An executive order was issued Aug. 1 waiving size restrictions and permit fees on oversized loads of hay enroute to Texas.

The Departments of Transportation and Development, Public Safety and Revenue will allow vehicles transporting round hay bales to be loaded side-by-side across trailers up to 12 feet in width and 14 feet in height. Size is normally restricted to eight feet, six inches in width and 13 feet, six inches in height.

“As Texas continues to experience drought conditions, their hay production has been affected significantly," Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. said. "With this executive order, Louisiana hay producers may be able to help out Texas ranchers and suspending the restrictions and waiving the permit fee will allow them to transport more hay at the lowest possible cost.”

Carriers, owners and drivers are responsible for verifying in advance that the actual dimension and weight of the vehicles and loads are acceptable for all routes traveled.

The oversize vehicles may only travel during daylight hours, must have required signage and flags properly placed to indicate they bear oversize loads, not exceed weight limits for bridges and similar structures, be equipped with proper mirrors, the loads must be securely bound and must carry a copy of the executive order in the vehicle, Strain said.

The executive order is in effect through Oct. 25.