Lake Erie Regional Grape Program collaborated to bring a Department of Transportation program for the agricultural community on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory in Portland, NY. It was orchestrated for growers to learn from New York State Trooper Andrew Lawrence on Commercial and Farm Vehicle Awareness prior to the harvest season. Polling the attendees, the consensus was that it was a very successful program that was full of information that can be confusing to those trying to decipher the law for regulations and violations. Trooper Lawrence discussed many things which will be relayed below, but most importantly, he simulated a roadside inspection of an agricultural vehicle that hauls ag commodities. It was requested that this program occurs every other year. Trooper Lawrence graciously provided us with his slide deck presentation, and I am summarizing the points below. Click Here for the entire presentation.
Photo of a semi truck and trailer provided in Trooper Lawrence’s presentation
Trooper Luft from our 2023 presentation provided the following phone number for anyone to call and leave a message requesting information regarding DOT regulations: (585) 344-6247.
Trooper Lawrence had some interesting questions, and he sent the following information:
“There was a question regarding a “farm” tractor/trailer from Pennsylvania coming into New York during harvest… The guidance provided to him was in line with what I had told him during the presentation…. Pennsylvania issues a farm “sticker” to qualified vehicles considered “Covered Farm Vehicles” so these vehicles would be the equivalent of a NY plated farm vehicle (PA does not issue plates only the sticker). These PA trucks with a farm sticker are legally able to travel 50 miles from the farm (including coming into NY) using that sticker or designation. This also means that PA growers are also able to operate the truck/tractor in NY with their non-cdl class D license without any endorsements (PA does not require any like NY). These PA “farm” vehicles are also not required to possess that CFV-1 form I spoke about since it is a PA driver/vehicle. So, in short, Mr. Terrell was in compliance.
Additionally, I looked into those tubs that are now being utilized to haul the grapes. Everything is fine in terms of how they are permanently affixed to the flat-bed trailers. However, I would caution that it would appear these setups may be close to exceeding legal weight requirements, so additional NYS overweight permits would be a good idea to avoid any overweight violations. If anyone is interested in getting permits, they will need to go to https://www.oscar.ny.gov/OSCR/OSCRCarrierHome to apply for one.
Hopefully all of this information helps. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions.”
The DOT CDL Flowchart provided in Trooper Lawrence’s presentation.
Attendees listening to Trooper Lawrence’s mock inspection