State-by-state guide

Propane, tunnels and bridges: 6 US crossings ban RVs carrying propane and 7 more cap tank size

We read the official rules for 21 tunnels and bridges in six states. Six crossings, the Port Authority and MTA tunnels in New York and MassDOT's Boston tunnels, ban RVs carrying propane. Seven more cap container size, from 10 lb in Baltimore to two 45 lb tanks on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

By the RV Rental Atlas research desk · Published October 25, 2026

Key findings

  • New York City is the strictest. The Holland and Lincoln tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge ban RVs with LP-gas systems, and the MTA bans all hazardous materials in the Queens Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels.
  • Boston's MassDOT tunnels prohibit propane outright, according to MassDOT's own tunnel safety page.
  • Baltimore's two tunnels allow only small bottles: nothing over 10 lb per container, valves on or off. A standard 20 lb grill or RV cylinder is over the limit.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel allows RVs with up to two 45 lb tanks or one 60 lb tank, valves closed and subject to inspection.
  • Virginia's four Hampton Roads tunnels allow propane only in non-bulk containers. Seattle's tunnels ban hazmat cargo, but we could not confirm how that applies to an RV's own tanks.

Where the restrictions are

Propane restrictions cluster on the East Coast, where tunnels carry interstates under rivers and harbors. Each state below has at least one crossing that bans RV propane, caps tank size or bans hazardous cargo.

States with at least one crossing that restricts propaneRVs with propane banned: NY, NJ, MA. Size limit or valves-off rule: MD, VA. Hazmat ban, RV status not confirmed: WAAK: no dataAKME: no dataMEVT: no dataVTNH: no dataNHWA: Hazmat ban, RV status not confirmedWAID: no dataIDMT: no dataMTND: no dataNDMN: no dataMNIL: no dataILWI: no dataWIMI: no dataMINY: RVs with propane bannedNYRI: no dataRIMA: RVs with propane bannedMAOR: no dataORNV: no dataNVWY: no dataWYSD: no dataSDIA: no dataIAIN: no dataINOH: no dataOHPA: no dataPANJ: RVs with propane bannedNJCT: no dataCTCA: no dataCAUT: no dataUTCO: no dataCONE: no dataNEMO: no dataMOKY: no dataKYWV: no dataWVVA: Size limit or valves-off ruleVAMD: Size limit or valves-off ruleMDDE: no dataDEAZ: no dataAZNM: no dataNMKS: no dataKSAR: no dataARTN: no dataTNNC: no dataNCSC: no dataSCDC: no dataDCOK: no dataOKLA: no dataLAMS: no dataMSAL: no dataALGA: no dataGAHI: no dataHITX: no dataTXFL: no dataFLRVs with propane bannedSize limit or valves-off ruleHazmat ban, RV status not confirmedNo data
States with at least one tunnel or bridge whose official rules restrict propane. Michigan (Detroit-Windsor Tunnel) is not shown because its rule is not confirmed. States not shaded were not checked or have no restricted crossing in our list.
What the 21 crossings we checked do with RV propaneContainer size limit: 7; Banned: 6; Hazmat ban, RV status not confirmed: 4; No propane rule: 3; Not confirmed: 1Container size limit7Banned6Hazmat ban, RV status not confirm…4No propane rule3Not confirmed1
The 21 crossings in our table, by type of rule. Container size limit includes the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Crossing by crossing

