New Jersey issues commercial vehicle ban on multiple interstates due to ‘treacherous’ driving conditions

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will restrict commercial vehicle travel on several interstates starting on Friday afternoon due to winter weather conditions.

“Winter weather is expected to begin this afternoon with snow changing to ice and rain as the storm continues into tomorrow, Saturday, December 27, which could make driving conditions treacherous in North Jersey and parts of Central Jersey. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial vehicle restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday and Saturday,” officials said on Friday morning.

Starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 26, a commercial vehicle travel restriction will be enacted on the following roadways:

• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (entire length)
• I-280 (entire length)
• I-287 (entire length)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will remain in place until further notice.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:

• All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

“Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS,” NJDOT said.

This restriction DOES NOT apply to:

• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

Pennsylvania has also enacted commercial vehicle restrictions due to winter weather.