New York Thruway Authority Permit Rules for Oversize Loads

Dec. 1, 2025, 2:59 p.m.
The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) manages oversize and overweight vehicle travel on the Thruway system, including I-87, I-90, I-95, I-287, and key toll sections. Any commercial vehicle exceeding legal weight or dimension limits must obtain a Thruway Special Hauling Permit before entering the system. These permits ensure safe travel, protect Thruway infrastructure, and prevent significant penalties for unauthorized oversize movement.
New York Thruway Authority Permit

When You Need a Thruway Oversize/Overweight Permit

You must obtain a NYSTA permit if your vehicle or load exceeds any of the following legal limits:

Legal Vehicle Dimensions (Without Permit)

  • Width: 8 ft 6 in (102 inches)

  • Height: 13 ft 6 in

  • Length:

    • Single unit: 40 ft

    • Semi-trailer: 53 ft

    • Combination: 65 ft (varies by configuration)

Legal Weight Limits (Without Permit)

  • 80,000 lbs GVW

  • Standard axle limits:

    • 20,000 lbs per single axle

    • 34,000 lbs per tandem axle

    • (Spread axles calculated by formula)

Any load exceeding these requires a permit—even if you already have an NYSDOT OS/OW permit. NYSTA permits are separate and required specifically to operate on the Thruway.

Types of Thruway Permits

NYSTA offers several types of permits depending on the load and how often you travel:

1. Single-Trip Permit

For one-time travel with an oversize/overweight load.
Valid for a specific route and date.

2. Multi-Trip Permit

For carriers running oversize equipment frequently.
Common for construction fleets, crane companies, heavy haulers.

3. Annual Permit

Allows repeated travel for loads that are oversize but within certain acceptable thresholds (e.g., 12 ft wide or less).

Common Thruway Oversize Limits

Although permits are available, NYSTA has maximum allowable sizes they will approve:

  • Maximum Width: 16 ft (varies by segment)

  • Maximum Height: 14 ft 6 in

  • Maximum Gross Weight:

    • Typically up to 120,000 lbs, depending on axle spacing

    • Some moves require structural review

Loads exceeding these limits often require special engineering approval or may be rejected.

Travel Time Restrictions

General Allowed Hours

Most oversize loads can travel:

  • Sunrise to Sunset, Monday through Friday

No Travel Allowed

  • Weekends for many oversize loads

  • Major holidays and holiday weekends

  • During severe weather warnings

  • Night travel, unless specifically authorized

Extra-large loads may require State Police escort and travel during off-peak windows.

Escort Requirements

Escort rules on the NY Thruway depend on dimensions:

  • Width 12’–14’ → 1 escort

  • Width 14’–16’ → 2 escorts

  • Superloads may require:

    • Police escorts

    • Utility escorts

    • Pilot vehicle certifications

Applying for a Thruway Oversize Permit

Carriers must apply through the https://www.newyorktruckingonline.com/ .

The application requires:

  • Vehicle dimensions

  • Axle weights and spacing

  • Route requested

  • Dates and times of travel

  • Load description (divisible or non-divisible)

Applications for superloads may require multiple days for review.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating an oversize/overweight vehicle on the Thruway without a permit can lead to:

  • Fines

  • Vehicle impoundment

  • Detention until permits are obtained

  • Possible bans from future permit approval

  • Delays due to required off-loading or re-routing

NYSTA enforces these rules aggressively, especially at toll plazas.

Key Takeaways

  • The Thruway Authority requires its own OS/OW permits—separate from NYSDOT permits.

  • Permits are required for any load exceeding standard size or weight limits.

  • Travel is restricted to specific hours, days, and approved routes.

  • Escorts and engineering approvals may be required depending on load size.

  • Violating Thruway oversize rules can be very costly.