No person shall operate or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be operated or moved on any highway or bridge thereon, in any county not wholly included within a city, any vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight exceeding the limitations provided for in this section. Except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision fifteen of this section, no person shall operate or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be operated or moved on any highway or bridge thereon, in any city not wholly included within one county, any vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight exceeding the limitations provided for in the rules and regulations of the city department of transportation of such city adopted pursuant to section sixteen hundred forty-two of this chapter.
Before making such notification, such county legislative body shall consult with units of local government within the county in which the specific segment of such system is located, as well as the county legislative body of any county adjacent to the requesting county that might be directly affected by such exemption. As part of such consultations, consideration shall be given to any potential alternative route that:
The county legislative body shall transmit with such notification specific evidence of safety problems that supports such determination and the results of consultations regarding any alternative route.
If the commissioner of transportation determines, upon request by a county legislative body or on the commissioner's own initiative, that any segment of the state highway system is not capable of safely accommodating motor vehicles having the widths set forth in this paragraph, the commissioner shall exempt such segment from the provisions of this paragraph.
W = 500 ((LxN)/(N-1) + (12xN)+36)
where W equals overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds, L equals distance in feet from the center of the foremost axle to the center of the rearmost axle of any group of two or more consecutive axles, and N equals number of axles in group under consideration, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds each providing the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet or more.
For any vehicle or combination of vehicles having a total gross weight of seventy-one thousand pounds or greater, paragraph (b) shall apply to determine maximum gross weight which is permitted hereunder.
Effective January first, two thousand five, no vehicle or combination of vehicles issued a permit pursuant to this paragraph shall cross a bridge designated as an R-posted bridge by the commissioner of transportation or any other permit issuing authority absent a determination by such commissioner or permit issuing authority that the permit applicant has demonstrated special circumstances warranting the crossing of such bridge or bridges and a determination by such commissioner or permit issuing authority that such bridge or bridges may be crossed safely, provided, however, that in no event shall a vehicle or combination of vehicles issued a permit under this paragraph be permitted to cross a bridge designated as an R-posted bridge if such vehicle or combination of vehicles has a maximum gross weight exceeding one hundred two thousand pounds, and provided further, however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize any vehicle or combination of vehicles to cross any such bridge within any city not wholly included within one county unless such vehicle or combination of vehicles has been issued a valid permit by the city department of transportation of such city pursuant to this subdivision.
No vehicle having a model year of two thousand six or newer shall be issued a permit pursuant to this paragraph unless each axle of such vehicle or combination of vehicles, other than steerable or trackable axles, is equipped with two tires on each side of the axle, any air pressure controls for lift axles are located outside the cab of the vehicle and are beyond the reach of occupants of the cab while the vehicle is in motion, the weight on any grouping of two or more axles is distributed such that no axle in the grouping carries less than eighty percent of any other axle in the grouping and any liftable axle is steerable or trackable; and, further provided, after December thirtyfirst, two thousand nineteen, no permit shall be issued pursuant to this paragraph to a vehicle of any model year that does not meet the requirements of this provision, except that such permits may be issued prior to January first, two thousand twenty to a vehicle that does not meet the requirement concerning axle grouping weight distribution, but meets all other requirements of this section.
A divisible load permit may only be transferred to a replacement vehicle by the same registrant or transferred with the permitted vehicle as part of the sale or transfer of the permit holder's business; or, if the divisible load permit is issued pursuant to subparagraph (iv), (v) or (vi) of this paragraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess and has been effective for the five years preceding a transfer of such permit, the permit may be transferred with the permitted vehicle in the sale of the permitted vehicle to the holder of a permit issued pursuant to subparagraph (iv), (v) or (vi) of this paragraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess.
If a permit holder operates a vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of any posted weight restriction, the permit issued to such vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be deemed void as of the next day and shall not be reissued for a period of twelve calendar months.
