Bill > S1499

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a new rule within two years to improve how easily agricultural equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, can be seen on public roads, both during the day and at night. This rule will set minimum standards for lighting and markings on this equipment, specifically for machinery manufactured at least one year after the rule takes effect. The standards will be based on guidelines from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), particularly ASABE Standard 279, which addresses lighting and marking for agricultural equipment on highways. The Secretary must also review and update these standards at least every five years to keep pace with any revisions to the ASABE standard. Importantly, the rule will not require older equipment manufactured before the new standards become enforceable to be retrofitted, nor will it prevent the use of agricultural equipment that has additional safety features beyond the minimum requirements.