Quick Summary:
- Look for “Parkway” route names and passenger-car-only restriction signs.
- Set sat-nav to avoid parkways, enter vehicle height, and prefer truck routes.
- Stay alert for low-clearance warnings, and exit before the final commitment point.
- If routed wrongly, stop safely, reroute, and never attempt a questionable underpass.
Driving an SUV on car hire in New York can be straightforward, until navigation leads you towards a parkway or an underpass that is too low. The key is understanding that many New York City area parkways were designed for passenger cars, with restrictions that can catch out higher or wider vehicles, including some hire SUVs. Add the city’s mix of parkways, expressways, and local streets, and it becomes essential to recognise the signs early and configure your sat-nav properly.
This guide explains how to spot “parkway-only” restrictions, how to set navigation to avoid restricted roads, and what to do immediately if you realise you are being routed towards a low-clearance bridge. The advice is practical whether you are picking up near the airports or arriving from New Jersey. If your trip begins near Newark, you can compare options such as SUV hire near Newark EWR and understand your vehicle’s height and features before you set off.
Why parkways and low bridges matter for a hire SUV
In the New York region, “parkway” often signals a road with passenger-vehicle restrictions. Many parkways prohibit commercial vehicles and, in practice, are also where low bridges are more common. Even when an SUV is not a commercial vehicle, it may be taller than you expect once you factor in roof rails, roof boxes, or fully-loaded suspension. If you have a larger SUV, or you are unsure of the exact height, you should plan routes that keep you on expressways and major arterials instead of scenic parkways.
Also, different navigation apps treat “avoid parkways” differently. Some interpret it as “avoid scenic routes”, not “avoid restricted parkways”. That is why you need to rely on road signs, not just the sat-nav voice, and you need to configure navigation with a vehicle profile whenever possible.
How to recognise parkway-only signs in New York
New York’s restriction signs are usually clear once you know what to look for. The trick is noticing them early, because the last chance to exit can come quickly.
1) The road name itself can be a warning. If the route includes “Parkway”, pause and confirm it is suitable. Examples in the wider area include Belt Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and parts of the Bronx River Parkway. Some have strict limitations, and many have low clearances.
2) Look for commercial vehicle prohibition signs. A common sign reads “No Commercial Vehicles” or shows a truck symbol with a red slash. Even if you are in a hire SUV, those signs often appear where low bridges and tight geometry are present. Treat them as a cue to double-check clearances ahead.
3) Watch for “Passenger Cars Only” style notices. You may see signs indicating certain vehicle classes only, or excluding buses and trucks. The sign might be placed at the on-ramp entrance, or just before it, which is why scanning early is so important.
4) Low clearance warnings often come in pairs. You might see an advance warning, then a second warning closer to the bridge. If you spot the first, start planning an exit immediately. Do not assume the next bridge will be higher.
5) Ground markings and overhead boards are not decorative. On some approaches, the clearance is painted on the structure and repeated on a sign. If you cannot confidently compare your SUV’s height to the posted clearance, the safe option is to divert.
Before you drive: confirm height, load, and driving mode
Avoiding low bridges starts before you move. With car hire, you might be unfamiliar with the exact model. Take two minutes in the car park to reduce uncertainty.
Find the vehicle height in the handbook or door jamb. Many vehicles list dimensions on a label. If you cannot find it quickly, look up the model’s height using the infotainment manual stored in the vehicle, or ask the rental desk to confirm. If you collect near Newark, pages like car rental at Newark Airport can help you compare categories, then you can still verify the exact SUV on collection.
Account for roof additions and load. Roof boxes, bike racks, and some crossbars add height. Heavy loads can lower suspension slightly, but do not rely on that. If you do not know your true height, treat your vehicle as taller than a standard car.
Check if the SUV has adjustable suspension. Some models have ride-height settings. If yours does, keep it in normal mode for predictable clearance. Do not assume a “lower” mode is available at low speed or under all conditions.
Set sat-nav to avoid restricted roads and low clearances
Your navigation settings can prevent most problems, but only if you set them up correctly. The goal is to stop the app from choosing parkways with low bridges as a “fast” route.
Use a navigation tool that supports vehicle dimensions. Some apps offer a “truck” or “commercial” profile where you can input height. Even if you are not driving a truck, the restriction logic can be useful for avoiding low clearances. If your app cannot accept height, consider switching to one that can, or using your vehicle’s built-in navigation if it has a truck restriction setting.
Enable avoidances carefully. Look for settings such as “avoid restricted roads”, “avoid toll roads” (only if you truly want that), and “avoid highways” (usually not recommended in NYC because it can push you onto parkways and local streets). “Avoid highways” can backfire by routing you onto parkway segments or complicated surface routes. For most hire SUV journeys, major expressways are safer than parkways for clearance.
Do a quick route sanity check before departure. Before you leave, zoom out and scan the route. If it includes a parkway, tap the steps and see if an alternative exists using an expressway. In general, routes using interstates and major expressways are less likely to include low bridges than classic parkways.
