HB0396eng 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB0396 Engrossed LRB102 03972 HEP 13988 b

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Sections 15-107, 15-111, 15-301, and 15-307 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/15-107) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-107)

Sec. 15-107. Length of vehicles.

(a) The maximum length of a single vehicle on any highway of this State may not exceed 42 feet except the following:

(1) Semitrailers.

(2) Charter or regulated route buses may be up to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers.

(a-1) A motor home as defined in Section 1-145.01 may be up to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers. The length limitations described in this subsection (a-1) shall be exclusive of energy-absorbing bumpers and rear view mirrors.

(b) (Blank).

(c) Except as provided in subsections (c-1) and (c-2), combinations of vehicles may not exceed a total of 2 vehicles except the following:

(1) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one trailer.

(2) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one converter dolly or one semitrailer.

(3) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one vehicle that is defined in Chapter 1 as special mobile equipment, provided the overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.

(4) A truck in transit may draw 3 trucks in transit coupled together by the triple saddlemount method.

(5) Recreational vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles, provided the following:

(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.

(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a fifth-wheel type assembly.

(C) The second vehicle in the combination of vehicles is a recreational vehicle that is towed by a fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle must be properly registered and must be equipped with brakes, regardless of weight.

(D) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3 vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle, personal watercraft, or motorcycle.

(E) The towed vehicles may be only for the use of the operator of the towing vehicle.

(F) All vehicles must be properly equipped with operating brakes and safety equipment required by this Code, except the additional brake requirement in subdivision (C) of this subparagraph (5).

(6) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing vehicle:

(A) Is specifically designed as a tow truck having a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000 pounds and equipped with air brakes, provided that air brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with air brakes. For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck.

(B) Is equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet in all directions.

(C) Is capable of utilizing the lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles.

(D) Does not engage a tow exceeding 50 highway miles from the initial point of wreck or disablement to a place of repair. Any additional movement of the vehicles may occur only upon issuance of authorization for that movement under the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of this Code.

The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe additional requirements regarding length limitations for a tow truck towing another vehicle.

For purposes of this Section, a tow-dolly that merely serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed vehicle is considered part of the licensed vehicle and not a separate vehicle.

(7) Commercial vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles, provided the following:

(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 65 feet.

(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a fifth-wheel type assembly or a goose-neck hitch ball.

(C) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3 vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer.

(D) All vehicles must be properly equipped with operating brakes and safety equipment required by this Code.

(E) The combination of vehicles must be operated by a person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL).

(F) The combination of vehicles must be en route to a location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.

(c-1) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access to any State designated highway if:

(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5 feet;

(2) the overall wheel base of the combination of vehicles does not exceed 62 feet; and

(3) the combination of vehicles is en route to a location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.

(c-2) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access from any State designated highway onto any county, township, or municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of delivery or collection of one or both of the towed vehicles if:

(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5 feet;

(2) the combination of vehicles does not exceed 40,000 pounds in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width;

(3) there is no sign prohibiting that access;

(4) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare between State designated highways; and

(5) the combination of vehicles is en route to a location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.

(d) On Class I highways there are no overall length limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations provided:

(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load, in combination with a truck tractor may not exceed 53 feet.

(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6 inches. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.

(3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.

(4) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1, may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.

(5) Combinations of vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section.

(6) Stinger-steered semitrailer vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or boats and automobile transporters, as defined in Chapter 1, may not exceed 80 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section.

(7) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 97 feet overall dimension.

(8) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not exceed 82 feet overall dimension.

Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled dismembered are exempt from length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.

Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that during night operations every vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.

A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length limitations.

The length limitations described in this paragraph (d) shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices, such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary for safe and efficient operation; except that no device excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use the capability to carry cargo.

Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the designation of highways under this paragraph (d).

(e) On Class II highways there are no overall length limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations, provided:

(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load, in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 53 feet overall dimension.

(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6 inches. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.

(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination may not exceed 65 feet in dimension from front axle to rear axle.

(4) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.

(5) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1, may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.

(6) A combination of vehicles, specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section.

(7) Stinger-steered semitrailer vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 80 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section.

(8) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 97 feet overall dimension.

(9) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not exceed 82 feet overall dimension.

Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled dismembered are exempt from length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.

Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that during night operations every vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.

A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length limitations.

Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may also by ordinance or resolution allow length limitations of this subsection (e).

The length limitations described in this paragraph (e) shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices, such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary for safe and efficient operation; except that no device excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use the capability to carry cargo.

Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the designation of highways under this paragraph (e).

(e-1) (Blank).

(e-2) Except as provided in subsection (e-3), combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length, with no overall length limitation except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this Section, are allowed access as follows:

(1) From a Class I highway onto any street or highway for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest, provided there is no sign prohibiting that access.

(2) From a Class I or Class II highway onto any non-designated highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest if:

(A) there is no sign prohibiting that access; and

(B) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare between Class I or Class II highways.

(e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length operated by household goods carriers or towaway trailer transporter combinations, with no overall length limitations except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this Section, have unlimited access to points of loading, unloading, or delivery to or from a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.

(f) On non-designated highways, the maximum length limitations for vehicles in combination are as follows:

(1) A truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension. An agency or instrumentality of the State of Illinois or any unit of local government shall not be required to widen or otherwise alter a non-designated highway constructed before January 1, 2018 to accommodate truck tractor-semitrailer combinations under this paragraph (1).

(2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not exceed 53 feet overall dimension.

(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.

(4) The distance between the kingpin and the center axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 42 feet 6 inches. The limit contained in this paragraph (4) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.

(g) Length limitations in the preceding subsections of this Section 15-107 do not apply to the following:

(1) Vehicles operated in the daytime, except on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, when transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled dismembered, provided the overall length of vehicle and load may not exceed 100 feet and no object exceeding 80 feet in length may be transported unless a permit has been obtained as authorized in Section 15-301. As used in this Section, "legal holiday" means any of the following days: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.

(2) Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or properties, but during night operation every vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.

(3) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length limitations.

The towing vehicle, however, may tow any disabled vehicle from the initial point of wreck or disablement to a point where repairs are actually to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight limits.

All other combinations not listed in this subsection (f) may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.

(h) The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a front bumper. The provisions of this subsection (h) shall not apply to any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically designed for the collection and transportation of waste, garbage, or recyclable materials during the vehicle's operation in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or recyclable materials if the vehicle is traveling at a speed not in excess of 15 miles per hour during the vehicle's operation and in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or recyclable materials. However, in no instance shall the load extend more than 7 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a front bumper.

(i) The load upon the front vehicle of an automobile transporter or a stinger-steered vehicle specifically designed to transport motor vehicles shall not extend more than 4 feet beyond the foremost part of the transporting vehicle and the load upon the rear transporting vehicle shall not extend more than 6 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle. This paragraph shall only be applicable upon highways designated in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section.

(j) Articulated vehicles comprised of 2 sections, neither of which exceeds a length of 42 feet, designed for the carrying of more than 10 persons, may be up to 60 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers, provided that the vehicles are:

1. operated by or for any public body or motor carrier authorized by law to provide public transportation services; or

2. operated in local public transportation service by any other person and the municipality in which the service is to be provided approved the operation of the vehicle.

(j-1) (Blank).

(k) Any person who is convicted of violating this Section is subject to the penalty as provided in paragraph (b) of Section 15-113.

(l) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17; 100-343, eff. 1-1-18; 100-728, eff. 1-1-19; 101-328, eff. 1-1-20.)

(625 ILCS 5/15-111) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-111)

Sec. 15-111. Wheel and axle loads and gross weights.

(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles with pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total weight on the road surface exceeds the following: 20,000 pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no axle within the tandem exceeding 20,000 pounds; 80,000 pounds gross weight for vehicle combinations of 5 or more axles; or a total weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles in excess of that weight produced by the application of the following formula: W = 500 times the sum of (LN divided by N-1) + 12N + 36, where "W" equals overall total weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds, "L" equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and "N" equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.

The above formula when expressed in tabular form results in allowable loads as follows:

Distance measured to the nearest foot between the extremes of any Maximum weight in pounds group of 2 or of any group of more consecutive 2 or more consecutive axles axles

*If the distance between 2 axles is 96 inches or less, the 2 axles are tandem axles and the maximum total weight may not exceed 34,000 pounds, notwithstanding the higher limit resulting from the application of the formula.

**Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axles of these tandems is 36 feet or more.

Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 4 axles measured between the extreme axles of the vehicle.

Vehicles in a combination having more than 6 axles may not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 6 axles measured between the extreme axles of the combination.

Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, without additional fees, may also by ordinance or resolution allow the weight limitations of this subsection, provided the maximum gross weight on any one axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the maximum total weight on any tandem axle shall not exceed 34,000 pounds, on designated highways when appropriate regulatory signs giving notice are erected upon the street or highway or portion of any street or highway affected by the ordinance or resolution.

The following are exceptions to the above formula:

(1) Vehicles for which a different limit is established and posted in accordance with Section 15-316 of this Code.

(2) Vehicles for which the Department of Transportation and local authorities issue overweight permits under authority of Section 15-301 of this Code. These vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula.

(3) Cities having a population of more than 50,000 may permit by ordinance axle loads on 2-axle motor vehicles 33 1/2% above those provided for herein, but the increase shall not become effective until the city has officially notified the Department of the passage of the ordinance and shall not apply to those vehicles when outside of the limits of the city, nor shall the gross weight of any 2-axle motor vehicle operating over any street of the city exceed 40,000 pounds.

(4) Weight limitations shall not apply to vehicles (including loads) operated by a public utility when transporting equipment required for emergency repair of public utility facilities or properties or water wells.

(4.5) A 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle (including when laden) operated or hired by a municipality within Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will county being operated for the purpose of performing emergency sewer repair that would be subject to a weight limitation less than 66,000 pounds under the formula in this subsection (a) shall have a weight limitation of 66,000 pounds or the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, whichever is less. This paragraph (4.5) does not apply to vehicles being operated on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, or to vehicles being operated on bridges or other elevated structures constituting a part of a highway.

(5) Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a total weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more, notwithstanding the lower limit resulting from the application of the above formula.

(6) A truck, not in combination and used exclusively for the collection of rendering materials, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle.

(7) A truck not in combination, equipped with a self compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off container, used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or recycling operations, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.

(7.5) A 3-axle rear discharge truck mixer registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.

(8) Except as provided in paragraph (7.5) of this subsection (a), tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2024 and first registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2025, with a distance greater than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches between any series of 2 axles, is allowed a combined weight on the series not to exceed 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the series may exceed 20,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type manufactured after the model year of 2024 or first registered in Illinois after December 31, 2024 may not exceed a combined weight of 34,000 pounds through the series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed 20,000 pounds.

A 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid waste, manufactured before or in the model year of 2014, first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.

(9) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic state, and not operated on a highway that is part of the National System of Interstate Highways, is allowed the following maximum weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds on a series of axles greater than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches; and 34,000 pounds on any series of 2 axles greater than 40 inches but not more than 72 inches. The gross weight of this vehicle may not exceed the weights allowed by the bridge formula for 4 axles. The bridge formula does not apply to any series of 3 axles while the vehicle is transporting concrete in the plastic state, but no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum weight permitted under this paragraph (9) of subsection (a).

(10) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2024, and registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2025, having 5 axles with a distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles, may not exceed the following maximum weights: 20,000 pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle; and 72,000 pounds gross weight. This combination of vehicles is not subject to the bridge formula. For all those combinations of vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured after the effective date of P.A. 92-0417, the overall distance between the first and last axles of the 2 sets of tandems must be 18 feet 6 inches or more. Any combination of vehicles that has had its cargo container replaced in its entirety after December 31, 2024 may not exceed the weights allowed by the bridge formula.

(11) The maximum weight allowed on a vehicle with crawler type tracks is 40,000 pounds.

(12) A combination of vehicles, including a tow truck and a disabled vehicle or disabled combination of vehicles, that exceeds the weight restriction imposed by this Code, may be operated on a public highway in this State provided that neither the disabled vehicle nor any vehicle being towed nor the tow truck itself shall exceed the weight limitations permitted under this Chapter. During the towing operation, neither the tow truck nor the vehicle combination shall exceed 24,000 pounds on a single rear axle and 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle, provided the towing vehicle:

(i) is specifically designed as a tow truck having a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000 pounds and is equipped with air brakes, provided that air brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with air brakes;

(ii) is equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet in all directions;

(iii) is capable of utilizing the lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles; and

(iv) does not engage in a tow exceeding 20 miles from the initial point of wreck or disablement. Any additional movement of the vehicles may occur only upon issuance of authorization for that movement under the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of this Code. The towing vehicle, however, may tow any disabled vehicle to a point where repairs are actually to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight limits.