Propane rules for RVs at US tunnels and bridges
Holland TunnelNY / NJBannedRVs, camper trailers and other vehicles with LP-gas installations for cooking, heating or refrigeration are prohibited. There is no materials-of-trade exemption for propane. Vehicles towing a trailer are also barred.Port Authority rules (Feb 2026)
Lincoln TunnelNY / NJBannedRVs, camper trailers and other vehicles with LP-gas installations for cooking, heating or refrigeration are prohibited. There is no materials-of-trade exemption for propane.Port Authority rules (Feb 2026)
George Washington Bridge, lower levelNY / NJBannedRVs, camper trailers and other vehicles with LP-gas installations for cooking, heating or refrigeration are prohibited. There is no materials-of-trade exemption for propane. The lower level also bars any vehicle towing a trailer. The rule names the lower level only.Port Authority rules (Feb 2026)
Queens Midtown TunnelNYBannedMTA: "The transportation of all hazardous materials is prohibited." The page makes no exception for RV appliance tanks.MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (Brooklyn-Battery)NYBannedMTA: "The transportation of all hazardous materials is prohibited." The page makes no exception for RV appliance tanks.MTA Bridges and Tunnels
MassDOT tunnels in Boston (incl. Ted Williams, O'Neill, Sumner, Callahan)MABannedMassDOT: "Hazardous Materials are always prohibited, including propane." The page does not list tunnels one by one.MassDOT tunnel safety
Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95)MDSize limitBottled propane over 10 lb per container is prohibited, maximum 10 containers; it does not matter whether the bottles are on or off. State rule caps propane at 100 lb gross per vehicle.MDTA, MDOT bulletin, COMAR 11.07.01.04
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895)MDSize limitSame propane limit as Fort McHenry: no containers over 10 lb, maximum 10. Vehicles over 13 ft 6 in tall or 8 ft wide are also barred.MDTA, COMAR 11.07.01.04
Chesapeake Bay (Bay) Bridge, US 50/301MDNo propane ruleNo propane limit posted. Escorts are required only for Class 1 explosives and radioactive materials.MDTA
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-TunnelVASize limit, valves closedNon-commercial vehicles: up to two portable LP-gas containers of 45 lb each, or one of 60 lb, or permanently mounted motor-fuel tanks up to 300 lb water capacity. Tanks must be secured with valves closed, subject to inspection at the toll plaza; the FAQ says all propane must be off at the outside valve.CBBT regulations, CBBT FAQ
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (I-64)VASize limitFlammable gas (Class 2.1, which includes propane) is "restricted": allowed in non-bulk containers only, up to 1,000 lb water capacity each. Any RV-specific valve or inspection rule: Not confirmed.24VAC30-61
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664)VASize limitFlammable gas (Class 2.1, which includes propane) is "restricted": allowed in non-bulk containers only, up to 1,000 lb water capacity each. Any RV-specific valve or inspection rule: Not confirmed.24VAC30-61
Elizabeth River Tunnel, Downtown (I-264)VASize limitFlammable gas (Class 2.1, which includes propane) is "restricted": allowed in non-bulk containers only, up to 1,000 lb water capacity each. Any RV-specific valve or inspection rule: Not confirmed.24VAC30-61
Elizabeth River Tunnel, Midtown (US 58)VASize limitFlammable gas (Class 2.1, which includes propane) is "restricted": allowed in non-bulk containers only, up to 1,000 lb water capacity each. Any RV-specific valve or inspection rule: Not confirmed.24VAC30-61
Big Walker Mountain Tunnel (I-77)VANo propane ruleRural tunnel: no state restrictions beyond federal hazmat rules.24VAC30-61
East River Mountain Tunnel (I-77)VA / WVNo propane ruleRural tunnel: no state restrictions beyond federal hazmat rules.24VAC30-61
Airport Tunnel, Roanoke (Route 118)VAHazmat ban, RV status unclearVDOT says the tunnel "is restricted to all hazardous materials." Whether that reaches RV appliance propane: Not confirmed.VDOT hazmat page
SR 99 tunnel, SeattleWAHazmat ban, RV status unclearHazardous materials are prohibited for 2.49 miles because of the fire suppression system and the Seattle Fire Code. Whether that reaches RV appliance propane: Not confirmed.FMCSA route registry
I-90 Mount Baker and Mercer Island tunnelsWAHazmat ban, RV status unclearFlammable loads may not pass through when the sprinkler systems are not working or being tested. RV appliance propane: Not confirmed.FMCSA route registry
I-5 Convention Center tunnel, SeattleWAHazmat ban, RV status unclearFlammable loads may not pass through when the sprinkler systems are not working or being tested. RV appliance propane: Not confirmed.FMCSA route registry
Detroit-Windsor TunnelMINot confirmedNot confirmed: the operator's FAQ does not mention propane or RVs.Detroit Windsor Tunnel FAQ

