How to read a New York oversize permit
NYSDOT special hauling permits are ordered in HOOCS, the same system that issues Thruway and Bridge Authority permits, and HOOCS builds the route from your origin and destination. NYSDOT tells drivers to use the routes of travel shown on the permit with no exceptions, and the permit covers only NYSDOT highways.
Issued by the New York State Department of Transportation, Central Permit Office through HOOCS (Highway Oversize Overweight Credentialing System). Written from NYSDOT's published rules; we haven't read a real New York permit yet.
How to read the route
NYSDOT has not published a sample permit, so we can't show how the route prints. HOOCS generates the route, and the applicant reviews 'the route and driving directions' before submitting. A Type 1 single-trip permit moves a load 'from one specific place to another by approved routes.' You can't change routes on an issued trip permit; a new route means a new permit.
Road names on New York permits
| On the permit | Means |
|---|---|
| I-87 | Interstate 87, which is the Thruway mainline north and south of Woodbury |
| I-90 | Interstate 90, the Thruway mainline north of Woodbury |
| I-190 | Interstate 190, the Thruway's Niagara Section |
| I-287 | Interstate 287, the Thruway's Cross Westchester Expressway |
| I-95 | Interstate 95, the Thruway's New England Section |
Where the route starts and ends
NYSDOT's permit guide (PERM 30) describes a single-trip permit as moving a load from one specific place to another by approved routes. How the printed permit words the start and end isn't published.
Conditions to watch for
Hauling days
Moves run Monday to Friday, in daylight (a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset), when the weather is good. Source
“A “Permissible Hauling Day” is any normal working day, Monday through Friday, during the daylight hours”
No night travel
No travel at night unless your permit says otherwise. Source
“No travel is allowed at night between the hours of one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise unless otherwise specified.”
Weekends and holidays
No moves on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Stop at noon on the working day before Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Loads within 12 feet wide, 85 feet long and legal height that keep highway speed may be allowed until noon Saturday. Source
“after 12 noon the day preceding Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day”
Certified escorts
NYSDOT generally puts a certified escort on permits for loads over 12 feet wide, 80 feet or longer, 14 feet or higher, or with 10 feet or more of overhang. Source
“greater than 12 feet in width”
Flags
Over 8 feet 6 inches wide, show 18-by-18-inch red flags front and rear on the left side, unless other warning devices or escorts are required. Source
“Vehicles over 8'6" in width shall display 18 inch by 18 inch red flags front and rear on the left side”
Other roads need other permits
An NYSDOT permit is good only on NYSDOT highways. The Thruway, parkways, county, town, city and village roads need permission from whoever runs them, and New York City has its own permit office. Source
“Permits issued by NYS Department of Transportation are valid only for highways under Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction.”
Easy to miss
- The Thruway needs its own permit. HOOCS issues Thruway permits too, but the Thruway doesn't honor NYSDOT annual or radius permits; you need a single-use Thruway permit.
- Before you roll, check the vehicle and load against the permit: plates, height, width, length, weights, axles and spacings. If anything doesn't match, NYSDOT says don't move until you have an amendment or a new permit.
- Routes can't be amended on an issued trip permit. If you need a different road, you need a new permit.
Questions
Can I move an oversize load on Saturday in New York?
Generally no. NYSDOT hauling days are Monday through Friday. Loads within 12 feet wide, 85 feet long and legal height that keep normal highway speed may be allowed from a half hour before sunrise until noon Saturday, unless that Saturday is a holiday.
Is my NYSDOT permit good on the New York State Thruway?
No. NYSDOT permits cover only NYSDOT highways. Thruway permits are ordered separately in HOOCS. The Thruway honors NYSDOT divisible load permits, but NYSDOT annual and radius permits need a single-use Thruway permit.
When do I need a certified escort in New York?
NYSDOT generally puts a certified escort on permits for loads over 12 feet wide, 80 feet or longer, 14 feet or higher, or with an overhang of 10 feet or more. Your permit says what you need.
Sources
- NYSDOT: NY Permits (Special Hauling)
- NYSDOT PERM 30: Information Concerning Special Hauling Permits (09/26)
- HOOCS login and home page
- HOOCS NYSDOT Spec Haul Customer Support Training Packet
- 17 NYCRR 154-1.12, escort and certified escort requirements (text via Cornell LII)
- NYS Thruway Authority: Special Hauling and HOOCS
- NYS Thruway TAP-623 Special Hauling Permit Program Guidelines (05/2021)
Your permit is the legal document; follow everything it says. Rules change; check NYSDOT's site before you move.Last checked October 2026.