The requirements relating to any projection front or rearwards from your tractor, such as mounted ploughs or harrows, all depend on the distance measured from the tractor to the end of the projection.

The definitions of marker boards and lighting need some explaining.

Marker boards are the same as used in the haulage industry to mark overhanging loads.

They must be positioned with the side marker board somewhere in the centre of the projection visible from both sides, and the end marker board at the end of the projection visible from the rear or front, as the case may be.

During daylight hours, the only requirement is that they shall be kept clean and clearly visible at all times, but during the hours of darkness and in reduced visibility they must be illuminated.

This can be achieved by fitting registration plate lamps to each of the boards and plugged into the vehicle by a caravan-type socket.

Any projection either forwards or to the rear from the vehicle must be fitted with extra lights if the obligatory lights on the vehicle are covered by the projection, or the projection extends 2m or more from the vehicle’s lights.

It is important to be aware that the position of obligatory lamps have a maximum height as laid down in legislation, which means it is not possible in the majority of cases for obligatory lamps to be fitted to the top of the tractor cab because they would be too high.

It appears to be a common practice for the drivers of tractors when travelling along the road at night to have their rear working lamps switched on and pointed down to illuminate the plough or piece of equipment which is being carried.

This is totally illegal because they are displaying a white light to the rear during the hours of darkness, which could well dazzle other traffic on the road.