Travel restrictions apply to over-dimensional (oversized or overweight) trucks traveling on City streets and bridges. Vehicles exceeding the allowed dimensions must obtain a daily over-dimensional permit for each trip.
Over-dimensional trucks are not allowed on City streets without a valid permit that designates a travel route.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) reviews all Oversized Truck Permit applications and, if completed correctly, will issue the permit the day before travel. If the application is not completed correctly, you will be contacted by DOT and requested to provide necessary information.
Call 311 to request a paper copy.
53-Foot Trailers
53-foot trailers are limited to travel only on portions of I-95, I-695, I-295, and I-495 from the Bronx-Westchester County line to the Queens-Nassau County line. 53-foot trailers carrying non-divisible loads must apply for an oversized permit.
Any oversize vehicle not carrying a non-divisible load must off load on to a legal size vehicle.
Advertising on Motor Vehicles
Advertising on motor vehicles used merely for the purpose of commercial advertising is prohibited. Advertising that relates to the vehicle's normal delivery or business purposes is allowed.
No part of an advertising notice may be reflectorized, illuminated or animated. Advertising notices may not be placed on top of the vehicle, and objects may not be put on the vehicle for commercial advertising purposes. Exceptions may include vehicles licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), some buses and some Department of Sanitation vehicles.
The registrant's name and address must be permanently affixed on both sides of the vehicle, in characters at least three inches high, and be placed approximately midway (vertically) on the doors and side panels.
The color of the display must contrast with the color of the vehicle.
Divisible Loads
A divisible load is when the cargo in the vehicle can be divided or broken down into parts, such as palletized material like food, drink, or paper handouts or products.
Palletized material that can be broken down or divided must be transported in vehicles of legal size combinations in New York City.
The vehicle may not exceed 55 feet in length, 13 feet and 6 inches in height, and 8 feet in width. The GVW, or Gross Vehicle Weight must be the lesser of 80,000 pounds, or 34,000 pounds plus 1,000 pounds for every foot of wheelbase.
East River Bridge Restrictions
Commercial vehicles are NOT allowed to travel on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Commercial vehicles are allowed on the following bridges:
- Manhattan Bridge
- Queensboro Bridge
- Williamsburg Bridge (but periodic closures and daily diversions may occur)
Exceptions for Oversize Vehicles
Federal STAA vehicles moving household goods can travel on interstates and truck routes if they do not exceed 13 feet and 6 inches in height, 8 feet and 6 inches in width, 48 feet trailer length, and the lower of the bridge formula weight or 80,000 pounds.
STAA vehicles not moving household goods are limited to one-mile access to and from the exit. in height, 8 feet and 6 inches in width, 48 feet trailer length, and the lower of the bridge formula weight or 80,000 pounds.
Grand Central Parkway Truck Rules
Single unit trucks no greater than 35' long and no higher than 12' 6" are allowed to use the Grand Central Parkway between the Triboro Bridge and the western leg of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE).
All other trucks must exit and use local streets.
Oversize Vehicle Dimensions
A tractor trailer is considered oversize if it is over 13 feet and 6 inches in height, 8 feet in width, or 55 feet in length.
Straight trucks that are larger than 13 feet and 6 inches in height, 8 feet wide, or 35 feet long are considered oversized.
Trailer Restrictions
No trailers of any type are allowed on the parkways at any time.
