Under the Lighting of Vehicles Regulations, vehicle owners have clear responsibilities for how their vehicles are lit, and meeting these requirements is fundamental to keeping both you and other road users safe.

With so many demands on a farmer’s day, vehicle lighting checks can seem like one more task on a long list.

However, proper lighting is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of collisions on Irish roads.

Frequent movement between fields and public roads, and the demanding conditions tractors endure make it harder to keep lights clean, functional and compliant.

Tractors rely on three main types of lighting:

Standard road lights: for visibility, braking and signalling;
Flashing amber beacons: to warn others of a slow-moving hazard;
Work lamps: designed for working in fields.

Understanding the purpose of each and maintaining them properly helps ensure your tractor is seen clearly from every direction.

On farms, heavy build-up of debris and residue can quickly obscure vehicle lights, reducing visibility and increasing risk.

A regular walk-around before using public roads is recommended. Cleaning lenses with a cloth or sponge improves light output immediately.

Here are some precautions you could take to ensure the correct functioning of standard road lights:

Cracked or fogged lenses should be replaced as soon as possible, as they allow moisture in and quickly lead to failed bulbs;
A simple test of headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, and number-plate lighting only takes a minute, but can prevent a breakdown or a dangerous situation later;
Bulbs that flicker or appear dim are ready for replacement, and carrying spare bulbs and fuses in the cab is always worthwhile;
Wiring should be checked as too loose connections, damaged insulation, or dangling cables are all common issues, especially on older tractors.

Flashing beacons

Flashing beacons are an important safety device, as they alert road users that a tractor is ahead.

A flashing amber beacon is required on agricultural tractors and self-propelled agricultural machines.

The beacon colour must be amber, and it must be mounted where it can be clearly seen from all directions.

Clean lenses, correct positioning and ensuring the beacon is working are crucial for preventing rear-end collisions, which remain one of the most common crash types involving agricultural vehicles.

Work lamps

Work lamps (also referred to as ploughing lamps) are high-intensity lights that are designed to illuminate a field or yard, not a public road.

They are far brighter than standard headlights, and when left on as a tractor enters a public road, they create a serious hazard.

The glare can be blinding for oncoming traffic, particularly in dark, wet or foggy conditions, and can easily lead to a driver losing visibility of the road ahead.

Many farmers travel from fields directly onto a public road without noticing that the work lamps are still switched on.

While this may be a simple oversight, it can have potentially severe consequences.

Making it a habit to switch off all work lamps before joining a public road is a vital safety measure and ensures full compliance with Irish lighting regulations.

Before you head out, take a moment to check your lights, beacon, reflectors, and wiring.

Once you are on the public road, you are part of a shared environment where good vehicle lighting protects you and everyone around you, especially during low light conditions.