NYCDOT - Size and Weight Restrictions

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Motorists
Size and Weight Restrictions

What are the maximum dimensions for vehicles in New York City?

Unless otherwise posted the maximum dimensional restrictions for vehicles and combinations are as follows:

References after each item below may be found in subdivisions of Section 4-15 (pdf) of the New York City Traffic Rules.

Maximum Vehicle Dimensions
Width	• 8 feet (96 inches) [Subd. (b)(1)] • 8 feet 2 inches (98 inches) for school buses and fire vehicles [Subd. (b)(1)] • 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) for buses having a carrying capacity of more than seven passengers [Subd. (b)(1)]
Height	• 13 feet 6 inches (162 inches) for all vehicles [Subd. (b)(2)]
Length	• 35 feet for single unit vehicles (all vehicles except articulated buses and semi-trailers) [Subd. (b)(3)] • 65 feet for articulated buses [Subd. (b)(3)] • 55 feet for semi-trailers and other combinations of vehicles [Subd. (b)(4)] • Combination of vehicles - 55 feet except that on qualifying highways and access highways there is no limit on total length.

*Note: In a double bottom operation a trailer or semi-trailer may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.

What are the maximum weight restrictions for vehicles in New York City?

Unless otherwise posted the maximum weight restrictions for vehicles and combinations are as follows:

Maximum Vehicle Weights*
Weight per inch width of tire on one wheel	800 pounds [Subd. (b)(6)]
Weight on any one wheel	11,200 pounds [Subd. (b)(7)]
Weight on any one axle	22,400 pounds [Subd. (b)(8)]
Weight on any two consecutive axles less than 10 feet apart	36,000 pounds [Subd. (b)(9)]
Weight on any three axles	(34,000 lb. Plus 1,000 lb. Per foot and major fraction of a foot between first and last axles, measured center to center). [Subd. (b)(10)]
Total weight of vehicle shall not exceed 80,000 pounds [Subd. (b)(10)]

*Note: permissible gross weight of vehicles and combinations with pneumatic tires.

Maximum vehicle dimensions

Click image to enlarge (in pdf format)

What is the legal route for 53 foot Trailers in New York City?*

In New York City on I-95 between I-287 and I-295, on I-295 between I-295 and I-495, and on I-495 between I-95 and the Nassau-Queens county line, a semi-trailer over 48 feet (but not over 53 feet) may be operated if the distance between the kingpin of the semi-trailer and the centerline of the rear axle or rear axle group does not exceed 43 feet, and if the semi-trailer is equipped with a rear-end protective device of substantial construction consisting of a continuous lateral beam extending to within four inches of the lateral extremities of the semi-trailer and located not more than 22 inches from the surface as measured with the vehicle empty and on a level surface.

*Note: The provisions of Section 4-15 shall not apply to any vehicle authorized by the Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, as amended, when such vehicle is operating pursuant to the provisions of such Act.

Weight and height restrictions on bridges, viaducts and other structures

No vehicle or combination of vehicles may be operated over, on or through any bridge, viaduct or other structures on any highway if the weight of such vehicle or combination of vehicles and load is greater than the posted capacity of the structure or exceeds the height of the posted clearance as shown by an official sign or other marking or device.

What do I do if my vehicle exceeds the maximums listed above?

Overweight/oversized vehicles require a permit to travel within New York City.

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