The state of New York is launching a first-in-the-nation pilot program that will automatically weigh and fine illegally overweight trucks that are traveling along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
“The BQE is in serious need of revitalization, and I’m proud that my first-in-the-nation program to keep New Yorkers safer from its crumbling infrastructure is now reality,” said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes. “We must move forward with all possible speed to re-design and re-imagine the presence of this expressway in our communities, and to continue to safeguard it in the meantime as we do so.”
According to a 2020 study, 11% of the trucks on the BQE every day are estimated to exceed the federal weight limit of 40 tons, or 80,000 pounds.
The BQE is crumbling and the passage of overweight vehicles is further damaging the infrastructure. Currently, the only process for enforcement requires trucks to be physically removed from the expressway and weighed on a scale.
The state’s new Weight-In-Motion program aims to limit additional damage along the BQE by enabling the New York Police Department’s BQE Truck Enforcement Task Force to automatically record the axle weights and gross weights of vehicles using pressure-sensitive sensors as they drive on the BQE.
The roadway will also have cameras that will capture photo evidence of vehicles’ plates. The DMV will then mail a fine to the owner of the vehicle.
“Illegally overweight trucks have caused significant damage to the BQE triple cantilever and to our environment,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. “That’s why I’m thrilled that New York is leading the way with our first-in-the-nation WIM program to get rid of these overweight trucks and extend the useful life of the BQE, while reducing carbon emissions.”
The WIM pilot program is moving forward after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed bill S6246/A6225 on Aug. 2. The bill was sponsored by Gounardes and Simon.
WIM legislation was first passed in 2021, but this new bill was needed to ensure that calibration checks can be properly implemented. Regular calibration checks will ensure the WIM program will be implemented using the highest standards in the nation.
“The future of the already vulnerable BQE is in jeopardy and this system will be able to help enforce against drivers that are adding to the stress on this dilapidated infrastructure. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law," said Congressmember Dan Goldman.
The WIM pilot program is providing a 90-day warning period to the transportation industry before implementation. The 90 days is expected to begin next week.
Once the program begins, trucks will be subject to a $650 fine per violation. For more information, click here.
