§ 9.  Operation of Unregistered or Improperly Equipped Motor Vehicles or Trailers; Certain Mistakes in Application Not to Affect Registration.

  No person shall operate, push, draw or tow any motor vehicle or trailer, and the owner or custodian of such a vehicle shall not permit the same to be operated, pushed, drawn or towed upon or to remain upon any way except as authorized by section three, unless such vehicle is registered in accordance with this chapter .... A tractor, trailer, truck (or all terrain vehicle may be operated without such registration upon any way for a distance not exceeding one-half mile, if said all-terrain vehicle, tractor, trailer or truck is used exclusively for agricultural purposes, or between one-half mile and 10 miles if said all-terrain vehicle, tractor, trailer or truck is used exclusively for agricultural purposes and the owner thereof maintains in full force a policy of liability insurance which conforms to the provisions of section one hundred and thirteen A of chapter one hundred and seventy-five ...

All-terrain vehicles operating under the provisions of this chapter shall be equipped with a safety flag of not less than 36 square inches in area which shall be elevated to no less than 6 feet from the ground.