Until June thirtieth, nineteen hundred ninety-four, no more than sixteen thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period in accordance with this paragraph. After June thirtieth, nineteen hundred ninety-four, no more than sixteen thousand five hundred power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirtyfirst, nineteen hundred ninety-five, no more than seventeen thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand three, no more than twenty-one thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirtyfirst, two thousand five, no more than twenty-two thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand six, no more than twenty-three thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand seven, no more than twenty-four thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand eight, no more than twentyfive thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand sixteen, no more than twenty-seven thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period.
Whenever permit application requests exceed permit availability, the department shall renew annual permits that have been expired for less than four years which meet program requirements, and then shall issue permit applicants having less than three divisible load permits such additional permits as the applicant may request, providing that the total of existing and new permits does not exceed three. Remaining permits shall be allocated by lottery in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner in rules and regulations.
The department of transportation may issue a seasonal agricultural permit in accordance with subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph that will be valid for four consecutive months with a fee equal to one-half the annual permit fees established under this subdivision.
For a vehicle issued a permit in accordance with subparagraphs (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this paragraph, such a vehicle must have been registered in this state prior to January first, nineteen hundred eighty-six or be a vehicle or combination of vehicles which replace such type of vehicle which was registered in this state prior to such date provided that the manufacturer's recommended maximum gross weight of the replacement vehicle or combination of vehicles does not exceed the weight for which a permit may be issued and the maximum load to be carried on the replacement vehicle or combination of vehicles does not exceed the maximum load which could have been carried on the vehicle being replaced or the registered weight of such vehicle, whichever is lower, in accordance with the following subparagraphs:
Any additional special authorizations contained in a currently valid annual permit shall cease upon the expiration of such current annual permit.
Each axle of such combination of vehicles, other than steerable or trackable axles, shall be equipped with two tires on each side of the axle, any air pressure controls for lift axles shall be located outside the cab of the combination of vehicles and shall be beyond the reach of occupants of the cab while the combination of vehicles is in motion, the weight on any grouping of two or more axles shall be distributed such that no axle in the grouping carries less than eighty percent of any other axle in the grouping, and any liftable axle of such combination of vehicles shall be steerable or trackable.
Until December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four, a permit may only be issued for such a vehicle having a maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty-two thousand pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed sixty-two thousand pounds.
After January first, nineteen hundred ninety-five, the operation of such a vehicle shall be further limited and a permit may only be issued for such a vehicle having a maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-nine thousand pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-nine thousand pounds, and any tridem shall not exceed sixty-four thousand pounds.
A permit may be issued only until December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four for a vehicle having at least three axles and a wheelbase between fifteen and seventeen feet. The maximum gross weight of such a vehicle shall not exceed seventy-three thousand two hundred eighty pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-four thousand pounds.
No vehicle having a model year of two thousand six or newer shall be issued a permit pursuant to this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess unless it is equipped with at least four axles, and further provided, after December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen, no permit shall be issued pursuant to this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess to a vehicle of any model year unless the vehicle is equipped with at least four axles.
Within a city not wholly included within one county and the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess, a permit may be issued for a vehicle or combination of vehicles having at least five axles and a wheelbase of at least thirty feet. The maximum gross weight of such vehicle or combination of vehicles shall not exceed ninety-three thousand pounds and any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-seven thousand pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed forty-five thousand pounds.
Until December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four, the maximum gross weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles permitted under this subparagraph shall not exceed one hundred twenty thousand pounds and any tandem or tridem axle group weight shall not exceed sixty-nine thousand pounds, provided, however, that any replacement vehicle or combination of vehicles permitted after the effective date of this subparagraph shall have at least six axles, any tandem axle group shall not exceed fifty thousand pounds and any tridem axle group shall not exceed sixty-nine thousand pounds.
After December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four, the tridem axle group weight of any vehicle or combination of vehicles issued a permit under this subparagraph shall not exceed sixty-seven thousand pounds, any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty thousand pounds and any single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand seven hundred fifty pounds.
After December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-nine, all vehicles issued a permit under this subparagraph must have at least six axles.
After December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen, all combinations of vehicles issued a permit under this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess must have at least seven axles and a wheelbase of at least forty-three feet.
