
Click here to be taken to the DC Truck & Bus Map.
For information on permits and loading requirements for development in the District, visit the Transportation Online Permitting System.
For information on commercial vehicle enforcement, contact the District Metropolitan Police Department at 311 or at mpd.dc.gov.
For information on licensing and registration, contact the District Department of Motor Vehicles at dmv.dc.gov.
NAVIGATE THE DISTRICT
As a part of an extensive effort to identify and designate specific routes for trucks and buses to travel on while in the District, DDOT has established a truck through route and map.
A routing module is also available for use by the trucking community. To access, click “Plan a Trip” below and select “Guest Access” when prompted for login.
Plan a TripDDOT has developed a commercial loading zone management program as supported by DCMR Rule 18-2402, enacted December 2013.
Download informational postcard. PRINT THIS INFORMATION
In order to park in a loading zone, a commercial vehicle operator will need to either purchase and display a permit on their vehicle or pay-by-cell immediately after parking.
Immediately pay for a space by utilizing the ParkMobile service and indicating the zone number found on the loading zone sign.
PAY FOR SPACEOperators will be ticketed if:
DDOT’s Freight Signage Plan calls for a strategic truck route signage network to direct and manage freight movement into, within, and out of the District.
As a member of the freight community, your experience and knowledge is very helpful in identifying where signage can or should be more clear or where other issues might need to be addressed. Visit DDOT’s crowdsourcing map to provide your feedback!
The District’s Freight Plan outlines transportation strategies and steps to facilitate future economic growth while balancing the needs between communities and various industries in the District.
Read the moveDC ‘Freight Element’ chapter
The District of Columbia has size and weight restrictions that limit the size of the vehicles that can legally operate on District roadways. For more information about OSOW vehicles in the District, visit the Trucks webpage in the DDOT Compendium.
Unless otherwise posted the maximum dimensional restrictions for vehicles and combinations are as follows:
References after each item below may be found in subdivisions of section 18-25 of the D.C. Municipal regulations.
Maximum Vehicle Dimensions | |
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*Note: Combination vehicles will be subject to federal size limitations on interstate highways.
Unless otherwise posted the maximum weight limits for vehicles and combinations are as follows:
Maximum Vehicle Weights* | |
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Weight on any one axle | 21,000 pounds [18-2505.1] |
Weight on any two consecutive axles less than 10 feet apart 34,000 pounds | 34,000 pounds [18-2505.5] |
*Note: Combination vehicles will be subject to federal size limitations on interstate highways. You can also find more a more detailed vehicle weight chart in DCMR 18-2505
Oversized/overweight vehicles require a permit to travel within the District of Columbia. The DDOT Online Permitting System, TOPS, allows users to apply for permits to operate oversize and overweight vehicles in the District, including annual tags and single haul permits.
Please note that there are certain limitations that will determine the type of permit available to operators based on the size of the vehicle and/or the load.
The District Department of Transportation operates two vehicle weigh stations:
In the District of Columbia, a 53 foot trailer may be operated on the National Network comprised of the following:
The District has a number of residential streets that are not designed to facilitate a large level of truck travel. In addition, there are areas of the District where trucks are prohibited for security reasons, such as the US Capitol.
For a full list of restrictions please refer to the routing map at godcgo.com /truckandbusmap.
To petition to restrict your street to trucks, please see the Truck Restriction Requests: Guidelines and Procedures.
Be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists, and follow all posted traffic regulations and requirements. District regulations are strictly enforced by the Metropolitan Police Department and violations will result in a ticket and a fine.
All traffic and vehicle activity is governed by Title 18 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations. Commercial vehicles can be ticketed for:
DC DRIVING 101
Before driving around the District, read this list of driving tips and road rules.
Please show consideration for our environment and the District’s anti-idling law. Commercial vehicles may idle for up to three minutes in the District of Columbia, and may idle for up to five minutes if the temperature is 32°F or below.
View DDOT’s Idle Reduction Campaign.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Watch a short video on the idling laws in DC.
FEATURED
The Off-Hours Delivery (OHD) program addresses and alleviates congestion, efficiency, air quality and curbside management by encouraging non-peak truck deliveries in the District.
Interested in receiving or delivering in the off-hours? Fill out DDOT’s survey by clicking the button below or by emailing ddot.freight@dc.gov.
Download the OHD pilot informational flyer.
TAKE THE SURVEYDDOT’s Freight Program works to improve quality of life in the District by furthering goods movement safety and efficiency.
202.671.2226
DDOT
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