(12.5) The vehicle weight limitations in this Section do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle. The covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle license plate must cover the operating empty weight of the covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle only.

(13) Upon and during a declaration of an emergency propane supply disaster by the Governor under Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act:

(i) a truck not in combination, equipped with a cargo tank, used exclusively for the transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; and

(ii) a truck when in combination with a trailer equipped with a cargo tank used exclusively for the transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 90,000 pounds gross weight on a 5-axle or 6-axle vehicle.

Vehicles operating under this paragraph (13) are not subject to the bridge formula.

(14) A vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses natural gas or propane gas as a motor fuel may exceed the above weight limitations by up to 2,000 pounds, the total allowance is calculated by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas or propane gas tank and fueling system carried by the vehicle, and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. This paragraph (14) shall not allow a vehicle to exceed any posted weight limit on a highway or structure.

(15) An emergency vehicle or fire apparatus that is a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport personnel and equipment, and used to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations on a Class I highway, may not exceed 86,000 pounds gross weight, or any of the following weight allowances:

(i) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;

(ii) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;

(iii) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or

(iv) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer axle.

(16) A bus, motor coach, or recreational vehicle may carry a total weight of 24,000 pounds on a single axle, but may not exceed other weight provisions of this Section.

Gross weight limits shall not apply to the combination of the tow truck and vehicles being towed. The tow truck license plate must cover the operating empty weight of the tow truck only. The weight of each vehicle being towed shall be covered by a valid license plate issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle being towed and displayed on that vehicle. If no valid plate issued to the owner or operator of that vehicle is displayed on that vehicle, or the plate displayed on that vehicle does not cover the weight of the vehicle, the weight of the vehicle shall be covered by the third tow truck plate issued to the owner or operator of the tow truck and temporarily affixed to the vehicle being towed. If a roll-back carrier is registered and being used as a tow truck, however, the license plate or plates for the tow truck must cover the gross vehicle weight, including any load carried on the bed of the roll-back carrier.

The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe additional requirements. However, nothing in this Code shall prohibit a tow truck under instructions of a police officer from legally clearing a disabled vehicle, that may be in violation of weight limitations of this Chapter, from the roadway to the berm or shoulder of the highway. If in the opinion of the police officer that location is unsafe, the officer is authorized to have the disabled vehicle towed to the nearest place of safety.

For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck.

(b) As used in this Section, "recycling haul" or "recycling operation" means the hauling of non-hazardous, non-special, non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass, cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary materials market.

(c) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon the highways of this State in violation of the provisions of any permit issued under the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of this Chapter.

(d) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with other than pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with load, upon the highways of this State when the gross weight on the road surface through any wheel exceeds 800 pounds per inch width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road surface through any axle exceeds 16,000 pounds.

(e) No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure constituting part of a highway with a gross weight that is greater than the maximum weight permitted by the Department, when the structure is sign posted as provided in this Section.

(f) The Department upon request from any local authority shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the structure cannot with safety to itself withstand the weight of vehicles otherwise permissible under this Code the Department shall determine and declare the maximum weight of vehicles that the structures can withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating maximum weight to be erected and maintained before each end of the structure. No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over any structure with a gross weight that is greater than the posted maximum weight.

(g) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section, proof of the determination of the maximum allowable weight by the Department and the existence of the signs, constitutes conclusive evidence of the maximum weight that can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-717, eff. 8-5-16; 100-366, eff. 1-1-18; 100-728, eff. 1-1-19.)

(625 ILCS 5/15-301) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-301)

Sec. 15-301. Permits for excess size and weight.

