Permits for Overdimensional Vehicles

Unless otherwise signed, vehicles not exceeding the size and weight restrictions (13 feet 6 inches in height, 8 feet in width and 55 feet in length) are permitted to travel on most City roadways providing that they are following the Truck Route Network.

Vehicles exceeding the maximum dimensions must obtain a daily overdimensional vehicles permit for each portion of a trip (for example, one permit is needed to travel to a destination within the City and another is needed to travel back out). Refer to the Truck Access and Vehicle Dimension Guidelines (pdf) for classification and requirements.

Over-dimensional Permits are payable to NYC DOT by certified bank check or money order only. Overnight payments are accepted for a fee of $35 each. 48 hours lead-time is needed from the date of the receipt of the application and applicable payment. Download the Daily Overdimensional Permit Application Form (pdf) Apply for an Overdimensional Vehicle Permit Online Translations of NYC DOT Licenses, Permit Applications & Registrations

For help with Daily Overdimensional Permits, please contact NYC DOT at 212-839-6341.

Ordering Per-Trip Daily Overdimensional Permits

Please provide the following on original company letterhead. Make sure that the letter is signed and dated:

  • full company name and address
  • Federal Tax ID number
  • company contact person, as well as the individual who will be mentioned in the actual agreement
  • company email address where the completed permits can be emailed to
  • telephone and fax numbers
  • the number of over-dimensional permits you will order per month or on a two-month basis.

Special Handling Permit from MTA

Vehicles weighing over 80,000 lbs. may require a permit for special handling (pdf), in advance, from MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

MTA Permits

MTA Bridge Letters for overdimensional trucks/vehicle combinations are processed through the NYC DOT's Overdimensional Vehicle Permit processing online system. Paper and faxed Bridge Letters will no longer be accepted. All vehicles that exceed the bridge formula, 80,000 lbs. GVW, or any other NYC legal dimension, require an NYC DOT permit to travel through/in New York City. If the route includes an MTA structure, NYC DOT will coordinate the approval process for that structure with the MTA. Access NYC DOT’s Overdimensional Vehicle Permit Processing System Learn more about Trucks and Commercial Vehicles on MTA Bridges and Tunnels

Truck Regulations at Other Agencies

Other enforcement and transportation agencies in the region may have different regulations and requirements pertaining to trucks. Truck restrictions can vary by facility. Use the contact information below to check before you travel.

Area Truck Contacts

One Stop Credentialing and Registration (OSCAR)
Five New York State agencies involved in regulating motor carrier activities have designed a one stop shopping Web site which allows the industry a single point of contact to apply, change, pay for, and receive the operating credentials for
HUT, IFTA, IRP, and SSRS.

Contact Phone Number
NYSDOT Carrier Assistance 718-482-4754
New York State Central Permit Office 518-457-1155
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Including the Bayonne, George Washington and Goethals Bridges, the Lincoln Tunnel and the Outerbridge Crossing.
212-435-7000
MTA Bridges and Tunnels Truck Permitting Unit
Including the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel, and the Throgs Neck, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Verrazano-Narrows and Whitestone Bridges, and other MTA bridges and tunnels.
212-360-3000
NYC311
New York City's hotline for government information and non-emergency services
From outside NYC
212-NEW-YORK
NJDOT
NJDOT Permits for oversize/overweight vehicles along state routes
609-530-6089

USDOT Numbers

If you already have a USDOT number and the name of your business and USDOT number are displayed on the side of your truck or trucks this section does not apply to you.

All trucks and truck/trailers with a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 lbs. or more for business purposes in New York State are required to have a valid USDOT number.

Vehicles must be marked on both sides with the legal business name or DBA as it appears on the USDOT number registration. Lettering must contrast with the background color of your vehicle and be readable from 50 feet (minimum of 2 inches high recommended).

Example:
ABC LAWN CARE SERVICE
USDOT 123456

Visit New York State Department of Transportation's (NYSDOT) Truck and Motor Carrier Safety page to learn more about the new marking requirements.

When operating in New York City, all commercial vehicles must meet the marking requirements outlined in the Commercial Vehicle Parking page.

Obtaining a USDOT number is simple and free. You can receive your USDOT number immediately by registering online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Online Registration and Licensing System. All that is needed is a valid credit card (there is no charge, the card serves as an electronic signature).