What it is
This permit is part of the “Empty Apple Bins & Hay Bales” permit category in Washington. It allows carriers to exceed the normal legal height (typically ~14 ft) and operate up to 15 feet in height when hauling hay.
It is available as either:
- Monthly permit
- Annual permit
What it allows
With this permit, you can:
- Haul hay bales stacked up to 15 ft high
- Transport agricultural loads that exceed standard height limits
- Operate repeatedly without needing single-trip permits
However:
- Oversize signs are required
- Route clearance is not guaranteed
- You must still follow all state road restrictions
Who needs it
This permit is typically required for:
- Farmers and ranchers
- Agricultural transport operators
- Carriers moving hay between fields, storage, or livestock locations
Important:
Washington specifically limits this permit mainly to agricultural use, often for ranchers hauling their own hay for livestock rather than commercial freight hauling.
Cost
Typical WSDOT pricing:
- Monthly Permit: $200
- Annual Permit: $1400
Key rules & limitations
- Height limit: up to 15 feet only
- Not exempt from:
- Travel restrictions
- Route limitations
- Can be used with double trailer permits in some cases
- Must comply with all Washington size & safety laws