New Jersey commercial vehicle weight limits follow the federal Interstate standard of 80,000 lbs gross, 22,400 lbs per single axle, and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle group. The federal bridge formula (23 U.S.C. 127) applies on all routes. No seasonal weight restrictions on Interstate highways. Oversize and overweight permits are available from NJ DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the New Jersey DOT before routing heavy loads.
The federal bridge formula limits the weight on any group of axles based on the distance between the outermost axles in the group. It applies in New Jersey on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
New Jersey oversize/overweight permits issued by NJDOT at njdot.gov/permits.shtml. Single-trip permits for most oversize/overweight loads. Annual permits for qualifying routine operations. Superload permits require engineering review. NJ Turnpike Authority (NJTA) may have separate requirements for oversize moves on the Turnpike. Port Authority routes near Newark have specific height and weight restrictions that must be verified separately from NJDOT permits.
Apply for New Jersey OS/OW Permit →On New Jersey Interstate highways, the maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 lbs — the federal standard. New Jersey allows 22,400 lbs on a single axle on state routes (above the federal 20,000 lb limit). Overweight permits from NJDOT are required for loads exceeding standard limits.
No. New Jersey does not impose seasonal spring weight restrictions on paved roads. The dense paved road network and mild climate do not create the frost heave conditions seen in northern states. However, local bridge and road postings are strictly enforced year-round — always verify bridge ratings on local delivery routes, particularly in older industrial and residential areas.
New Jersey oversize/overweight permits are issued by NJDOT at njdot.gov/permits.shtml. Apply online for single-trip or annual permits. The NJ Turnpike Authority handles oversize moves on the Turnpike separately from NJDOT. Port Authority routes near Newark and Elizabeth have specific requirements. For superloads, engineering review is required. Allow adequate lead time for permit approval in New Jersey's high-traffic regulatory environment.
Intermodal containers at Port Newark/Port Elizabeth are subject to standard NJ weight limits when on public highways. The Port Authority of NY & NJ and shipping lines regulate container weight maximums — overweight containers require chassis upgrades and may require permits. NJ roads near the port have posted weight limits on approaches. TWIC credentials are required for port access regardless of vehicle weight.
New Jersey has an extensive network of bridge weight postings, particularly on local roads, county routes, and older municipal bridges. Posted weight limits are strictly enforced — overweight vehicles on posted bridges face substantial fines. Before routing last-mile deliveries in New Jersey, verify bridge ratings on planned routes using NJDOT bridge data or commercial routing software with NJ bridge database integration.
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: New Jersey NJ Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04