Connecticut Parkways

You cannot drive a vehicle on the Merritt Parkway, Wilbur Cross Parkway, or Milford Parkway that:

• is more than 8 feet tall
• is more than 24 feet long
• is more than 7 feet 6 inches wide (excluding mirrors)

The Office of the State Traffic Administration (OSTA) regulations do allow exemptions to the vehicle size, weight, and registration restrictions for use of the Parkways by vehicles that are typically prohibited. Exemptions are only granted when the interests of public necessity are served, such as roadway work along the Parkways, work at or deliveries to the Parkway service plazas, or when travel time savings from the using the Parkways would contribute to life-saving events (i.e. transporting donor organs and medical supplies).

Businesses that are contracted to do specific work on the parkways or vehicles requiring the parkway for life-saving events may apply for an exemption by filling out an application for a Parkway Permit.

Are passenger cars allowed on the Parkways?

Yes, provided that they do not exceed the height, width, and length limits.

Are pick-up trucks allowed on the Parkways?

Yes, provided that the vehicle has a passenger registration and license plate.

Are box trucks or tractor trailers allowed on the Parkways?

No.

Are combination license plated vehicles allowed on the Parkways?

No, unless the gross vehicle weight (total weight including contents) is 7,500 lbs. or less, and the vehicle does not exceed the Parkway’s height, width, and length limits.

Can I pull a trailer with my vehicle on the Parkways?

No. All trailers are prohibited.

What if I need a tow truck on the Parkways? 

A disabled vehicle may be towed by a registered wrecker that is designed, equipped, and used exclusively for the purpose of towing.

Are Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and campers allowed on the Parkways?

No. RVs and campers are prohibited.

Can I drive a rental truck on the Parkways?

No. All rental trucks (U-Haul, Budget, Penske, Enterprise, Ryder, Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) are prohibited.

Are buses allowed on the Parkways?

No, unless they meet the school bus requirements below.

Are school buses and school vans allowed on the Parkways?

Yes, provided that all the following requirements are met:

• The bus/van is a two-axle four wheeled type II registered school bus.
• The bus/van is owned by or under contract to a school or public school district.
• The bus/van is used to transport school children to and from school or school activities.
• The bus/van weight is 10,000 pounds or less.
• The bus/van dimensions do not exceed 98 inches high (8 FT 2 IN); 84 inches wide (7 FT 0 IN); or 203 inches long (16 FT 11 IN).
• The bus/van dimensions, for buses catered to students with special needs, do not exceed 120 inches high (10 FT 0 IN); 90 inches wide (7 FT 6 IN); or 288 inches long (24 FT 0 IN).

What if I get on a Parkway by mistake with a prohibited vehicle?

Turn on hazard lights, pull to the shoulder or roadside area to ensure your vehicle is completely out of the travel way, and call 911 for assistance in exiting the Parkway.

Are funeral processions and hearses allowed on the Parkways?

No, funeral processions are prohibited. Hearses are allowed if they are not part of a procession and do not exceed the Parkway’s height, width, and length limits.