TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Transportation issued a statewide commercial vehicle travel restriction Friday afternoon as a major winter storm began sweeping across the region, bringing snow, ice, and dangerous driving conditions to much of the state.
Commissioner Fran O’Connor announced that beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, tractor trailers and other large commercial vehicles are prohibited from traveling on several major interstate highways, including I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, and NJ Route 440 from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287. The order, issued in coordination with neighboring states, will remain in effect until further notice as crews work to keep highways clear.
The restriction applies to all tractor trailers, empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles towing trailers, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles. It does not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway. Exemptions include public safety personnel, healthcare support workers, and critical infrastructure operators such as food and fuel providers, as outlined in the official administrative order.
With snow already falling in parts of North and Central Jersey and a mix of freezing rain and ice expected to continue into Saturday, O’Connor urged all motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. “This storm will make driving treacherous across much of the state,” the commissioner said, warning that conditions could worsen overnight as precipitation transitions between snow and ice.
NJDOT is coordinating with local and regional agencies to manage the storm response. Truck drivers already in the state were told to use designated truck stops and avoid parking on highway shoulders. Motorists who must travel were reminded to reduce speed, leave extra time, stay clear of plows, and carry emergency supplies in their vehicles.
State officials advised that the restrictions will remain in place until roads can be safely cleared, with real-time updates available at 511nj.org and on NJDOT’s official social media channels.
New Jersey transportation officials restricted commercial vehicles on key interstates Friday as a powerful winter storm brought snow, ice, and hazardous travel conditions statewide.