Frequently Asked Questions
A. Do I need a permit because my tractor trailer or truck is over legal weight or dimensions in New York State?
- Legal Dimensions, Weights and Gross Weights for New York State
- Perm 71b
- Federal Bridge Weight
- Find out "What is Your Legal Weight?"
- Qualifying and Access Highways Manual
B. What is a Divisible Load?
A "divisible load" is any vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting cargo of legal dimensions that can be separated into units of legal weight without affecting the physical integrity of the load. Examples of divisible loads include: aggregate (sand, top soil, gravel, stone), logs, scrap metal, fuel, milk, trash/refuse/garbage, etc.
C. What is a Non-divisible Load?
A non-divisible load refers any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:
a) Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e. make it unusable for its intended purpose (i.e. manufactured/modular home, transformer, bulldozer, or a self-contained, self-propelled construction vehicle such as a crane, well-drilling rig, backhoe, pay loader, etc.); or
b) Require more than 8 work-hours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant has the burden of proof as to the number of work-hours required to dismantle the load; or
c) Compromise the intended use of the vehicle, i.e. make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended.
A Special Hauling Permit is generally issued for the transportation of a single piece or item. However, multiple items such as wood trusses, precast concrete pipe or manholes, construction equipment, etc, are allowable as long the addition items do not cause an overweight condition or cause an additional over dimension condition. A permit will not be issued for any load that can be reduced to legal weight or dimensions.
D. Do my vehicles need to be registered before I request a permit?
It is necessary for the vehicles to be registered as the permit identifies both the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and plates.
E. How much weight can I be permitted to carry?
For Divisible Load Overweight Permits, the Quick Reference for Anticipated Gross Permit Weights guide will provide guidance for single unit vehicles and for combinations of vehicles applying for a Type 1A permit.
For all other Divisible Load Overweight Permit types, call the Divisible Load Permit Unit at (888) 783-1685, Option 1.
For Special Hauling Permits (non-divisible loads), call the Special Hauling Permit Unit at (888) 783-1685, Option 2.
F. What is meant by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and how do I find it?
The "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" is the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single motor vehicle. This value is traditionally on a data plate affixed to the driver's side door jamb. On trailers, the data plate is generally affixed to the unit's frame
G. What is meant by the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and how do I find it?
Gross axle weight rating is the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of an individual axle or a grouping of axles. These values are traditionally on a data plate affixed to the driver's side door jamb. In the event the data plate is missing or cannot be read, the applicant may consider contacting the manufacturer of the vehicle for the specifications or bringing the vehicle to a dealer or suspension shop to have the gross axle weight ratings and gross vehicle weight rating certified. While the rating information is required when requesting a permit, the applicant is not required to submit physical proof of that information.
H. What is meant by "Sum of Manufacturer's Tire Ratings" and how do I find it?
The tire rating is the maximum load in pounds as stated by the tire manufacturer. This rating is located on the sidewall of the tire.
To determine the Sum of the Manufacturer's Tire Ratings;
- If there are only 2 tires on an axle, use the Single rating in pounds and multiply by two (2).
- If there are 4 tires on an axle, use the Dual rating in pounds and multiply by four (4).
I. How is trailer length measured?
The trailer length is measured from the foremost point of the trailer body to the rearmost point of the trailer body.
J. How is axle spacing measured?
Axle spacing is the distance from the center of one axle to the center of the next adjacent axle. The measurement should be in inches.
K. How do I request a permit?
Applicants can order NYSDOT Special Hauling Permits, NYSDOT Divisible Load Overweight Permits, New York State Thruway Authority Permits, and New York State Bridge Authority Permits using the Department’s Highway Oversize Overweight Credentialing System (HOOCS). The link to the HOOCS website is below. This page includes links to user tutorials and guides.
Highway Oversize Overweight Credentialing System (HOOCS)
New York State Department of Transportation
Central Permit Office
50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor
Albany, NY 12232
Additional options exist for applying for a permit. For details please call us at (888) 783-1685 or visit the Divisible Load or Special Hauling permit website pages for those permit types.
- For New York State Thruway, permit applications are accepted online only .
- For New York State Bridge Authority permit applications, please visit the NYS Bridge Authority web site.
- For New York City permit information, please visit the New York City Department of Transportation website.
L. What payment forms are acceptable when obtaining a permit?
VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are acceptable and can be used to pay for approved permits or to add money to escrow to be used to pay for permit. Money orders and checks (both personal and business) are also accepted. (Canadian customers: Must be in U.S. funds.)
M. How Can I contact the New York State Department of Transportation Central Permit Office?
You can call toll-free number (888) 783-1685 or locally at (518) 485-2999. For Divisible Load Overweight Permits, Press OPTION 1. Special Hauling Permits, Press OPTION 2. You may also email our office: permits@dot.ny.gov
N. If I have a pup trailer, do I have to register the power unit for the total combined weight of the truck and trailer?
No - Each unit must be registered for the total gross weight that it will carry.
O. Can I move equipment or use my divisible load weight permit with a special hauling permit?
No - You cannot use a Divisible Load Weight Permit in combination with a Special Hauling Permit. However, you can use a Divisible Load Weight Permit to move multiple pieces of equipment if all dimensions of the vehicle are within legal limits and the vehicle and load are overweight only.
P. What happens if my permit is confiscated/seized by the police?
NYS Division of State Police has notified the Department that they will no longer confiscate or seize permits. However other enforcement agencies may continue to do so. If this happens to you please contact the Central Permit Office at (888) 783-1685 and ask for assistance.
Q. What roads are permits valid?
Permits issued by the New York State Department of Transportation are only valid on roads under that agency's jurisdiction. Generally, State permits are not valid on local highways. Authority from the locality must be obtained if contemplating use of their highways. Exceptions to this include the New York State Thruway, which allows the use of permitted vehicles and a vehicle operating under a Sani-Van permit.
