Farm Safety Association, Inc.
What
is a slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign?
A
slow moving vehicle sign is a reflective orange triangle bordered
with red that warns other road users that the vehicle displaying
the sign is traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic.
New usage of the SMV sign.
Prior
to December 1996, only farm tractors and self propelled farm
machines had to use the SMV sign. As of December 1, 1996,
all vehicles that can not keep up a speed of more than 40 km/h,
for example, horse-drawn carriages and road construction equipment,
must display the SMV sign. If a slow moving vehicle is pulling
another behind it then the SMV sign must hang on the rearmost
vehicle of any combination of vehicles. It must be centered
between 2 meters and 0.5 meters above the roadway.
Bicycles,
mopeds and disabled vehicles being towed do not have to display
the sign. Horse-drawn vehicles driven by people whose religious
beliefs do not permit them to use the sign are also exempt.
However, the back of the carriage must be outlined with reflective
tape that is visible from at least 150 meters
The vehicle
is slow moving, not the mailbox!
The
SMV sign is for vehicles only. The use of a slow moving vehicle
sign on a fixed object such as a roadside mailbox or as a driveway
marker, is prohibited if it can be seen from the road. Slow
moving vehicle signs attached to mailboxes or posts must be
removed. Use reflectors or reflective tape instead. Municipalities
can still post caution signs to warn motorists that slow moving
vehicles often travel on their roads.
It's the law!
The
revised rules for the use of the SMV sign came into effect in
Ontario on December 1, 1996. You may be fined for not
using the sign or for misusing it.
What
if you see a slow moving vehicle?
It
can be hazardous to suddenly come upon a slow moving vehicle
on the road. If it is a horse-drawn carriage, the horse may
be startled when a motor vehicle approaches and passes. Some
vehicles are longer and wider and turn at places that are not
well marked such as field entrances. The orange and red triangle
is a signal to all drivers to slow down and be cautious. When
you see it, reduce your speed and stay well back. Only pass
when it is safe to do so.
Where
do you get a slow moving vehicle sign?
These
signs are available at may retail outlets including hardware
stores and farm co-ops. You can also purchase reflectors and
other reflective materials at these stores.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
For
more information, please contact:
Ministry
of Transportation - MTO INFO
1-800-268-4686
Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1-888-466-2372
45K
p.r. 96.11
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Safety Association Home Page
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