Quick Answer: In Louisiana, a vehicle qualifies for a farm-use license plate if it’s used strictly for agricultural operations, owned or leased by a farmer, and operated only for farm-related activities such as transporting crops, livestock, equipment, feed, or supplies. These plates cannot be used for everyday personal driving or regular commercial hauling.
TL;DR
- Farm-use plates are for vehicles used only for agricultural purposes.
- The vehicle must be owned/leased by a farming operation.
- Transporting crops, livestock, feed, or equipment qualifies.
- Driving for personal errands is not allowed.
- Misuse can lead to fines, citations, or DMV penalties.
Down here in Louisiana, most folks who work the land already know how particular the state can be about farm vehicles. But when it comes to farm-use plates, the rules get a little foggy — and that’s where people tend to get tripped up. We hear the same questions every week from farmers, ranchers, and small agricultural businesses trying to stay compliant without wasting hours at the DMV.
So let’s break this down in plain English, with real Louisiana context, so you can figure out whether your truck, trailer, or equipment hauler actually qualifies for a farm-use license plate.
What Is Considered a Farm-Use Vehicle in Louisiana?
A farm-use vehicle in Louisiana is any vehicle that:
- Is used exclusively for agricultural purposes
- Is owned or leased by a farmer, rancher, or agricultural business
- Operates primarily on or between farming properties
- Transports crops, livestock, equipment, feed, or supplies
Louisiana’s intent is simple: these plates are meant for vehicles that help run a working farm — not for daily commuting or general driving.
For example, A Ford F-250 that spends its week hauling hay bales and feed between two pastures absolutely qualifies. But that same truck, being used to commute to work in town or haul a camper for the weekend, does not.
Eligibility Checklist
Quick Reference Guide for Louisiana Title Compliance
What Types of Vehicles Qualify for Farm-Use Plates?
You have some flexibility here. Louisiana allows farm-use tags on multiple vehicle types, as long as they’re used exclusively for agriculture.
1. Pickup Trucks
The most common farm-use vehicle. These qualify easily when they’re used for hauling supplies, towing equipment, or servicing fields.
2. Flatbeds & Dually Trucks
Perfect for hauling heavier loads, livestock trailers, and agricultural equipment.
3. Farm Trucks Over 10,000 lbs
Larger trucks used to transport harvests, feed, fertilizer, or machinery.
4. Trailers Used for Agriculture
Livestock trailers, utility trailers, and equipment haulers may qualify when used strictly on or between farm properties.
Important: Louisiana does not allow ATVs, UTVs, or side-by-sides to receive farm-use license plates. These are typically classified differently under state law.
What Activities Count as “Agricultural Use”?
To qualify, the vehicle must be used for one or more of the following:
- Transporting crops (corn, sugarcane, soybeans, etc.)
- Moving livestock or poultry
- Carrying seed, feed, fertilizer, or chemicals
- Hauling farm equipment (tillers, sprayers, plows, etc.)
- Moving bales, fencing material, lumber, or supplies for farm operations
- Driving between two fields or properties owned/leased for farming
As long as the driving is tied directly to agricultural work, it usually qualifies.
What Doesn’t Count as Agricultural Use?
This is where Louisiana cracks down hardest. Farm-use plates cannot be used for:
- Going to the grocery store or running personal errands
- Commuting to a non-agricultural job
- Hauling goods for non-farm businesses
- Commercial transport unrelated to your farm
- Personal trips, vacations, or family driving
Real example: We’ve seen drivers get cited for using a farm-tagged truck to haul furniture during a move. Even though the truck belonged to a farmer, the activity wasn’t farm-related, so the officer issued a violation.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Farm-Use Plates?
The state is pretty flexible, but you must fall into one of these categories:
- Farmer or rancher
- Agricultural business owner
- Timber, sugarcane, or cattle producer
- Commercial beekeeping operations
- Poultry and livestock farms
- Crop growers (small or large scale)
You don’t need to own hundreds of acres — even small agricultural operations can qualify.
Louisiana Farm-Use Vehicle Checklist
| Requirement | Must You Meet It? |
|---|---|
| Vehicle used only for farming | Yes |
| Owned/leased by a farmer or rancher | Yes |
| Used for transporting crops or livestock | Yes |
| Used for personal errands or commuting | No |
| ATVs/UTVs eligible for plates | No |
| Business must be agricultural in nature | Yes |
What Happens If You Misuse a Farm-Use Plate?
Louisiana law allows officers to issue citations for misuse, which may include:
- Fines
- DMV penalties
- Plate revocation
- Back taxes or registration fees
Typically, misuse is discovered during roadside inspections or routine stops.
How to Get a Farm-Use License Plate in Louisiana
If you want to skip the DMV line, we handle the entire process for you — paperwork, compliance checks, and plate processing.
Louisiana Farm-Use Vehicle FAQs
If you’re trying to make sense of Louisiana’s farm-use rules, these quick answers clear up the questions we hear most often from folks across the state.
Can I drive a farm-use vehicle on public roads?
Yes — but only for agricultural purposes, or travel between fields or farm properties.
Do I need insurance for a farm-use vehicle?
Yes. Louisiana still requires insurance coverage even if the vehicle is used exclusively for farm operations.
Can a farm-use plate be transferred to another vehicle?
Yes, but only if the new vehicle meets farm-use requirements and all paperwork is up to date.
Do all farm vehicles require registration?
Not all, but vehicles operating on public roads generally must be registered.
