1. Permitting Authorities

New York State (NYSDOT)

• Oversees statewide highways, state routes, interstates, and bridges.

• Permits issued through the New York State Highway Oversize/Overweight Credentialing System (HOOCS).

New York City (NYCDOT)

• Controls all NYC local roads, including the five boroughs.

• Has its own permit types and application process through NYCDOT and, in some cases, the NYC Department of Transportation – Oversize Permit Unit.

2. When You Need a State Permit vs. a City Permit

State Permit Required When:

• Traveling on interstates (ex: I-87, I-90, I-81).

• Operating on any NYSDOT-controlled highways.

• Hauling oversize/overweight loads outside NYC boundaries.

City Permit Required When:

• Entering any of the five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island.

• Using city bridges/tunnels (some also require separate agency permits).

• Delivering to or passing through New York City streets.

Important:
Even if you have a valid state permit, you still need an NYC permit to operate on city streets.

3. Dimension & Weight Limits

New York State

• Follows typical oversize rules, with higher allowable limits depending on route.

• Superload thresholds start at significantly higher weights (often 200,000+ lbs depending on configuration).

New York City

• Much more restrictive.

• Lower maximum width and height limits on many city streets.

• Bridges often have tight clearances and weight restrictions.

• Certain boroughs restrict oversize travel during daytime hours.

4. Travel Time Restrictions

Statewide

• Standard daylight travel allowed for OS/OW.

• Night travel prohibited for oversize loads, except for some permitted movements.

• Holiday travel restrictions apply.

NYC

• Among the strictest travel-time rules in the U.S.

• Oversize trucks may be restricted to midnight–5 AM for many routes.

• No oversize movement during rush hours (typically 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM).

• Weekend restrictions are common.

5. Escort Requirements

State

• Escort (pilot car) requirements vary by size and weight.

• State has clear escort tables based on dimensions.

NYC

• More demanding escort rules.

• Many oversize loads require NYPD escorts or special city-certified escorts.

• Escorts often must meet unique NYC standards due to traffic conditions.

6. Route Approvals

State

• Routes are evaluated for bridge weight, road geometry, and construction zones.

• Many large loads must undergo engineering review.

NYC

• Routes must be explicitly approved by NYCDOT.

• NYC may require:

  • Alternate routing

  • Overnight travel

  • Police escorts

  • Street-by-street mapping

• Several bridges and tunnels are prohibited for oversize trucks, regardless of permit.

7. NYC Has Separate Agency Permits

In NYC, some crossings require additional permits from other agencies:

• MTA Bridges & Tunnels (ex: RFK Bridge, Whitestone, Throgs Neck)

• Port Authority of NY/NJ (ex: George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel)

State permits do not cover these facilities.

8. Fees and processing times

State

• Generally lower fees.

• Faster online processing through HOOCS.

NYC

• Usually higher costs.

• More manual review.

• Superload approvals may require several days or weeks.

9. Enforcement

State Enforcement

• NY State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CVEU).

NYC Enforcement

• NYPD Highway Patrol + NYCDOT inspectors.

• Heavy enforcement for oversize trucks in restricted areas.

Summary: Key Differences at a Glance