On a regular basis the Oregon Department of Transportation receives inquiries from local governments about how to designate local truck routes. These requests are typically responded to in a variety of ways by various ODOT staff. Based on the outcome of a recent Supreme Court case, ODOT may delegate authority to local jurisdictions to designate local truck routes for safety reasons. In order to ensure consistency and provide a framework for making decisions on local truck route designations, ODOT needs a procedure to guide ODOT staff and local jurisdictions. The purpose of this document is to outline the procedure and lay out the necessary steps to seek approval of a local truck route by the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC). It also provides additional information on local truck routes so that ODOT and local jurisdictions have a common understanding of the issues.
LexisNexis is the publisher of the New Jersey Register and the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.). The New Jersey Registeris the official journal of state agency rulemaking. Published twice a month, the Register contains the full text of rules that state agencies propose and adopt as well as notices of public hearings, gubernatorial orders and other notices. The New Jersey Administrative Code is a compilation of all the rules of state agencies.
To purchase a copy of the New Jersey Registeror the New Jersey Administrative Code, contact LexisNexis Customer Service at 800.833.9844 or go to the LexisNexis bookstore.
The New Jersey Registerand the New Jersey Administrative Codemay be available for review at individual public and university libraries throughout the state. Contact the individual library directly to find out if they are available.
This is a courtesy copy of the rule adoption as it was submitted to the Office of Administrative Law. The official version appears in the January 22, 2008 New Jersey Register. Should there be any discrepancies between this courtesy copy and the official version, the official version will govern. The public comment period for the rule proposal, upon which this adoption is based, ended on February 16, 2007. The Department reviewed and considered the comments as part of the regulation promulgation process, before adopting these regulations. The Department will continue to work with the Truck Task Force to ensure that the regulations create a unified truck transportation network and balance federal constitutional mandates with New Jersey's safety, law enforcement and commerce interests.
This is a courtesy copy of N.J.A.C. 16:32, the Department of Transportation's rules regarding permitted routes, width restrictions, length requirements, and access to terminals and other facilities for large trucks. The official version is available from LexisNexis, the publisher of the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.). Should there be any discrepancies between this courtesy copy and the official version, the official version will govern.
These rules (pdf 437k) were developed through consultation with a truck task force, chaired by the Commissioner of Transportation, consisting of affected constituency groups, including the Leaque of Municipalities, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Motor Truck Association.
The truck routing rules replace emergency rules that were adopted on June 22, 2006. The emergency rules were proposed in February 2006 in response to the decision of the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court's finding that New Jersey's truck routing rules violated the provisions of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Under the direction of Governor Jon S. Corzine, this decision was raised to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear the appeal on October 2, 2006.
These rules, as adopted, appeared in the January 22, 2008 New Jersey Register, where they were effective upon publication.
The hierachy of roadways outlined in the new rules includes the National Network (comprised primarily of Interstate highways, the Atlantic City Expressway, and the New Jersey Turnpike and parts of other roads such as Routes 42, 81, 130, 322 and 440), the New Jersey Access Network (comprised of State highways and some county roadways) and local unrestricted roadways.
The final rules require large trucks to utilize the National Network unless seeking food, fuel, rest, repairs or to reach a terminal by the direct route, which entails the shortest travel distance. Upon completing each trip, the large truck should return to the National Network in a manner consistent with reaching its next terminal. Trips off the National Network or the New Jersey Access Network onto all other local unrestricted roadways should only be for the purpose of accessing a terminal on those roadways by the shortest distance.
Standards and procedures for truck operations in New Jersey are defined by administrative code (N.J.A.C. 16:32). The code spells out permitted routes, width restrictions, length requirements, access to terminals and other facilities.
The New Jersey large truck routing regulations (pdf 115k) were established in compliance with the Federal Highway Administration's regulations for truck size and weight and the reasonable access provisions for commercial motor vehicles authorized by the amended federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982.
The regulation of freight movement is complex, governed by a mixture of federal, state and local regulations. These are some of the most commonly requested Commercial Motor Vehicles regulations. Additional local restrictions and ordinances may also apply to these vehicles.
