The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has announced that it recently stopped and seized a tractor travelling at night without rear lights in Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
NI Road Policing and Safety said in a Facebook post that at the weekend, Maydown Road Policing Interceptors stopped a tractor in the Moorfields Road area of Ballymena, Co. Antrim, travelling in the dark with no rear lights.
According to the NI Road Policing and Safety, this was “putting the driver and everyone else at serious risk”.
Upon further questioning and investigation, it was also found that the driver of the tractor had no insurance policy for the vehicle.
The vehicle was seized on the spot and a fixed penalty notice issued, giving the driver six penalty points.
According to UK government legislation, agricultural tractors must comply with the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland), 2000, which mandate specific lighting for road safety.
Tractors must be equipped with two working headlamps, two side lamps (front facing), rear lamps, rear reflectors, brake lights, and number plate lighting.
A flashing amber beacon must be fitted and switched on when the tractor is on a public road.
‘Lighting up’ hours are defined as one half-hour after sunset until one half-hour before sunrise.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and penalties.
Stolen trailer
Separately, the PSNI is appealing for information regarding the suspected theft of a trailer in Co. Armagh.
Police believe the theft occurred some time between 11:00p.m on Monday, March 9 and 6:00a.m on Tuesday, March 10 on the Newry Road area of Newtownhamilton.
The missing trailer has been described as a Nugent Dropside (8ftx4ft) trailer.
PSNI has asked for any sightings of the missing trailer or any information that may be of assistance to be reported by calling 101 and quoting the reference number 201 of 10/03/26.
