Cars & Driving · New York City
Oversize Trucks Need a Daily Route Permit in the City
Before sending an over-dimensional truck through the Bronx, check DOT's daily permit route process rather than relying on normal truck-route habits.
Published June 24, 2026 · Last verified June 24, 2026
Most drivers can learn a truck route once and repeat it. Oversize loads are different. NYC 311 says over-dimensional trucks are not allowed on city streets without a valid permit that designates a travel route, and that oversize or overweight vehicles need a daily over-dimensional permit for each trip.
DOT’s overdimensional permit page sends applicants to the daily permit process and lists a DOT contact for help. In the Bronx, where bridges, parkways, industrial corridors, school streets, and tight commercial blocks are close together, the route detail is the point.
A contractor, mover, or equipment hauler should not treat this as a normal GPS problem. Confirm whether the vehicle exceeds allowed dimensions, get the trip-specific permit if required, and follow the route assigned by the city.
Before opening the permit form, write down the vehicle dimensions and the planned trip. Keep the daily permit and its designated route with the driver. If DOT sends the application to another contact, record that handoff with the trip paperwork.