You’ve just booked a rental truck in Stamford. Keys are in your hand, the truck is fully loaded, and you mark the destination on Google Maps or Waze. And all of a sudden, the app suggests: to save time, take the Merritt Parkway (Route 15).
Never follow that route.
This is the time when thousands of first-time movers, contractors, and out-of-town renters get caught annually.
The Merritt Parkway is also not an ordinary highway. It is one of the National Register of Historic Places highways constructed in the 1930s when there were no modern box trucks, moving vans, and high-roof vehicles.
Drivers who ignore this rule don’t just risk a ticket. They risk $500+ in fines, forced towing removal, catastrophic vehicle damage, and destroyed belongings.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why trucks are banned, explain the infamous low-bridge danger zones, and show you commercial-safe routes that will get you home legally and safely.
The “No Commercial Vehicle” Rule Explained
Does My Rental Truck Count as “Commercial”?
Yes. Almost always.
This is the most misunderstood part of the Merritt Parkway rules.
Companies that provide rental trucks have the commercial or combined plates, even when moving personal items. Laws in this region focus on the type and registration of vehicles.
That means:
- Personal move? Still restricted
- Helping a friend move? Still restricted
- Empty truck? Still restricted
The Specific Restrictions (Height & Weight)
The Merritt Parkway does not allow vehicles that are:
- Over 7,500 lbs GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
- Have a height of more than 8 feet
- Commercial or combination registration
- Any visible branding, logos, or box-style cargo body
The majority of 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot rental trucks violate multiple limits at the same time.
This isn’t a gray area. These restrictions are clearly enforced by the Connecticut State Police.
The Cost of Getting Caught
Getting stopped on the Merritt Parkway is not a warning-only situation.
Drivers typically face:
- Fines starting around $500
- Mandatory removal from the parkway
- Forced towing at your expense
- Rental company damage fees
- Trip delays that can cost you hours or days
If your truck is damaged by a bridge, the financial impact can escalate into the thousands very quickly.
The Danger: Low Bridges and “Sturrucks”
The “Arched Bridge” Design Flaw
The Merritt Parkway’s stone bridges are appealing, but they are not good for trucks.
Reasons:
- The center of the bridge arch may clear 11 feet or more
- The curb lanes drop sharply to 9 feet or less
- Trucks instinctively stay right, exactly where clearance is lowest
Drivers assume the posted clearance applies evenly across the lane. It does not.
The “Can Opener” Effect
When a box truck enters the wrong part of an arched bridge, the result is brutal.
The bridge edge:
- Catches the front corner of the truck
- Shears off the aluminum roof
- Rips through cargo, furniture, and personal items
These crashes are so common they have a nickname: “sturrucks” (a stuck truck).
Once it happens:
- Your belongings are exposed to the weather
- The vehicle is disabled
- The parkway shuts down
- Police, tow trucks, and insurance get involved
There is no quick fix once you hit a Merritt bridge
Notorious Danger Zones
Certain exits trap out-of-area drivers repeatedly:
- Exit 27 (King Street / Greenwich)
- The first major trap for drivers coming from New York
- Exit 37 (New Canaan)
- Tight ramps and deceptive clearances
- Exit 41 (Wilton / Westport)
- Consistently cited for low-clearance strikes
If your GPS points you toward any of these while driving a rental truck, ignore it immediately.
Safe Route Alternatives for Movers
The Highway Option: Interstate 95
I-95 is the safest choice if you are commuting between Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, or other cities.
Why I-95 works:
- Designed for 18-wheelers
- No low bridges
- Clearly marked commercial lanes
- Legal for all rental trucks
It may look busier, but it’s engineered for exactly what you’re driving.
The Local Option: Route 1 (The Post Road)
For shorter moves, like Darien to Norwalk or Westport to Fairfield, Route 1 is a solid alternative.
Benefits:
- No low bridges
- No commercial vehicle bans
- Slower pace, but predictable
- Easier access to neighborhoods
Yes, traffic lights add time, but they won’t destroy your truck.
Why GPS Apps Fail You
Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps default to passenger-car routing.
They:
- Do not account for truck restrictions
- Do not factor in commercial bans
- Prioritize speed over legality
Unless you’re using professional truck-routing software, you must manually ignore any Merritt Parkway directions.
Pro Tip: Our “Commercial-Safe” Route Maps
When you rent from us, we don’t leave safety to chance.
- Every truck rental includes a printed commercial-safe route map that:
- Highlights approved I-95 on-ramps (including Exits 9 and 15)
- Marks all Merritt Parkway entrances in red
- Shows safe alternatives through Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, and Fairfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a U-Haul or rental truck on the Merritt Parkway?
No. The majority of rental trucks do have commercial or combination plates and cross the limits of weight and height. They are not allowed.
What is the height limit on the Merritt Parkway?
Here, clearance is altered, and the heights of the curb lanes are lowered to less than 9 feet, which renders the majority of box trucks unsafe.
Can pick up trucks go on the Merritt Parkway?
There are no restrictions on unbranded and non-commercial pickups; yet, many rentals or branded trucks are not allowed.
How much fine do you have to pay for driving a truck on the Merritt Parkway?
Such fines often start around $500, plus towing and potential damage costs.