Rules from the agency that runs each crossing, read October 25, 2026. Hazmat rules written for commercial carriers may or may not be enforced against an RV's own tanks; where the agency does not say, we wrote Not confirmed. Download this table (CSV)

Why tunnels treat propane differently

A leak or fire inside an enclosed tube has nowhere to vent, and underwater tunnels have few exits. That helps explain why the Maryland limit applies whether the bottles are on or off, and why the Port Authority bans the whole category of RVs with LP-gas installations rather than setting a size cap. Open bridges, like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on US 50/301, generally carry no propane rule.

Before you drive

  1. Map your route against this table before you pick up the rig. Navigation apps built for cars will send you straight into the Holland Tunnel.
  2. Know your tanks: how many, how big (in pounds of propane) and whether they are permanently mounted. Most motorhomes and Class C rentals have a built-in tank; most travel trailers carry two portable cylinders.
  3. Turn every propane valve off at the tank before any tunnel or bridge-tunnel, and leave appliances off until you are through.
  4. In New York City, plan a route around the Port Authority and MTA tunnels and the GWB lower level. The Port Authority rule names only the lower level of the GWB, so confirm your crossing with the Port Authority before you go.
  5. Around Baltimore, route around the I-95 and I-895 tunnels, for example on the western half of the I-695 beltway, if you carry any cylinder over 10 lb.
  6. At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, expect an inspection at the toll plaza and have tanks visibly shut off.
  7. Read your rental agreement: Cruise America, El Monte, Road Bear and Indie Campers ban tunnels or Manhattan outright. See where rental RVs can't go.
  8. Call the facility if you are unsure. Agency rules change, and the posted sign at the approach governs.

The infographic

RV propane at tunnels and bridges · 20266 US crossings ban RVs with propane.7 more cap the tank size.Official propane rules at 21 US tunnels and bridges in six states, Oct2026.6crossings ban RVs carryingpropane10 lbmax bottle in Baltimore'stunnels2 x 45 lbmax portable tanks on the BayBridge-TunnelStates with at least one crossing that restricts propaneRVs with propane banned: NY, NJ, MA. Size limit or valves-off rule: MD, VA. Hazmat ban, RV status not confirmed: WAAK: no dataAKME: no dataMEVT: no dataVTNH: no dataNHWA: Hazmat ban, RV status not confirmedWAID: no dataIDMT: no dataMTND: no dataNDMN: no dataMNIL: no dataILWI: no dataWIMI: no dataMINY: RVs with propane bannedNYRI: no dataRIMA: RVs with propane bannedMAOR: no dataORNV: no dataNVWY: no dataWYSD: no dataSDIA: no dataIAIN: no dataINOH: no dataOHPA: no dataPANJ: RVs with propane bannedNJCT: no dataCTCA: no dataCAUT: no dataUTCO: no dataCONE: no dataNEMO: no dataMOKY: no dataKYWV: no dataWVVA: Size limit or valves-off ruleVAMD: Size limit or valves-off ruleMDDE: no dataDEAZ: no dataAZNM: no dataNMKS: no dataKSAR: no dataARTN: no dataTNNC: no dataNCSC: no dataSCDC: no dataDCOK: no dataOKLA: no dataLAMS: no dataMSAL: no dataALGA: no dataGAHI: no dataHITX: no dataTXFL: no dataFLRVs with propane bannedSize limit or valves-off ruleHazmat ban, RV status not confirmedNo dataSource: RV Rental Atlas review of Port Authority, MTA, MDTA, CBBT, VDOT, MassDOTand FMCSA rules, Oct 2026.rvrentalatlas.com