(a) The Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction may, in their discretion, upon application and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this Code or otherwise not in conformity with this Code upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the party granting such permit and for the maintenance of which the party is responsible. Applications and permits other than those in written or printed form may only be accepted from and issued to the company or individual making the movement. Except for an application to move directly across a highway, it shall be the duty of the applicant to establish in the application that the load to be moved by such vehicle or combination cannot reasonably be dismantled or disassembled, the reasonableness of which shall be determined by the Secretary of the Department. For the purpose of over length movements, more than one object may be carried side by side as long as the height, width, and weight laws are not exceeded and the cause for the over length is not due to multiple objects. For the purpose of over height movements, more than one object may be carried as long as the cause for the over height is not due to multiple objects and the length, width, and weight laws are not exceeded. For the purpose of an over width movement, more than one object may be carried as long as the cause for the over width is not due to multiple objects and length, height, and weight laws are not exceeded. Except for transporting fluid milk products, no State or local agency shall authorize the issuance of excess size or weight permits for vehicles and loads that are divisible and that can be carried, when divided, within the existing size or weight maximums specified in this Chapter. Any excess size or weight permit issued in violation of the provisions of this Section shall be void at issue and any movement made thereunder shall not be authorized under the terms of the void permit. In any prosecution for a violation of this Chapter when the authorization of an excess size or weight permit is at issue, it is the burden of the defendant to establish that the permit was valid because the load to be moved could not reasonably be dismantled or disassembled, or was otherwise nondivisible.

(a-1) As used in this Section, "extreme heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle" means a tow truck manufactured as a unit having a lifting capacity of not less than 50 tons, and having either 4 axles and an unladen weight of not more than 80,000 pounds or 5 axles and an unladen weight not more than 90,000 pounds. Notwithstanding otherwise applicable gross and axle weight limits, an extreme heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle may lawfully travel to and from the scene of a disablement and clear a disabled vehicle if the towing service has obtained an extreme heavy duty tow and recovery permit for the vehicle. The form and content of the permit shall be determined by the Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and by local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction.

(b) The application for any such permit shall: (1) state whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for limited continuous operation; (2) (blank); state if the applicant is an authorized carrier under the Illinois Motor Carrier of Property Law, if so, his certificate, registration, or permit number issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission; (3) specifically describe and identify the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved; (4) state the routing requested, including the points of origin and destination, and may identify and include a request for routing to the nearest certified scale in accordance with the Department's rules and regulations, provided the applicant has approval to travel on local roads; and (5) (blank) state if the vehicles or loads are being transported for hire. No permits for the movement of a vehicle or load for hire shall be issued to any applicant who is required under the Illinois Motor Carrier of Property Law to have a certificate, registration, or permit and does not have such certificate, registration, or permit.

(c) The Department or local authority when not inconsistent with traffic safety is authorized to issue or withhold such permit at its discretion; or, if such permit is issued at its discretion to prescribe the route or routes to be traveled, to limit the number of trips, to establish seasonal or other time limitations within which the vehicles described may be operated on the highways indicated, or otherwise to limit or prescribe conditions of operations of such vehicle or vehicles, when necessary to assure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces or structures, and may require such undertaking or other security as may be deemed necessary to compensate for any injury to any roadway or road structure. The Department shall maintain a daily record of each permit issued along with the fee and the stipulated dimensions, weights, conditions, and restrictions authorized and this record shall be presumed correct in any case of questions or dispute. The Department shall install an automatic device for recording telephone conversations involving permit applications. The applications received and permits issued by telephone. In making application by telephone, the Department and applicant waive all objections to the recording of the conversation.

(d) The Department shall, upon application in writing from any local authority, issue an annual permit authorizing the local authority to move oversize highway construction, transportation, utility, and maintenance equipment over roads under the jurisdiction of the Department. The permit shall be applicable only to equipment and vehicles owned by or registered in the name of the local authority, and no fee shall be charged for the issuance of such permits.

(e) As an exception to subsection (a) of this Section, the Department and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, in their discretion and upon application in writing, may issue a special permit for limited continuous operation, authorizing the applicant to move loads of agricultural commodities on a 2-axle single vehicle registered by the Secretary of State with axle loads not to exceed 35%, on a 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle registered by the Secretary of State with axle loads not to exceed 20%, and on a 5-axle vehicle registered by the Secretary of State not to exceed 10% above those provided in Section 15-111. The total gross weight of the vehicle, however, may not exceed the maximum gross weight of the registration class of the vehicle allowed under Section 3-815 or 3-818 of this Code.

As used in this Section, "agricultural commodities" means:

(1) cultivated plants or agricultural produce grown, including, but not limited to, corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, grain sorghum, canola, and rice;

(2) livestock, including, but not limited to, hogs, equine, sheep, and poultry;

(3) ensilage; and

(4) fruits and vegetables.

