It is illegal to operate a tractor on public roads without a valid driver’s license, unless the activity is authorized as farming use.
.... that must be a WI thing
That was interesting as I have lived in two highly agricutural states (KS & OK) and neither has a licensing requirement or a stipulation about "farming use". Just guessing here but it seems the WI legislature had to write a law to stop the squareheads with DUIs from using tractors as alternative bar-hopping transportation in the WI hinterlands.
Nope. Michigan also. Exceptions are made for under age driving farm vehicles but they have to be directly connected to a farming activity.
You have to have a valid license to operate a motorized vehicle on public roadways. Period.
Really, down in Mississippi, I used to take the tractor down to the store to get a coke and some candy at age 12 or 13.
California has a similar exception. If someone engaged in farming operates an "instrument of husbandry" it is legal to be on the roads even if the drivers license is suspended. I think a lot of states have a similar exception in their vehicle codes. I realize in the case in Wisconsin that the moron was not engaged in farming at the time he was driving the tractor. I'll leave the opinion as to whether or not he will be prosecuted to the experts.
Tractors and other farm equipment are common sights on most Wisconsin two-lane roads. Outside the cities of course.