or horn
from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.