Qualifying Access Highways

Under the 1990 Omnibus Truck Safety Bill, New York authorized the use of 53 foot trailer combinations effective November 1990. Per section 385 (3)(e) of the Vehicle & Traffic Law, the 53 foot trailer combinations are restricted to the Qualifying and Access Highway system. Because New York City felt that 53 foot trailers would be unable to maneuver effectively on City streets, a provision was included in the legislation that prohibited the vehicles within the City. However, in order to provide service to Long Island, one specific route corridor consisting of the following interstate highways was approved for travel to Long Island. The New York City interstate routes approved for 53 foot trailers are as follows:

• I 95 - between Bronx-Westchester County line and I 295
• I 295 - between I 695 and I 495 via Throgs Neck Bridge
• I 495 - between I 295 and Queens-Nassau County line

PLEASE BE AWARE: THE CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY, WHICH IS ALSO DESIGNATED AS I 95, IS NOT A QUALIFYING HIGHWAY.

Please see the NYS DOT listing of qualifying and access highways which is available at:

Official Description of Designated Qualifying and Access Highways in New York State