Section 20: Other road users
Emergency services vehicles
In the course of their duty, Garda, fire brigade vehicles or ambulances and other emergency vehicles can be exempt from some of the road traffic law as long as this does not put other road users in danger. As a user of the road, if you hear or see a Garda or emergency vehicle approaching under emergency conditions using a siren or flashing lights, you should exercise caution, and give way if it is safe to do so. Never ‘tailgate’ an emergency service vehicle (see pages 171–172).
People using agricultural machinery Tractors
Tractors are governed by normal road traffic laws on driver licensing, insurance, motor tax and vehicle lighting.
All tractors used in a public place must be fitted with safety frames. The purpose of the frame is to protect the driver from being crushed underneath if the tractor overturns. The frame must comply with approved standards.
It is up to the owner or driver to fit a safety cab.
Tractor drivers must carefully transport loose material such as silage, slurry, sand or gravel, so that the material does not spill onto a public road and cause a crash. Loads of lime or other dusty materials, offal or other offensive material must be fully covered with a tarpaulin.
Farmers using agricultural tractors and trailers to haul agricultural produce must not:
- use exceptionally high frames on trailers which could endanger the stability,
steering and braking of an agricultural tractor and trailer combination; or exceed the maximum legally permissible combination weight or the design gross vehicle weight.