(a) Whenever any landowner of this state shall present proof to the county court that his or her land is located in a section where the land is subject to overflow, upon a proper order being entered, the landowner shall be permitted to construct a gate or cattle guard across any road traversing such lands.

(b) Before any order is entered under the provisions of this section, notice shall be given of the intention to file a petition by the landowner by inserting a notice in some newspaper in the county at least twenty (20) days before hearing is had upon the petition.

(c) Petition for a permit to construct a gate or cattle guard under this section shall be verified and supported by affidavits of at least three (3) qualified electors living near the land affected that the lands are subject to overflow and that the road referred to is a road that is not paved or a state road in the highway system and will not greatly inconvenience the traveling public.

(d) No gate or cattle guard under the provisions of this section shall be permitted or authorized which will greatly inconvenience large numbers of the traveling public, or over or across a state road in the highway system or a paved road. If after the gate or cattle guard is permitted, proof is shown that it is a hazard to the traveling public, it must be ordered removed.

(e) The order of the court shall be a complete defense against any charge or indictment of the owner for obstructing the public highway by the erection and maintaining of a gate.

(f) Any person who shall willfully leave open any gate erected and constructed in compliance with this section, which gate has been kept and maintained in good order and repair, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not more than ten dollars ($10.00) for each offense.