How to Avoid Permit Violations on NYC Bridges and Tunnels

Dec. 3, 2025, 5:15 p.m.
New York City has some of the strictest commercial vehicle rules in the country, especially when it comes to bridges and tunnels. Oversize load restrictions, hazardous materials regulations, and commercial vehicle classifications can lead to major fines—or even vehicle impoundment—if drivers use the wrong crossing. To stay compliant and avoid costly violations, carriers must understand NYC’s unique rules and plan their routes with precision.
Permit Violations on NYC Bridges and Tunnels

1. Know Which NYC Crossings Allow Commercial Vehicles

Not every bridge or tunnel in NYC is open to commercial traffic.

Commercial Vehicle–Friendly Crossings

These crossings allow commercial trucks (within legal weight/size limits):

  • George Washington Bridge (GWB)

  • Goethals Bridge

  • Outerbridge Crossing

  • Bayonne Bridge

  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

  • Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge / Triboro

  • Throgs Neck Bridge

  • Whitestone Bridge

Crossings Prohibited for Trucks

Trucks cannot use the following tunnels:

  • Holland Tunnel – NO trucks or hazmat

  • Lincoln Tunnel – Only some commercial vehicles; restrictions are rigid

  • Queens Midtown Tunnel – NO trucks

  • Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel (Hugh L. Carey) – NO trucks

Using the wrong tunnel is one of the most common—and expensive—violations.

2. Understand Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Permits in NYC

NYC has separate rules from the rest of New York State.

NYC DOT Permits Required for:

  • Oversized vehicles

  • Overweight loads

  • Specialized equipment

  • Escort vehicles

Permits must be obtained before entering NYC, and they often specify:

  • Approved routes

  • Approved bridges

  • Time-of-day travel restrictions

  • Required escorts

Failure to follow the exact approved route = permit violation.

3. Follow Time-of-Day Restrictions for Oversize Loads

NYC restricts oversize movement during:

  • Rush hours

  • Weekends and holidays

  • Nighttime (in some locations)

Many NYC bridges prohibit large loads between 6 AM – 10 AM and 3 PM – 7 PM.

Ignoring time restrictions is a direct permit violation.

4. Use ONLY NYC Truck Routes

NYC has designated Local Truck Routes and Through Truck Routes.

Before entering:

 Check if your crossing connects to a truck route
 Follow truck-route signage—not GPS defaults
 Avoid parkways at all costs

Entering a parkway with a commercial vehicle leads to:

  • Immediate violation

  • Low-clearance dangers

  • Police response or towing

5. Verify Vertical and Horizontal Clearances

NYC is famous for:

  • Low-clearance overpasses

  • Narrow tunnels

  • Tight turns

  • Weight-posted bridges

Before traveling:

  • Check all clearances along your route

  • Use NYC DOT’s real-time traffic tools

  • Avoid unverified shortcuts from GPS apps

6. Confirm HazMat Restrictions

NYC has extremely strict hazardous materials (HM) rules.

HazMat trucks are banned from:

  • All NYC tunnels

  • Many Manhattan streets

  • Certain bridge levels or lanes

HazMat carriers must use designated HM-approved crossings and obtain proper permits.

7. Use a Toll Transponder That Supports Truck Rates

NYC bridges and tunnels are managed by:

  • MTA Bridges & Tunnels

  • Port Authority of NY & NJ

Incorrect transponder settings can create violations or flags on carrier profiles.

Set your E-ZPass for:

  • Correct axle count

  • Correct vehicle classification

8. Keep NYC DOT Permit Documentation Available

Drivers must have:

  • NYC DOT OS/OW permit

  • Route map

  • Instructions

  • Escort documentation (if required)

Make sure drivers know:

 What bridges are allowed
 What tunnels are blocked
 What time windows apply

9. Train Drivers on NYC Route Behavior

Driver education prevents 90% of NYC violations.

Training should include:

  • Understanding “NO TRUCKS” signs

  • Avoiding parkways

  • Knowing legal crossings

  • Handling detours without violating route permits

  • What to do if GPS gives an illegal route

10. Use Professional Truck Route GPS Apps

Standard car GPS or Google Maps will often route trucks into:

  • Parkways

  • Low clearances

  • Illegal tunnels

  • Restricted streets

Use apps specifically designed for commercial routing.

Summary

Avoiding permit violations on NYC bridges and tunnels requires:

  • Using only truck-approved crossings

  • Avoiding prohibited tunnels

  • Following NYC DOT’s OS/OW permit rules exactly

  • Staying on designated truck routes

  • Respecting weight, size, hazmat, and time restrictions

With proper planning, carriers can operate safely and legally through one of the most heavily regulated metropolitan areas in the U.S.