State v. Walker

Pursuant to ORS 801.265, a "farm tractor" is "a motor vehicle designed and used primarily in agricultural operations for drawing or operating other farm machines, equipment, and implements of husbandry."

Defendant appealed from a judgment of a traffic ticket issued to him for violating ORS. 816.330; "driving a pickup truck pulling a trailer without lights". Defendant assigned error to the trial court’s denial to qualify his 1994 Chevrolet C2500 pickup truck, with a trailer attached, as a “farm tractor” and “farm trailer.” On appeal, Defendant argued that his pickup truck should have been classified as a “farm tractor” under ORS 801.265 because it was “used primarily in agricultural operations.” In response, the State argued, pursuant to ORS 801.265, Defendant failed to meet one of the elements of the statute, a farm tractor “must also be ‘designed’ for drawing other farming equipment.” Pursuant to ORS 801.265, a "farm tractor" is "a motor vehicle designed and used primarily in agricultural operations for drawing or operating other farm machines, equipment, and implements of husbandry." (Emphasis added). The Court concluded, given the circumstances in which the ticket was given, Defendant’s pickup truck did not meet the definition of a "farm tractor" after it examined the statutory text and the meaning of “designed” and “primarily” in Webster’s Dictionary.

Affirmed.