By state statute, permits to bale hay from area highway rights-of-way are available to the adjacent landowner first, but can be requested by anyone if all requirements are met.

Applications for permits are available for download at www.okladot.state.ok.us in the "forms" link. They much be filled out then taken to a local ODOT division headquarters or ODOT county maintenance yard between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for approval. There is no fee to apply and insurance verification must also be provided as part of the approval process.

Additional requirements/restrictions include:

All work has to be completed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday

Bales cannot be left within 30 feet of the roadway

Warning signs must be in place when working in the rights-of-way

Grass cannot be cut shorter than 5 inches tall

Citizens wanting to take advantage of this opportunity are asked to avoid garden plots and landscaped areas currently maintained by local civic groups and ODOT.

While some weight restrictions have recently been lifted for those hauling hay in the state, ODOT asks citizens to follow all size and weight restriction still in effect.  These regulations help protect the traveling public in addition to maintaining our infrastructure. For more information on size and weight restrictions, contact the Department of Public Safety at 1-877-425-2390. 

-- Oklahoma State University news item