How we did this

  • We read the rules published by the agency that operates each crossing on October 25, 2026: the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Traffic Rules and Regulations, revised February 2026), MTA Bridges and Tunnels, the Maryland Transportation Authority and COMAR 11.07.01.04, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel District, the Virginia Administrative Code (24VAC30-61, amended February 2026) and VDOT, MassDOT, and the FMCSA National Hazardous Materials Route Registry for Washington.
  • We classified each crossing as banned, size limit (including valves-closed rules), hazmat ban with RV status not confirmed, no propane rule, or not confirmed. Where an agency rule covers hazardous materials generally and does not say whether an RV's own appliance tanks count, we did not assume either way.
  • The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel operator's FAQ does not address propane, so that row is Not confirmed. We did not cover every US tunnel; Pennsylvania, Alabama, Texas and Colorado tunnels were not verified in this pass.
  • RV forum posts and secondary guides were used only to find the primary rules. We did not contact the agencies.

Not legal advice. Laws and agency rules change. Each row links the source we read and the date we checked it; confirm with the agency or an attorney before you rely on it.

Sources

  1. Port Authority of NY & NJ: TB&T Traffic Rules and Regulations, revised February 2026, accessed October 25, 2026
  2. MTA Bridges and Tunnels: Trucks and commercial vehicle information, accessed October 25, 2026
  3. MDTA: Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95), accessed October 25, 2026
  4. MDTA: Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), accessed October 25, 2026
  5. MDTA: Bay Bridge (US 50/301), accessed October 25, 2026
  6. MDOT bulletin: I-95 and I-895 tunnel restrictions (July 25, 2024), accessed October 25, 2026
  7. COMAR 11.07.01.04: hazardous materials in tunnels, accessed October 25, 2026
  8. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: Regulations, accessed October 25, 2026
  9. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: FAQs, accessed October 25, 2026
  10. Virginia Administrative Code 24VAC30-61, accessed October 25, 2026
  11. VDOT: Hazardous materials, accessed October 25, 2026
  12. MassDOT: Tunnel emergency awareness, accessed October 25, 2026
  13. FMCSA National Hazardous Materials Route Registry: Washington (May 2026), accessed October 25, 2026
  14. Detroit Windsor Tunnel: FAQs, accessed October 25, 2026

Cite this: RV Rental Atlas, "Propane, tunnels and bridges: 6 US crossings ban RVs carrying propane and 7 more cap tank size," October 25, 2026, https://rvrentalatlas.com/rv-propane-tunnel-restrictions/

Spotted an error or have newer data? Tell us and we'll check it and update the page.

Questions people ask

Can an RV with propane go through the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel?

No. The Port Authority's February 2026 rules prohibit RVs, camper trailers and other vehicles with LP-gas installations for cooking, heating or refrigeration in the Holland and Lincoln tunnels and on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge. There is no small-quantity exemption for propane.

Can I take my RV through the Baltimore tunnels?

Only if you carry no propane container over 10 lb. The MDTA prohibits bottled propane over 10 lb per container in the Fort McHenry (I-95) and Baltimore Harbor (I-895) tunnels, whether the valves are on or off. Most RVs with standard 20 lb or larger tanks need a route around the tunnels.

Can RVs cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?

Yes. Non-commercial vehicles may carry up to two portable LP-gas containers of 45 lb each, or one of 60 lb, or permanently mounted motor-fuel tanks up to 300 lb water capacity. Tanks must be secured with valves closed, and the vehicle may be inspected at the toll plaza.

Are RVs allowed in Boston's tunnels?

MassDOT's tunnel safety page says hazardous materials are always prohibited in its tunnels, including propane. An RV carrying propane should plan a surface route around the Ted Williams, O'Neill, Sumner and Callahan tunnels.

More research from RV Rental Atlas