Oversight of the transportation of hazardous materials is provided by the New Jersey State Police consistent with the regulations issued by the U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), is responsible for the adoption of the hazardous material regulations and ensures that the rules conform to the requirements established by the USDOT under Title 49 CFR, 100 - 185.
The regulations establish and define the criteria that apply to the safe interstate and intrastate transport of hazardous materials. They provide a comprehensive set of rules for their shipping, packaging, marking, labeling, play carding, handling and transportation.
Transporting hazardous materials
Hazardous Materials Rules are available through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For an expedited hazmat transporter registration number, contact USDOT RSPA at 1.800.942.6990.
To obtain hazardous materials placards call the New Jersey Motor Truck Association at 732.254.5000.
New Jersey participates with the federal government in the MCSAP grant program to reduce commercial motor vehicle accidents, fatalities and injuries through consistent, uniform and effective safety programs for trucks and buses. To this end, the state adopts and enforces rules, regulations and standards which are compatible with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations for both interstate and intrastate carriers and drivers.
Federal grant monies are provided for use in safety programs that help identify and correct safety defects, driver deficiencies and unsafe motor practices before they become contributing factors in accidents. These programs include the vehicle and driver safety inspections that are conducted by the New Jersey State Police.
NJDOT has been designated as the lead agency in New Jersey to plan, apply and administer MCSAP grant funds for vehicle and driver safety improvements.
Important facts about commercial vehicles include the size, weight and the load type.
Width, height, length and weight restrictions The maximum dimensions are 102 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches high, and of 53 foot-long trailers. Maximum single axle weight is 22,400 pounds and tandem axle is 34,000 pounds, with a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds.
The entire statute regarding truck dimensions is N.J.S.A. 39:3-84 Dimensional Restrictions.
Oversized load permit procedures; route escorts The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Bureau of Motor Carriers issues permits through personal appearance, mail, or wire service. Application forms are provided to customers only in-person or by mail.
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission 225 East State Street PO Box 133 Trenton, NJ 08666 609.633.9402
The base fee for a permit is $10. Additional fees apply when purchasing through wire service.
Onsite wire services are available for Interstate Permits (1.800.251.5237), Xero-Fax (1.800.937.6329), and Transceiver (1.800.257-.9003).
The permit is valid for 72 hours, according to N.J.A.C. 13:18 Executive And Administrative Service, Subchapter 1 Permits for Over dimensional or Overweight Vehicles.
(Tolls are collected in the westbound direction on the following seven toll bridges only: Milford-Montague Route 206, Delaware Water Gap I-80, Portland-Columbia Route 46, Easton-Phillipsburg Route 22, I-78, New Hope-Lambertville Route 202, Trenton-Morrisville Route 1)
Does New Jersey have idling restrictions? Where can I find information about New Jersey, county and local anti-idling regulations?
Information is available for New Jersey programs and the state and local regulations and how you can save money while reducing emissions on the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership web site.
Where can I get the forms to give to my doctor for my USDOT physical? Forms are available online. Also, contact the New Jersey Motor Truck Association at 732.254.5000.
What are the hours of service rules? Information is available online. Also, contact Federal Motor Carrier Administration hours of service help line at 1.800.598.5664.
What are the training requirements for entry-level drivers? Information is available online, note the driver qualifications section. Also, contact FMCSA Information Line at 1.800.832.5660.
A variety of rules apply to the general operation of trucks. These are some of the most common operating issues. In addition, check with individual municipalities to confirm local regulations and laws as they may apply.
Vehicle issues
What information has to appear on my commercial vehicle? The name of the owner, lessee or lessor of the vehicle, the name of the municipality of their primary place of business and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The sign must be in plain view, and the letters must be not less than 3 inches tall. Operators of fleets with 50 or more commercial vehicles may instead display a corporate identification number. More details are available in N.J.S.A. 39:4-46 Commercial vehicles shall display name plate.
