Truck Route Restrictions in New York City and the Five Boroughs

Oct. 24, 2025, 5:54 a.m.
Navigating New York City with commercial vehicles requires strict adherence to designated truck routes and compliance with size, weight, and operational restrictions. Here's an overview of the key regulations for trucks operating within NYC's five boroughs:
Truck Route Restrictions in New York City and the Five Boroughs

NYC Truck Route Regulations

1. Designated Truck Routes

  • Local Truck Routes: For trucks with origins or destinations within the same borough.

  • Through Truck Routes: For trucks passing through the city without stopping.

  • Trucks must use the shortest and most direct path between a designated route and their destination or origin. 

2. Size and Weight Restrictions

  • 53-foot Trailers: Prohibited from making pickups or deliveries within NYC. They may only travel through the city via specific routes to reach Long Island.  

  • Box Trucks: Limited to a maximum length of 35 feet.  

  • Width and Height Limits: Vehicles exceeding 8 feet in width or 13 feet 6 inches in height are restricted on certain routes and parkways.  

3. Parkway Restrictions

Commercial vehicles are prohibited on most NYC parkways due to low overpasses and narrow lanes. Notable exceptions include:

  • Grand Central Parkway: Single-unit trucks with no more than three axles and ten tires may operate between the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge and the western leg of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.  

4. Prohibited Roadways

Certain streets are off-limits to commercial vehicles, including:

  • Fifth and Park Avenues: Specific segments prohibit commercial vehicles.

  • Brooklyn Bridge: Restrictions apply to certain vehicle types. 

 Resources for Truck Drivers

  • Interactive Truck Route Map: Access an interactive map detailing truck route regulations, including bridge heights and weight limits.  

  • Official NYC Truck Routes Map: Download the official map from NYC Open Data for detailed route planning.  

  • NYC DOT Truck Routing Page: Visit the NYC Department of Transportation's truck routing page for comprehensive information.  

 Enforcement and Compliance

Violations of truck route regulations can result in fines and penalties. It's crucial for drivers to plan their routes in advance using official maps and avoid relying solely on standard GPS systems, which may not account for truck-specific restrictions.