INDOT Launches Temporary Permit Program For Food Trucks To Operate At Highway Rest Areas

Applications are being accepted immediately.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Yesterday, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced the launch of a temporary program that permits licensed food trucks to operate at rest areas in Indiana. 

Food trucks will be permitted to provide food and beverage options for commercial truck drivers and motorists engaged in essential travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

This temporary program will be able to provide options for the truck drivers, many reporting limited availability of food and beverage options near highways across the country due to restaurants and other businesses following public health guidelines, including closing dining rooms and in some cases reducing hours of service

To conform with the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Notice of Enforcement Discretion titled “Operation of Commercial Food Trucks in Federally Funded Interstate Highway Rest Areas”, issued April 3, 2020, INDOT will temporarily allow food trucks to provide services to rest areas and welcome centers statewide. These permits aim to address the needs to support essential travelers. 

INDOT will issue two permits per rest area location on a first-come, first-served basis. This permit will allow the food truck to operate between 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. each day. 

Permits will be valid until canceled by INDOT or the national federal emergency status is lifted. 

Interested applicants can review the “Indiana Rest Area and Welcome Center Temporary Permit Application for Food Truck Service.”

Only complete applications will be considered, and must include:

1. Proof of a current liability insurance policy;
2. A valid operating registration, license or permit from the Indiana State Department of Health, a local health department, or other valid issuing authority as required under IC 16-42-1-6 and 410 IAC 7-24-107; and
3. Proof of Registration and good standing with the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State. 

Applicants must comply with all permit terms detailed in the permit application and permit form documents.

Submit completed applications by emailing INDOTFoodTruckRequest@indot.in.gov.

Applications are being accepted immediately.