After December thirty-first, two thousand six, no permits shall be issued under this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess for a vehicle or combination of vehicles having less than seven axles or having a wheelbase of less than forty-three feet, provided, however, that permits may be issued for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess for vehicles or combinations of vehicles where the permit applicant demonstrates that the applicant acquired the vehicle or combination of vehicles prior to December thirty-first, two thousand six, and that if the vehicle or combination of vehicles was acquired by the applicant after the effective date of this provision, such vehicle or combination of vehicles is less than fifteen years old. In instances where the application is for a combination of vehicles, the applicant shall demonstrate that the power unit of such combination satisfies the conditions of this subparagraph. In no event shall a permit be issued under this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess for a vehicle or combination of vehicles having less than seven axles or having a wheelbase of less than forty-three feet after December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen.
Except as otherwise provided by this subparagraph for the period ending December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen, after December thirty-first, two thousand three, any combination of vehicles issued a permit under this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess shall not exceed one hundred twenty thousand pounds, shall have at least seven axles, shall have a wheelbase of at least forty-three feet, and single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand seven hundred fifty pounds, any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed forty-eight thousand pounds, any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed sixty-three thousand pounds and any four axle group shall not exceed sixty-five thousand pounds.
From the date of enactment of this paragraph, permit applications under subparagraphs (i), (ii), (ii-a), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this paragraph for vehicles registered in this state may be honored by the commissioner of transportation or other appropriate authority. The commissioner of transportation and other appropriate authorities may confer and develop a system through rules and regulations to assure compliance herewith.
Percent of excess weight Amount of fine
(percentage) (dollars) greater than less than or equal to
0 2.0 150
2.0 4.0 300
4.0 6.0 450
6.0 7.0 525
7.0 8.0 600
8.0 10.0 750
10.0 12.0 950
12.0 14.0 1,150
14.0 16.0 1,350
16.0 18.0 1,550
18.0 20.0 1,750
20.0 22.0 1,950
22.0 24.0 2,150
24.0 26.0 2,350
26.0 28.0 2,550
28.0 30.0 2,750
30.0 32.0 2,950
32.0 34.0 3,150
34.0 36.0 3,350
36.0 38.0 3,550
38.0 40.0 3,750
40.0 3,750
or greater plus $125 for each percent over 40 percent
(NOTE: Where the total weight, axle weight or axle grouping weight is greater than seven percent including any applicable enforcement scale tolerance in excess of the limits specified by a permit in areas outside a city not wholly contained in one county, the permit shall be deemed voided and then the amount of fine shall be determined in accordance with the maximum weight which would have been in effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed such maximum weight had not been issued.
(pounds) Amount of Fine
greater thanless than or equal to(dollars)
0 2,000 50
2,000 3,000 75
3,000 4,000 100
4,000 5,000 200
5,000 6,000 300
6,000 7,000 400
7,000 8,000 500
8,000 9,000 600
9,000 10,000 700
10,000 15,000 1,200
15,000 20,000 1,700
20,000 25,000 2,200
25,000 30,000 2,700
30,000 35,000 3,200
35,000 40,000 3,700
40,000 45,000 4,200
45,000 50,000 or greater 4,700
(NOTE: Where the excess total weight is greater than the limits specified by a permit, the permit shall be deemed voided and then the amount of fine shall be determined in accordance with the maximum weight which would have been in effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed such maximum weight had not been issued.)
Percentage of excess weight
(percentage)Amount of Fine
greater thanless than or equal to(dollars)
0 5.0 100
5.0 10.0 200
10.0 15.0 350
15.0 20.0 600
20.0 25.0 1000
25.0 30.0 1600
30.0 35.0 2450
35.0 40.0 3600
40.0 45.0 5100
45.0 7000
(NOTE: Where the excess axle or axles weight is greater than the limits specified by a permit, the permit shall be deemed voided and then the amount of fine shall be determined in accordance with the maximum weight which would have been in effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed such maximum weight had not been issued.)
N.Y. Veh. and Traf. Law § 385