Permits & Restrictions

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We are dedicated to safety for all travelers. To help keep both commercial drivers and the motoring public safe, we require special permits for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles and restrict travel at certain times.

Special Hauling Permits

A permit is required if the vehicle’s dimensions exceed any of the following:

Oversize Load Truck

  • Length: 85 feet
  • Weight: 100,000 lbs. (Any vehicle or load weighing over 100,000 pounds that is divisible will be denied.)*
  • Axle weight: 22,400 lbs. (27,000 lbs. maximum)
  • Height: 13’6” (Exceptions: Maximum height on the PA Turnpike 576, 43, I-376 and 66 is 14'.)
  • Width: Over 10'0" to a max of 11’6”. Width includes mirrors and all extending cargo. (Exceptions: Maximum width between (115) Wyoming Valley Ramp and (131) Clarks Summit Ramp (Northeast Extension) is 14'. The maximum width on the PA Turnpike 576, 43, I-376 and 66 is 14'.)**
  • Bumper overhang: A load or part thereof extending 5’ front or 15’ rear     

Apply for a Special Hauling Permit

*Note: Any vehicle or load over 80,000 lbs. may not exit at the Delaware River Bridge. As per N.J.A.C. 19:9-1.9,(b) & (c) of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) Regulations, vehicles exceeding the parameters set forth in the said regulations are restricted from the Toll Points for both the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. As such, you will need to seek an alternate access point from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

**Note: Vehicles between 8’6” wide and 10’ wide do not require a permit, but must follow time of day travel restrictions.

Divisible and Non-divisible Loads

The PTC will only issue overweight/over-dimensional permits for nondivisible vehicles and loads with a maximum gross vehicle weight of more than 100,000 lbs. Accordingly, customers are advised that a vehicle and load that weighs in excess of 100,000 lbs., and which does not meet the federal definition of nondivisible, cannot legally enter the PA Turnpike.

Definition of Nondivisible Load or Vehicle

Any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:

  • Compromise the intended use of the vehicle, (i.e., make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended);
  • Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, (i.e., make it unusable for its intended purpose); or
  • Require more than eight work hours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant for a nondivisible load permit has the burden of proof as to the number of work hours required to dismantle the load.

Permit Procedures & Fee for All-Electronic Tolling

Effective Jan. 3, 2021, the PA Turnpike Commission implemented a Special Hauling Permit Fee for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles across the Turnpike System. Operators of these vehicles must apply for a Special Hauling Permit and pay a $37 flat fee along with an additional 24 cent-per-ton-mile fee on all weight in excess of 80,000 lbs. Appropriate tolls will be assessed at time of travel.

Important to note - requirements for when a Special Hauling Permit is needed remain the same. For example, with weight restrictions, a permit is not required until the weight exceeds 100,000 lbs., but if it does, the per-ton-mile fee will be based on all weight in excess of 80,000 lbs.

  • All customers meeting the Special Hauling Permit for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles criteria must apply online for a Special Hauling Permit prior to travel on the PA Turnpike. Permit requests can be submitted anytime within two weeks of the anticipated travel day. However, allow at least one business day for permits that require engineering review, and two weeks for review of super loads.
  • Customers must pay a permit fee online using a credit card or ACH at the time the application is submitted and approved. There will be no print function for approved permits until permit fee payment is made. Note: There are no refunds for permit fees paid, even if the permit is not used.
  • All customers must print and carry a hard copy of the approved permit.
  • Tolls will be assessed electronically as customers travel the Turnpike System. There is no need to stop to process permits or pay tolls at interchanges.
  • Tolls will be charged to your E-ZPass account; if you do not have E-ZPass, an invoice will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle through the PA Turnpike's Toll By Plate system.
  • Do not stop at Toll Points to process permits, unless you were provided with special instructions during the permit approval process. Please read all information provided in the comments section of the permit for possible instructions or details regarding your travel.
  • If you have any questions or concerns while traveling, pull over safely and dial *11 for assistance.
  • While the permit fees for overweight/over-dimensional haulers are new, the toll rates have been adjusted so that the overall trip costs are comparable to those of traditional overweight/over-dimensional toll rates.
  • The PA Turnpike’s standard permit requirements — weight, width, length, height, axle weight, etc. — remain in effect with the new Special Hauling Permit procedures.
No Cash Toll Sign

Toll Payment

Toll payment for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles loads can be made by E-ZPass or Toll By Plate.

Escorts and Approvals

When an escort vehicle is required in addition to the permit:

Truck hauling large pipes
  • Total vehicle length is over 90’
  • Total vehicle width over 11’
  • Total vehicle width over 11’6” between interchanges 115 to 131
  • Total vehicle width over 11’6” on PA Turnpike 43, I-376, 66, and 576
  • Bumper overhang of 5’ front or 15’ rear
  • Other reasons at the discretion of the PA Turnpike Commission

When engineering department approval is required:

  • Total vehicle weight in excess of 100,000 lbs.
  • Axle weight of 25,000 lbs. (27,000 lbs. maximum)

When a state police escort by Troop T is required:

  • If total vehicle length is over 160’

Holiday and Time of Day Travel Restrictions

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, all overweight/over-dimensional movements must travel between dawn and dusk Monday to Thursday, and between dawn and noon on Friday. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, all overweight/over-dimensional movements must travel between dawn and dusk Monday to Friday, and between dawn and noon on Saturday.

    2024 Holiday Restrictions:

    • Easter 2024
      From 3:00 P.M., local time, Thursday, March 28 to 11:00 P.M., local time, Monday, April 1, 2024.
    • Memorial Day 2024
      From 3:00 P.M., local time, Thursday, May 23 to 11:00 P.M., local time, Monday, May 27, 2024.
    • Independence Day 2024
      From 5:00 A.M., local time, Friday, June 28 to 11:00 P.M., local time, Sunday, July 7, 2024.
    • Labor Day 2024
      From 3:00 P.M., local time, Thursday, August 29 to 11:00 P.M., local time, Monday, September 2, 2024.
    • Thanksgiving Day 2024
      From 5:00 A.M., local time, Tuesday, November 26 to 11:00 P.M., local time, Sunday, December 1, 2024.
    • Christmas and New Years 2024-25
      From 5:00 A.M., local time, Friday, December 20, 2024, to 11:00 P.M., local time, Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

     

    Permit Office Information

    General Information

    All PA Turnpike permits expire after five authorized travel days have elapsed, in accordance with above mentioned travel restrictions.

    Overweight/over-dimensional vehicle fares, click here (in the vehicle details panel, select Weight Class 9). This will be the toll assessed at time of travel, which is in addition to the permit fee paid during the permit application process.

    Payment for overweight/over-dimensional vehicle loads can be made using E-ZPass or Toll By Plate.

    The Permit Office is closed for the following holidays:

    New Year’s Day, Martin L. King's Birthday, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

    Still need help with Special Hauling Permits?

    *Note: Allow one business day for permits that require engineering review, and two weeks for review of super loads.

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