In NYC a Truck Is Not The Same as A Commercial Vehicle!

For the purpose of parking, standing and stopping rules, a vehicle shall not be deemed a truck or commercial vehicle unless they  follow the rules below.   Trucks and commercial vehicles are two distinct classes of vehicles in NYC that have different rules and regulations that applies to them.

Definition of a Truck:  Section 4-13 of the New York City Traffic Rules defines a truck as a vehicle or combination of vehicles designed for the transportation of property that has two axles and six tires, or three or more axles.

Commercial vehicle :  In NYC a commercial vehicle according to Section 4-01 (b) of the New York City traffic Rules is defined as:

• bears commercial plates, and
• is permanently altered by having all seat fittings, except for the front seats, removed to facilitate the transportation of property except that for vehicles designed with passenger cab and cargo area separated by a partition, the seating capacity within the cab shall not be considered in determining whether the vehicle is properly altered, and

• there is display of the registrant’s name and address permanently affixed in characters at least 3 inches high on both sides of the vehicle (the color of the writing should be a contrasting color from that of the vehicle and should be placed midway vertically on doors or side panels).

However, for purposes other than the parking, stopping, and standing rules of NYC , a vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of property, or the provision of commercial services and bearing commercial plates is considered a commercial vehicle.

A vehicle that is from out of state or a foreign country and bears commercial plates or the equivalent of such, shall not be deemed a truck or a commercial vehicle unless permanently altered and marked in the manner described above for commercial vehicles.

Sounds confusing? Yes a little .   Remember, now this is just for New York City.   See the NYC DOT website for more information.