Turn on alerts and keep volume audible in dense areas. In New York, last-second lane changes are risky. You want early warnings so you can move smoothly, not abruptly.
Know your starting geography. Many visitors arrive via airports and New Jersey connections, and the first 20 minutes can set your route pattern for the day. If you are driving from EWR into New York, use sources that help you plan the pickup and first route, such as car rental at New Jersey EWR, then prioritise expressway-based routes that keep you away from parkway low bridges.
On the road: practical habits to avoid parkways and low bridges
Read signs as if the sat-nav might be wrong. Sat-nav is excellent at turn-by-turn, but it cannot guarantee clearance for every bridge in every condition. If you see “Parkway” on the overhead sign and you are not sure it suits your SUV, choose an alternative lane or take the next safe exit.
Position early for exits. If you suspect your route is heading onto a parkway, do not wait until the last 200 metres. NYC interchanges can be tightly packed, and the safe move is to get into an exit-capable lane early, even if it costs you a minute.
Treat low-clearance warnings as a decision point, not information. The first low-clearance sign is where you decide to leave. The second is often too late to do anything calmly.
Do not follow other vehicles blindly. A van squeezing through does not mean your SUV will fit. Also, some local drivers know exactly what clears, visitors do not.
Watch for temporary detours. Road works can push traffic onto parkway approaches. If you see orange signs redirecting you, slow down, create space, and be ready to ignore sat-nav until you are back on a major road.
If you realise you are being routed towards a low-clearance bridge
This is the moment where calm, safe choices matter most. Many bridge strikes happen because drivers continue, hoping the clearance is “close enough”. With car hire, you also want to avoid vehicle damage and the disruption that follows.
1) Slow down and scan for a safe escape route. Look for a signed detour, an earlier exit, or a right turn onto a service road that keeps you moving away from the bridge approach. Avoid sudden braking in fast lanes.
2) Do not enter a marked low-clearance underpass if unsure. If the posted clearance is below your confirmed height, it is a hard no. If you do not know your height, assume you are too tall and divert.
3) If you are committed and cannot safely divert, pull over safely before the bridge. Use a wide shoulder or a designated pull-off if available. Activate hazard lights. Stay in the vehicle unless it is unsafe, and do not reverse on a live roadway.
4) Re-route using “avoid this road” options. Most apps allow you to report a road closure or avoid a segment. Add an intermediate destination on a major expressway or landmark that is clearly not on a parkway. If you started with a vehicle-dimensions app, double-check the height setting has not reset.
5) If you are stuck, call local assistance rather than guessing. In a true “no safe way forward” situation, contact emergency or non-emergency help as appropriate. It is far better to be delayed than to wedge the SUV under a bridge.
Common NYC-area routes where caution is smart
You do not need to memorise every restricted road, but it helps to know where extra vigilance pays off.
Parkways around the boroughs. Several parkways have low bridges and restrictions, especially where they pass through older corridors. If your sat-nav suggests a parkway for a marginal time saving, consider an expressway alternative.
Approaches near waterfronts and older industrial areas. These zones can have older overpasses and unexpected clearance changes. Slow down and read each sign.
Airport connections. Routes around airports can mix expressways, parkways, and ramps in quick succession. If you are picking up from JFK via Payless, check your route options early with Payless car hire in New York JFK in mind, then set your sat-nav before you enter the busiest sections.
What to ask and check at pickup for peace of mind
Even if you are an experienced driver, a new vehicle in a complex city deserves a quick briefing.
Ask for the exact model and height. Get a number in feet and inches if possible, since clearances are typically posted that way.
Ask whether the vehicle has roof rails or accessories fitted. Some SUVs are supplied with rails as standard, and they can change your mental model of height.
Confirm how to use the built-in navigation and how to mute or change route preferences. Knowing how to quickly switch to an alternative route can save you stress in the moment.
Keep rental support details accessible. If you need advice about the vehicle or you are concerned about a near-miss, you will not want to dig through emails while stopped on a shoulder.
FAQ
Q: Are all roads called “Parkway” restricted in New York? A: Not all, but many NYC-area parkways have passenger-vehicle rules and low bridges. Treat “Parkway” as a cue to double-check signs and consider an expressway alternative.
Q: Can my sat-nav reliably avoid low bridges for a hire SUV? A: Only if it supports vehicle dimensions and you enter the correct height. Otherwise, it may route you onto parkways or underpasses that are unsuitable, so always follow posted clearance and restriction signs.
Q: What is the safest immediate action if I see a low-clearance sign ahead? A: Decide early, slow down smoothly, and take the next safe exit or diversion before the final approach. Do not stop abruptly, reverse, or attempt the underpass if unsure.
Q: If I miss the exit and I am on a parkway, what should I do? A: Stay calm, continue to the next exit rather than making sudden manoeuvres, and reroute from there. Watch for additional low-clearance warnings and keep to lanes that allow a safe exit.
Q: Does avoiding highways help me avoid low bridges in New York? A: Usually not. Avoiding highways can push you onto parkways and local streets with older bridges. For clearance, major expressways are often the safer, more predictable choice.
