Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment in Indiana
During harvest season, tractors, combines and grain carts share two-lane roads with everyday traffic. Here is what the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual tell drivers about the slow-moving vehicle sign, passing safely and rural road hazards.
25 mphfarm equipment often travels no faster than this (IDHS)
5 secondsto close a football field gap at 55 mph behind a 15 mph tractor (IDHS)
100 feetdo not pass within this distance of an intersection, rail crossing, bridge or tunnel (IDHS)
Sep-Novharvest months when IDHS urges extra caution
The short answer
Watch for the red triangle on the back of slow equipment, slow down early, and do not tailgate. Pass only where passing is allowed and never within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge or tunnel. Before passing on the left, make sure the farmer is not about to turn left.
The slow-moving vehicle sign
IDHS says that by law, farm equipment must have the nationally designated slow-moving vehicle sign, a red triangle-shaped reflector, to warn oncoming drivers that the equipment is on the road. These vehicles often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph, and the most common types Hoosiers will encounter are combines and tractors pulling grain carts or wagons.
The Indiana BMV manual adds that slow-moving farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles drawn by animals may share roadways, and that you should be alert for the special emblem the driver must place on the rear of the slow-moving vehicle. A rider of a horse or horse-drawn vehicle has the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle driver on a public highway.
From IDHS Harvest Season Safety Tips and the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Approaching farm equipment
IDHS tips for sharing the road during harvest season (September, October and November):
Avoid distractions
Avoid texting and talking on the phone while driving. See our Indiana hands-free driving law guide.
Do not tailgate
Farm vehicles might have to make sudden stops along the road.
Watch curves and hills
Watch for wide vehicles, especially when approaching curves and hills in the road.
Be patient
Most farmers will pull over when they are able to let you pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
Plan ahead
Be aware of alternate routes and allow plenty of time. The IDHS fact sheet suggests leaving home 10 minutes early during harvest season.
Close slowly
It only takes five seconds at 55 mph to close a football-field gap on a tractor moving at 15 mph.
From IDHS Harvest Season Safety Tips and the IDHS Harvest Season Safety fact sheet, read November 3, 2026.
Passing farm equipment safely
Before you pass a tractor, combine or other slow-moving vehicle:
| Check | What IDHS says |
|---|---|
| Is passing allowed here? | Only pass where passing is allowed. Double yellow lines indicate an area where passing is not permitted. |
| Distance to hazards | Do not pass within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel. |
| Left turns | Do not pass on the left without making sure the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may look like the driver is pulling over when it is preparing to turn. |
| Hand signals | Look for hand signals before passing. Farm equipment often needs wide turns; a tractor veering right is not necessarily pulling over. |
| Width | Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway. Use caution when passing. |
From IDHS Harvest Season Safety Tips and fact sheet, read November 3, 2026.
Rural road hazards
The Indiana BMV manual says rural roads can be more hazardous than interstates or city streets:
Gravel
Stopping and turning are harder on loose gravel because traction is reduced. Slow down earlier to avoid skidding through a turn or stop.
Dirt and dust
Dust on dry dirt roads can reduce visibility. Use your low beam headlights to make yourself more visible.
Narrow bridges and roads
Use caution when approaching or passing other vehicles, watch for narrow bridge signs and be prepared to stop.
Hills and crests
Before the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right and watch for oncoming vehicles. Never pass approaching a hill or crest.
Tall crops
Crops such as corn can block your view of vehicles at intersections and on curvy roads.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Keep your vehicle ready for rural roads
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Farm equipment FAQ
What does the slow-moving vehicle sign look like?
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security describes it as a red triangle-shaped reflector. Its fact sheet tells drivers to look for a reflective red triangle on the back of any farm equipment on the road; the symbol indicates a slow-moving vehicle, one that travels under 25 mph.
Does farm equipment in Indiana have to display the sign?
Yes. IDHS says that by law, farm equipment must have the nationally designated slow-moving vehicle sign to warn oncoming drivers that the equipment is on the road. The Indiana BMV manual says the driver must place the special emblem on the rear of the slow-moving vehicle.
How fast does farm equipment go?
IDHS says these vehicles often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph, and its fact sheet says most farm equipment moves at speeds under 25 miles an hour.
When is it unsafe to pass a tractor or combine?
IDHS says not to pass within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel, and to pass only where passing is allowed. Do not pass on the left without making sure the vehicle is not planning a left turn.
How quickly do you catch up to a tractor?
The IDHS fact sheet says it only takes five seconds for a motorist driving 55 mph to close a gap the length of a football field when approaching a tractor moving at 15 mph.
Do horse-drawn buggies have the same rights on the road?
Yes. The Indiana BMV manual says a rider of a horse or horse-drawn vehicle has the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle driver on a public highway. Approach with caution and watch for hand signals.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Farm equipment and harvest guidance is from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and rural road guidance is from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, all read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Harvest Season Safety Tips, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, read November 3, 2026
- Harvest Season Safety fact sheet, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, read November 3, 2026
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (driving on rural roads, slow-moving vehicles), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026