The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2025 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Subchapter
015
:
WEIGHT, SIZE, LOADS
(Cite as: 23 V.S.A. § 1453)
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§ 1453. Baled products
(a)(1) An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle loaded with baled hay or straw or
other baled products with any portion of the load extending beyond the front end of
the vehicle bed; with the exception that a load extension is permitted beyond the
front end of a truck bed, over the driver’s compartment or sleeping berth, provided
this portion of the load is supported by permanent and substantial steel frame construction.
Loads of baled hay, straw, or other baled products shall be solidly packed while in
transit.
(2) Such loads, unless supported by substantially constructed sideboards or rack type
bodies, shall be fastened securely to the vehicle by not less than two longitudinal
binders and by a cross binder for each tier of baled hay or straw or other baled products,
such binders to be of sufficient strength to hold such load in place. Such loads may
be transported without sideboards and the binders specified in this subdivision if
fastened by any commercial binding device equal or superior to the provisions set
forth in this section. Such commercial binding device shall be approved by the Department
of Motor Vehicles.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a farmer engaged
in farming operations where such transportation requires that he or she use the public
highways; provided, however, that the farmer loads and transports the loads in a reasonably
safe manner.
(c) Any enforcement officer may stop and inspect vehicles in respect to compliance with
the provisions of this section, and if it is found that the load is being transported
in violation of this section, the enforcement officer may arrest without warrant and
shall prohibit the operator of such vehicle from continuing en route until the load
has been made to comply with this section. (Amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 207.)