Permits may be issued for a period not to exceed 40 days and moves may be made of a distance not to exceed 50 miles from a field, an on-farm grain storage facility, a warehouse as defined in the Grain Code, or a livestock management facility as defined in the Livestock Management Facilities Act over any highway except the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. The operator of the vehicle, however, must abide by posted bridge and posted highway weight limits. All implements of husbandry operating under this Section between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped as prescribed in Section 12-205.1.

(e-1) A special permit shall be issued by the Department under this Section and shall be required from September 1 through December 31 for a vehicle that exceeds the maximum axle weight and gross weight limits under Section 15-111 of this Code or exceeds the vehicle's registered gross weight, provided that the vehicle's axle weight and gross weight do not exceed 10% above the maximum limits under Section 15-111 of this Code and does not exceed the vehicle's registered gross weight by 10%. All other restrictions that apply to permits issued under this Section shall apply during the declared time period and no fee shall be charged for the issuance of those permits. Permits issued by the Department under this subsection (e-1) are only valid on federal and State highways under the jurisdiction of the Department, except interstate highways. With respect to highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities, the local authorities may, at their discretion, waive special permit requirements and set a divisible load weight limit not to exceed 10% above a vehicle's registered gross weight, provided that the vehicle's axle weight and gross weight do not exceed 10% above the maximum limits specified in Section 15-111. Permits issued under this subsection (e-1) shall apply to all registered vehicles eligible to obtain permits under this Section, including vehicles used in private or for-hire movement of divisible load agricultural commodities during the declared time period.

(f) The form and content of the permit shall be determined by the Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and by local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction. Every permit shall be in written form and carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and shall be open to inspection by any police officer or authorized agent of any authority granting the permit and no person shall violate any of the terms or conditions of such special permit. Violation of the terms and conditions of the permit shall not be deemed a revocation of the permit; however, any vehicle and load found to be off the route prescribed in the permit shall be held to be operating without a permit. Any off-route vehicle and load shall be required to obtain a new permit or permits, as necessary, to authorize the movement back onto the original permit routing. No rule or regulation, nor anything herein, shall be construed to authorize any police officer, court, or authorized agent of any authority granting the permit to remove the permit from the possession of the permittee unless the permittee is charged with a fraudulent permit violation as provided in subsection (i). However, upon arrest for an offense of violation of permit, operating without a permit when the vehicle is off route, or any size or weight offense under this Chapter when the permittee plans to raise the issuance of the permit as a defense, the permittee, or his agent, must produce the permit at any court hearing concerning the alleged offense.

If the permit designates and includes a routing to a certified scale, the permittee, while en route to the designated scale, shall be deemed in compliance with the weight provisions of the permit provided the axle or gross weights do not exceed any of the permitted limits by more than the following amounts:

Single axle 2000 pounds

Tandem axle 3000 pounds

Gross 5000 pounds

(g) The Department is authorized to adopt, amend, and make available to interested persons a policy concerning reasonable rules, limitations and conditions or provisions of operation upon highways under its jurisdiction in addition to those contained in this Section for the movement by special permit of vehicles, combinations, or loads which cannot reasonably be dismantled or disassembled, including manufactured and modular home sections and portions thereof. All rules, limitations and conditions or provisions adopted in the policy shall have due regard for the safety of the traveling public and the protection of the highway system and shall have been promulgated in conformity with the provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The requirements of the policy for flagmen and escort vehicles shall be the same for all moves of comparable size and weight. When escort vehicles are required, they shall meet the following requirements:

(1) All operators shall be 18 years of age or over and properly licensed to operate the vehicle.

(2) Vehicles escorting oversized loads more than 12 feet wide must be equipped with a rotating or flashing amber light mounted on top as specified under Section 12-215.

The Department shall establish reasonable rules and regulations regarding liability insurance or self insurance for vehicles with oversized loads promulgated under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Police vehicles may be required for escort under circumstances as required by rules and regulations of the Department.