How can I get a roadside inspection report? FAX a request on company letterhead listing the date and inspection number to the New Jersey Department of Transportation at 609.530.5270.
Where are the commercial truck weigh stations? Permanent weigh stations are located at:
* I-78 EB and WB at mile marker 3.0 * I-80 EB 1 mile east of the Pennsylvania State Line * I-287 NB at mile marker 9.0 * I-295 NB at Mile Marker 3.6, Carney's Point
New Jersey also uses portable scales.
Contact Division of State Police, Commercial Vehicle Inspection: 609.452.2601 Extension 5923.
Operators of commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses and vehicles hauling hazardous materials, must satisfy more stringent driver testing standards than drivers of non-commercial vehicles.
For example, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required to drive a tractor trailer or any truck or trailer with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) over 26,001 pounds or any vehicle transporting hazardous material requiring a placard.
New Jersey, at the center of trade, has always been a leader in providing the transportation infrastructure necessary to keep the economy on the move. Besides being at the crossroads of the domestic freight movement, New Jersey is the East Coast's leading gateway for global commerce -- its front door to the world.
Large trucks play a major role in the New Jersey economy, a part of the larger freight industry that includes air and water, rail, pipeline and their combinations. Terminals and warehousing centers connect these systems to deliver goods and also jobs. Of the more than 600 million tons of goods moved each year, 75 percent move by truck.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) strives to balance the needs of communities and motorists with those of the trucking and the freight industry. NJDOT has a role in safety initiatives and regulations applicable to the trucking industry.
A highly regulated industry, federal, state and local truck rules govern operations. For those who currently own or operate trucks, or those who are about to begin a career as a driver or trucking business owner in New Jersey, familiarity with commercial driver licensing and truck operations requirements should clarify the rules and regulations.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are planning organizations that serve as the forum for cooperative transportation decision making for metropolitan planning areas as required by federal regulations. MPOs consist of representatives of state and local governments and major transportation agencies. There are three MPOs in New Jersey:
DVRPC - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The MPO covering the counties of Mercer, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester.
NJTPA - North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. The MPO covering the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.
SJTPO - South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization. The MPO covering the counties of Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Salem.
This classification includes work that addresses improvements/provisions for alternative modes of transportation. Program categories within this classification include aviation, goods movement, bicycle/pedestrian, ferries, Para transit, intermodal connections, rail, maritime and other modes.
Local Aid This classification provides for development and implementation of transportation improvements on the local roadway network. Program categories within this classification include local aid to counties, local aid to municipalities, local aid discretionary, local aid other programs, economic development, local roadway improvements, bicycle/pedestrian, regional planning and project development.
Quality of Life This classification includes work which is designed to enhance the environment associated with, or impacted by, transportation improvements. Program categories within this classification include transportation enhancements, noise walls, landscape, air quality, signs, wetland mitigation, environmental remediation and rest areas.
Roadway Preservation This classification includes work that is designed to keep the existing highway system functioning and in a state of good repair, including work which upgrades segments of the system to current design standards. Program categories within this classification include highway rehabilitation and reconstruction, highway resurfacing, highway capital maintenance, drainage, truck size and weight control, pavement management system, interagency agreements and dams.
Safety This classification includes work that is designed to improve safety for the traveling public on the existing highway system. Program categories within this classification include safety improvements, safety management, and safety capital maintenance, rock fall mitigation.
This classification includes a variety of activities that provide direct support to the capital program pipeline. Program categories within this classification include program implementation costs, planning program and studies, project scoping and design, right of way and utility, construction, unanticipated expenses, project cost settlement, and transportation grants, corridor studies.
Capital Program Support This classification includes a variety of "overhead" type activities that indirectly contribute to the project pipeline. Program categories within this classification include facilities and equipment, contractor support, operational support.
Congestion Relief This classification encompasses work that improves the flow of people and goods along transportation corridors. Specific programs under this heading include highway operational improvements, bottleneck widening, missing links, major widening, intelligent transportation systems, demand management, and congestion management system.
