Heavy Truck Restrictions

Large trucks must drive on designated streets

Heavy-duty commercial vehicles weighing seven tons or more must drive on designated truck routes to get as close to their final destinations as possible. View the designated truck route map to plan your route. The major streets on the routes are also listed below:

• North-South roads: San Pablo Avenue, and Adeline-Shattuck-Henry-Sutter-Solano
• East-West roads: Ashby Avenue, University Avenue, and Gilman Street (from I-80 East to San Pablo Avenue)

Trucks are prohibited on some streets

Certain residential streets also prohibit trucks weighing three or more tons. View the designated truck route map to see which streets prohibit trucks over three tons, which prohibit trucks over four tons, and which prohibit trucks over five tons.

Trucks have difficulties in the Berkeley Hills

Many streets in the Berkeley Hills are difficult for large trucks to navigate because they are steep, narrow, and curving. Heavy trucks that need to drive through the Berkeley Hills should discuss best routes with Traffic Engineering staff by calling (510) 981-7010 or emailing transportation@cityofberkeley.info.

Oversized vehicles need a permit

Vehicles that are unusually tall, heavy, long, or wide are considered oversized and need to get a permit to operate on city streets. The most common type of oversized vehicle is one that is over 8 feet and 6 inches wide.

To apply for an oversized vehicle permit, fill out an Oversized Load Permit application and upload to the City of Berkeley’s online portal. (Read instructions on how to apply.) Submit your application at least three business days before you plan to drive the oversized vehicle. Call (510) 981-7010 for questions.

Report violations of truck rules to Traffic Bureau

You can report violations of the restrictions on heavy trucks listed above by calling the Police Department Traffic Bureau at (510) 981-5980.  If it is an emergency call 911.  Please have the following information available when you report any violation:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• Location where violation occurred
• Date and time of violation
• License plate number of the truck (if possible)
• Trucking company name (and phone number if shown on the truck)
• Identification number on the side or front of truck

In addition, we encourage you to complain directly to the company identified on the truck itself, or the business which the truck is servicing.