The Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Department of Transportation (DOT) limit the maximum registration weight for tractors and trucks in New York State. The following vehicles must have a permit:

• a tractor registered at a weight that exceeds 80,000 pounds
• a truck registered at a weight higher than the allowable weight as determined by the New York State Bridge Formula

For more information about the Bridge Formula, see Information Concerning Oversized/Overweight Vehicles (PDF) (MV-519).

Acceptable Proofs

• DOT Perm 65 form
• New York State or NYC overweight permit
• New York State or NYC special hauling permit

The weight indicated on your permit is the maximum allowable weight on your registration.

Definitions

Escorted vehicle - A large vehicle that, with its load included, exceeds the normal vehicle dimensions in height, length, width and/or overhang. An example of an escorted vehicle is a tractor-trailer combination that tows a manufactured home (a mobile home) or a large construction vehicle.

Escort vehicle - A marked vehicle with warning signs and lights that operates in front of or behind a large vehicle that exceeds normal vehicle dimensions in height, length, width and/or overhang. The escort vehicle protects the escorted vehicle and warns and protects other highway users. Escort vehicles must be operated by a certified escort driver.

Overhang - the portion of the load carried by a vehicle that extends past the main body of the vehicle in the front, to the rear, or to any side.

Requirements

A vehicle must have an escort vehicle if the escorted vehicle

• has a width of 12 feet or more (with its load included)
• has a length of 80 feet or more (with its load included)
• has a height of 14 feet or more (with its load included)
• has a load that extends past the main body of the vehicle (an overhang) of more than 10 feet

For information about Oversize, Overweight, and Special Hauling Permits, see the New York State DOT's permit information page. 

If you plan to travel within New York City, you must get per-day permits from the New York City Department of Transportation.