Who Needs a Trucking Permit in New York State

Dec. 18, 2025, 3:42 p.m.
Clear explanation of who needs a trucking permit in New York State covering key situations where carriers must get state permits or credentials
Who Needs a Trucking Permit in New York State

 

Who Needs a Trucking Permit in New York State

1. Commercial Vehicles Exceeding Legal Size or Weight

If your truck or combination exceeds New York’s legal maximum weight or dimensions, you must obtain the appropriate permit before travel:

  • Vehicles that exceed state weight limits (e.g., over the allowable New York Bridge Formula limits or registered weight above 80,000 lbs) need an overweight/oversize permit from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) or DMV.  

  • A Special Hauling Permit is required if you transport very heavy, oversized, or unusually configured loads — especially for travel on the New York State Thruway.  

  • Separate city or Thruway permits may also be needed for oversize/overweight movements (e.g., NYC or NYS Thruway Authority rules).  

 This means any carrier whose vehicle + load exceed state limits must get a permit before operating on New York public highways.

2. Out-of-State Trucks Operating in NY Without IRP/IFTA

If you’re an out-of-state trucker not registered under IRP or IFTA and you intend to operate in New York:

  • You generally must get a New York Trip Permit to enter and operate in the state legally. 

  • A trip permit serves as a temporary credential in lieu of full IRP/IFTA registration when you’re visiting from another jurisdiction. 

3. Interstate Carriers With Commercial Vehicles

Even if you travel through New York as part of interstate commerce:

  • You need federal credentials (like a USDOT number) and must comply with federal regulations — but you also may need state permits if your vehicle or load doesn’t meet New York’s legal requirements for size or weight. 

  • Federal registration doesn’t automatically exempt you from state oversize/overweight permit requirements — state permits are separate and mandatory where applicable.  

4. Vehicles Exceeding Local NYC Limits

In New York City, even if you meet state standards:

  • Trucks that exceed the city’s specific size/weight limits must obtain a Daily Over-Dimensional Permit from the NYC Department of Transportation before operating in city limits.  

Quick Checklist of Who Needs Permits

You likely need a New York trucking permit if:
 Your truck + cargo exceed state weight or size limits.  
 You haul oversize or overweight loads, including special hauling on the Thruway.
 You’re out-of-state without IRP/IFTA and plan to operate in New York. 
 You operate within NYC with dimensions above city limits. 

Why Permits Are Required

New York enforces size and weight limits to:

  • Protect bridges and roadway infrastructure. 

  • Ensure safe travel around urban and rural areas. 

  • Maintain compliance with both state-level transport laws and local municipal regulations. 

 

https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/osss/truck/registration-licensing