Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules regarding using pickup trucks on the Parkways?

Under the direction of Governor George E. Pataki, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles changed its regulations in the year 2000 regarding the procedure for registering light-duty pickup trucks. You can now get passenger class plates for a light-duty pickup truck. Prior to that change, a pickup truck received commercial plates unless you made significant changes to the vehicle. Once registered as a passenger vehicle, these light-duty pickup trucks qualify for using New York State Parkways.

Where may I get specific information on the rules for registering light-duty pickup trucks as passenger vehicles?

This information may be found on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website; https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-pick-truck-passenger-class-vehicle. Form MV-114 (Information For Pick-Up Truck Owners) gives more information (available from the Department of Motor Vehicles).

May I use the Parkways with my tour bus/school bus/special organization bus?

With limited exceptions, there are no permits issued for use of buses on the Parkways. Two of these exceptions involve special circumstances. Westchester County buses, on a limited basis, are allowed to use the Sprain Brook Parkway and the Taconic State Parkway (between the southern end and Route 35 on the north). These bus runs, for the most part, are done without passengers. Another exception category pertains to special circumstances where a highway construction project causes a significantly longer detour for school buses. An example of the this type of cirumstance occurred during the construction of the Miller Hill Road interchange on the Taconic State Parkway. School buses were allowed a limited usage of the Taconic State Parkway. Again, these runs were done without passenger involvement whenever possible.

Are State/County/Town trucks and buses allowed to use the Parkways?

Governmental agency (State, County, Town, etc.) vehicles, whether they be buses, trucks, or other commercial vehicles, have no more rights to be on the Parkway system than non-government commercial vehicles. This, of course, excludes highway maintenance vehicles, or the "HELP" (Highway Emergency Local Patrol) Program vehicles.

What are the limitations on using Commercial Trucks or Tractor Trailers on New York State Parkways?

For limitations on using Commercial Vehicles, Trucks or Tractor Trailers on Parkways please visit the following link:
New York State Parkways Commercial Vehicle Restriction brochure.