Tunnel Restrictions and Fees for Sprinter Vans in the NY/NJ Area

Navigating through tunnels in New York and New Jersey can be a challenge for commercial vehicles. Different tunnels have varying height and width restrictions, making it important for drivers to know if their vehicles can pass through.

Tunnel Restrictions Quick Guide

Lincoln Tunnel

Maximum height is 13 feet, and the width is 8 feet 6 inches. The center tube doesn't allow trucks or special vehicles.

Can a Sprinter van go through Lincoln Tunnel?

• Height: YES — a tall Sprinter van is 8.9 feet tall
• Weight: YES — a long Sprinter Van is 3.5 tons (7,716 lb)
• Width: YES — the outside width mirror to mirror of a Sprinter Van is 7.69 feet

Holland Tunnel

Maximum height is 12 feet 6 inches, and maximum width is 8 feet.

Midtown Tunnel

Maximum height is 12 feet 6 inches, and the width is 8 feet.

Queens Midtown Tunnel

Maximum height is 12 feet 1 inch, maximum width is 8 feet 6 inches.

Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel

Maximum height is 12 feet 1 inch, maximum width is 8 feet 6 inches.

City Roadway Regulations

For most city roadways, vehicles that do not exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height, 8 feet in width, and 55 feet in length don't need special permissions, provided they follow the Truck Route Network.

The New York City Truck Route Network is a system of roads designated for commercial vehicles in the city. It consists of two types of routes: Local Truck Routes and Through Truck Routes. Vehicles with two axles and six tires, or three or more axles, are required to follow the network, while other commercial vehicles must follow posted signage.

Trucks and commercial vehicles are not permitted on most parkways in the city. A commercial vehicle is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. This includes:

• Vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more
• Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
• Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), but not used to transport passengers for compensation

Sprinter Vans, such as the 2500 model with 4 tires and the 3500 model with 6 tires, are classified as commercial vehicles and must abide by the truck route regulations.

Sprinter Van Cargo Capacity

2500 Sprinter Cargo Van (4 tires, 144 WB)

A 2500 Sprinter Cargo van with a high roof offers a spacious interior, perfect for carrying a wide variety of items and cargo. With a cargo volume of 374 cubic feet, it can load close to 1,558 kg (3,436 lbs). Two-axle Sprinter with four-tire cargo vans can use the majority of the tunnels in New York and New Jersey, as long as they adhere to specific height and width restrictions. Moreover, they should not carry hazardous materials without proper regulations and permissions, and commercial vehicles are not allowed to use the Holland Tunnel.

3500 Sprinter (144 WB, 6 tires)

A 3500 Sprinter with 144-inch wheelbase comes with six tires and cargo volume of 329.3 cubic feet, and can load close to 2,493 kg (5,497 lbs).

Tunnel Toll Rates

All rates shown below apply to the Lincoln & Holland tunnels, the George Washington, Bayonne & Goethals bridges, and the Outerbridge Crossing. Tolls are collected entering New York. No tolls are collected entering New Jersey. All Port Authority crossings are cashless and no longer accept cash toll payments.

Estimated Prices driving a Long, Tall, 2500 Mercedes Benz Cargo Sprinter:

• $14.50 — Off-Peak Hours
• $17 — Peak Hours
• $27 — Tolls by Mail (All hours)

Crossing time with usual traffic: 6–7 minutes.

When it comes to commercial vehicles, understanding the restrictions and regulations for tunnel access is crucial in New York and New Jersey. The Lincoln Tunnel allows Sprinter Vans to pass through due to their height, weight, and width specifications. However, the Holland, Midtown, Queens Midtown, and Brooklyn-Battery Tunnels have their own restrictions. Complying with the New York City Truck Route Network and following the posted signage is essential for commercial vehicles. Lastly, being aware of the toll rates and crossing times can help drivers plan their trips efficiently.