All oversize loads entering the City of Rochester must conform to the requirements set by the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) and the City of Rochester Public Works Department.

In general, any vehicle over 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and within the super heavy weight class (over 200,000 lbs) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Rochester Public Works Department.

Rochester, being part of Monroe County, adheres to the NYDOT regulations but also has specific municipal ordinances that must be complied with, including obtaining a permit from the City's Traffic and Parking Division for travel on city streets.

Escort vehicles are required for oversize loads exceeding 15 feet in width or 15 feet in height on highways and certain city streets in Rochester. The escort must be provided by a licensed pilot car service.

For super heavy or oversize loads traveling through sensitive or congested areas, such as near the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) bus terminals, additional escort requirements may be imposed by the Rochester Police Department, including police escorts. Fees for police escorts vary and must be scheduled in advance through the Rochester Police Department's Traffic Unit.

To apply for an oversize load permit in Rochester, applicants must submit their request through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal or by contacting the Rochester Public Works Department directly. Required documentation includes detailed route information, load dimensions, and weight.

Applicants are advised to consult with the Rochester Public Works Department for specific requirements and to ensure compliance with local regulations, such as those related to travel on the Genesee Riverway Trail or other city-managed infrastructure.

Rochester has time-of-day restrictions for oversize loads on certain city streets, typically prohibiting travel during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, Monday through Friday).

Seasonal restrictions may apply during severe weather conditions or construction projects. For instance, during winter months, oversize loads may be restricted on city streets due to snow or ice.

Certain neighborhoods and historic districts, such as the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood, have restricted routes to protect the integrity of the area. Oversize loads must avoid these areas unless a specific permit has been obtained.

The standard permit fee for oversize loads in Rochester is $100, with additional fees based on the complexity of the route, load dimensions, and weight. For super heavy loads, an additional $200 fee is applied.

Escort services, whether provided by pilot cars or the Rochester Police Department, incur separate fees. Pilot car services are typically charged at an hourly rate, while police escorts are charged based on the number of officers required and the duration of the escort.