Harvest Season Brings Farm Equipment to Maryland Roads

State of MD - Maryland drivers are being asked to slow down and give farmers some extra room this fall. Harvest season is here, and that means more tractors, combines and other large farm equipment will be out on local roads.

On October 22, 2026, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) shared the reminder. The agency is working with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Farm Bureau to get the word out.

Maryland has more than 12,000 working farms. During harvest, many farmers have to move big, slow equipment from one field to the next, and the busy season lasts through November.

These trips can turn dangerous when drivers are in a hurry. From 2020 to 2025, more than 280 crashes on Maryland roads involved farm equipment.

Passing is one of the biggest concerns. Drivers should only pass farm equipment with extreme caution, and never on a curve, on a hill or anywhere they cannot see far enough ahead.

Be careful when a farm vehicle moves over to the right side of the road. That does not always mean it is turning right or waving you by.

Some farm equipment is so wide that the operator has to swing out to make a left turn. If you are not sure what the driver plans to do, watch for hand signals and check the left side of the road for gates, driveways or other spots where the vehicle may be headed.

Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks said this is a key time of year for farmers.

"Harvest season is one of the busiest and most important times of the year for Maryland farmers," said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "We encourage all motorists to slow down, stay alert and give farm equipment plenty of room. A little patience on the road goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe, especially the farmers who work hard to feed our families and communities."

The SHA says drivers should expect some delays when they come up on farm equipment. Leaving a little early and planning for extra travel time can make the trip easier for everyone.

This year's harvest also comes with money worries for farmers. Earlier this month, Governor Wes Moore issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency. The order gives temporary relief to Maryland's farming and forestry industries as record-high diesel fuel prices threaten the 2026 harvest season.

The Moore-Miller Administration says it is focused on keeping farmers safe. It also wants to help them as they move important farm products across the state and to regional markets.

Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley asked drivers to keep farmers in mind while they are behind the wheel.

"Our state's farmers may need to share the road with you as they work to produce the food, fuel, and fiber that we rely on," said Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley. "During this harvest season, help them get home safely by slowing down, remaining vigilant, and paying attention to the farm equipment that share our roadways."