Trucks are banned from using the Garden State Parkway north of exit 105, but a reader says he sees them driving on it anyway. What's allow and what's not?
Traffic reports refer to them as "misplaced" trucks and tractor trailers when they are driving on a road intended only for passenger vehicle use, such as the Garden State Parkway, north of Exit 105.
But a driver said he's seen more "misplaced" trucks on that section of the Parkway and asked why they are there and under what circumstances are they allowed to use that highway.
A large armored car drives on the Garden State Parkway north in Union County. Vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds are banned from using the Parkway north of exit 105. "There seems to be a lot more trucks on the road than in the past," he wrote.
Q: What are the rules for trucks on the Garden State Parkway in Bergen, Essex and Union counties?
A: You're not alone in seeing more trucks on the Parkway. Gasoline trucks, large armored cars and a lot of contractor and landscaping trucks have been seen on what's considered the passenger vehicle only section of the Parkway. So who belongs there and who doesn't?
We asked Tom Feeney, a spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which runs the Parkway, about the rules. Trucks with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds are prohibited from the Parkway north of Exit 105, he said.
To put that in perspective, a four-wheel drive Chevy Suburban weighs in at 5,896 pounds or close to three tons, according to the manufacturers specifications.
But an extended length GMC Savana passenger van can tip the scales at 9,900 pounds or almost 5 tons.
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"There are very few authorized exceptions, (for) Turnpike Authority maintenance vehicles, Turnpike Authority contractor vehicles, State Police vehicles, vehicles heading to or from the PNC Arts Center and public utility vehicles, under certain circumstances," he said.
There is another reason why big trucks are banned on the northern section of the Parkway. Overpasses have low clearances, especially the older arch bridges seen in Union County, which could mean trouble for high trucks.
Violators could face a fine not exceeding $500 or 30 days in jail or both, according to the statute.
However, it's not known how many summons are written for trucks that violate the Parkway ban. The state judiciary, which runs municipal courts, doesn't track those summons, said Tamara Kendig, a spokeswoman.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.