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Farm equipment clearance permit

Apply for a free annual permit to drive or tow farm equipment that exceeds 4.8 metres in height. The permit process identifies an approved route to prevent your equipment from contacting power lines and electrical facilities. The clearance permit is valid from the date issued until December 31 of the current year.

Read all the steps before you start the application

The steps list your responsibilities and possible timelines.

We may compensate a portion of the cost to raise the height of overhead power lines that cross provincial/municipal roads and approach into fields.

We cannot process your request without all required information and documents.

Questions about the farm equipment clearance permit process, contact us at 1-833-743-3577.

Step 1

Online application


Gather all required information and supporting documents before you start the online application. Submit an application for each piece of equipment over 4.8 metres high.

You must include all of the following:

  • Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure motor carrier permit (if required);
  • legal name of person who owns the equipment;
  • complete description of the equipment (type, height, and width);
  • an accurate route on a municipal landowner map, or a hand-drawn map clearly marked with:
    • all road and highway numbers;
    • all field access points and approaches.
    See sample map (PDF, 198 KB).

Step 2

Route approval

This step may take: 10–15 days after we receive your completed application.


We will provide a clearance permit after your application is approved. You must keep the clearance permit readily available when driving or towing the specified equipment.

Your clearance permit is only valid for:

  • the approved route;
  • the current year;
  • the specified piece of equipment.

Any changes to your route or equipment during the year will require you to submit a new application.

Without a permit, and following its terms and conditions, you are liable for the cost of repair to damaged Manitoba Hydro infrastructure caused by your farm equipment.

Step 3

Safety


Any contact with power lines can cause serious injury or death. Damage to power lines and poles can result in power outages and costly repairs.

Ensure that you and everyone else working on your farm know how to safely transport and operate equipment around power lines and electrical facilities.

Safety guidelines when operating farm equipment:

  • know your route, and the height of your equipment or load before transporting it;
  • always lower equipment before passing under power lines;
  • maintain at least 3 metres of clearance between power lines and your equipment;
  • move slowly and stay alert when you drive, tow, or operate tall equipment near power lines and poles;
  • only specially trained Manitoba Hydro employees can lift power lines;
  • never let anyone ride on top of farm equipment that is in operation or on hay bales.

Be safe! Cultivators, air seeders, and grain augers contact overhead power lines most often.

Apply for clearance permit

After you apply

Once you have submitted a complete application, we will assign someone to your request. They will contact you for any missing information, and discuss the final route.