JEFFERSON CITY – Wildfires in states west of Missouri are consuming large swaths of livestock pasture. As a result, livestock producers are in great need of animal feed. In order to streamline relief efforts, the Missouri Department of Transportation, at the request of Gov. Eric Greitens and in consultation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is waiving travel time restrictions for those hauling oversize loads of hay in Missouri.

Oversize permits are required of loads exceeding 8’6” in width. Through April 8, 2017, permits for overwide loads of hay will:

– Be issued free of charge

– Be issued up to 12’ wide (load length, height and weight must remain within legal limits)

– Allow travel during curfew hours and at night

These continuous movement oversize permits are only available to those hauling hay in direct response to disaster relief efforts.

Drivers must abide by all other permit regulations including the use of reflective oversize load signs and clearance lights instead of flags at the edges of loads when hauling at night or when visibility is less than 500 feet.

For assistance obtaining an oversize permit, carriers may contact MoDOT Motor Carrier Services at 1-800-877-8499 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.