Motorists & Parking
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. Download the Daily Overdimensional Permit application form (pdf)
For help with Daily Overdimensional Permits, please contact 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 Over-dimensional trucks/vehicle combinations are processed through the DOT ODVP permit processing on-line 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 a DOT permit to travel through/in New York City. If the route includes an MTA structure, DOT will coordinate the approval process for that structure with the MTA. Learn more from the MTA trucking site
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.
| Truck Permitting 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. |
|
| NYSDOT Carrier Assistance | 718-482-4754 |
| New York State Central Permit Office | (518) 457- 1155 |
| Other Useful Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Port Authority of New York and New Jersey | 212-435-7000 |
| Bayonne Bridge operated by the Port Authority |
718-390-2502 |
| George Washington Bridge operated by the Port Authority |
201-242-8116 |
| Goethals Bridge operated by the Port Authority |
718-390-2502 |
| Lincoln Tunnel operated by the Port Authority |
201-617-8115 |
| Outerbridge Crossing operated by the Port Authority |
718-390-2502/3 |
| 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 |
| 311 New York City's Information Hotline for phone number for government information and non-emergency services |
311 outside city: (212) NEW-YORK |
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.
These new rules contain new vehicle marking requirements. The lettering of your business name and USDOT # followed by the letters "NY" needs to contrast with the background color of your truck and be readable from 50 feet.
Example:
ABC LAWN CARE SERVICE
USDOT 123456 NY
Visit the New York State Department of Transportation's (NYSDOT) Truck and Motor Safety Website 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 is needed for an electronic signature).
If you operate within New York State (intrastate), you can download this application and fax it to NYSDOT at 518-457-6513, or you can call NYSDOT at 866-881-2630. They will mail or fax you an application. Your USDOT number will promptly be sent to you in the mail.
If you operate across state lines (interstate), you can download a copy of the interstate application (MCS-150), and mail it to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Follow the instructions on the application.