(h) Violation of any rule, limitation or condition or provision of any permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall not render the entire permit null and void but the violator shall be deemed guilty of violation of permit and guilty of exceeding any size, weight, or load limitations in excess of those authorized by the permit. The prescribed route or routes on the permit are not mere rules, limitations, conditions, or provisions of the permit, but are also the sole extent of the authorization granted by the permit. If a vehicle and load are found to be off the route or routes prescribed by any permit authorizing movement, the vehicle and load are operating without a permit. Any off-route movement shall be subject to the size and weight maximums, under the applicable provisions of this Chapter, as determined by the type or class highway upon which the vehicle and load are being operated.

(i) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made under a fraudulent permit, the permit shall be void, and the person, firm, or corporation to whom such permit was granted, the driver of such vehicle in addition to the person who issued such permit and any accessory, shall be guilty of fraud and either one or all persons may be prosecuted for such violation. Any person, firm, or corporation committing such violation shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and the Department shall not issue permits to the person, firm, or corporation convicted of such violation for a period of one year after the date of conviction. Penalties for violations of this Section shall be in addition to any penalties imposed for violation of other Sections of this Code.

(j) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made in violation of a permit issued in accordance with this Section, the person to whom such permit was granted, or the driver of such vehicle, is guilty of such violation and either, but not both, persons may be prosecuted for such violation as stated in this subsection (j). Any person, firm, or corporation convicted of such violation shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined, for the first offense, not less than $50 nor more than $200 and, for the second offense by the same person, firm, or corporation within a period of one year, not less than $200 nor more than $300 and, for the third offense by the same person, firm, or corporation within a period of one year after the date of the first offense, not less than $300 nor more than $500 and the Department may, in its discretion, not issue permits to the person, firm, or corporation convicted of a third offense during a period of one year after the date of conviction or supervision for such third offense. If any violation is the cause or contributing cause in a motor vehicle accident causing damage to property, injury, or death to a person, the Department may, in its discretion, not issue a permit to the person, firm, or corporation for a period of one year after the date of conviction or supervision for the offense.

(k) Whenever any vehicle is operated on local roads under permits for excess width or length issued by local authorities, such vehicle may be moved upon a State highway for a distance not to exceed one-half mile without a permit for the purpose of crossing the State highway.

(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Department, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, and local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may at their discretion authorize the movement of a vehicle in violation of any size or weight requirement, or both, that would not ordinarily be eligible for a permit, when there is a showing of extreme necessity that the vehicle and load should be moved without unnecessary delay.

For the purpose of this subsection, showing of extreme necessity shall be limited to the following: shipments of livestock, hazardous materials, liquid concrete being hauled in a mobile cement mixer, or hot asphalt.

(m) Penalties for violations of this Section shall be in addition to any penalties imposed for violating any other Section of this Code.

(n) The Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, in their discretion and upon application in writing, may issue a special permit for continuous limited operation, authorizing the applicant to operate a tow truck that exceeds the weight limits provided for in subsection (a) of Section 15-111, provided:

(1) no rear single axle of the tow truck exceeds 26,000 pounds;

(2) no rear tandem axle of the tow truck exceeds 50,000 pounds;

(2.1) no triple rear axle on a manufactured recovery unit exceeds 60,000 pounds;

(3) neither the disabled vehicle nor the disabled combination of vehicles exceed the weight restrictions imposed by this Chapter 15, or the weight limits imposed under a permit issued by the Department prior to hookup;

(4) the tow truck prior to hookup does not exceed the weight restrictions imposed by this Chapter 15;

(5) during the tow operation the tow truck does not violate any weight restriction sign;

(6) the tow truck is equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet in all directions;

(7) the tow truck is specifically designed and licensed as a tow truck;

(8) the tow truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of sufficient capacity to safely handle the load;

(9) the tow truck is equipped with air brakes;

(10) the tow truck is capable of utilizing the lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles;

(11) the tow commences at the initial point of wreck or disablement and terminates at a point where the repairs are actually to occur;

(12) the permit issued to the tow truck is carried in the tow truck and exhibited on demand by a police officer; and

(13) the movement shall be valid only on State routes approved by the Department.

(o) (Blank).

(p) In determining whether a load may be reasonably dismantled or disassembled for the purpose of subsection (a), the Department shall consider whether there is a significant negative impact on the condition of the pavement and structures along the proposed route, whether the load or vehicle as proposed causes a safety hazard to the traveling public, whether dismantling or disassembling the load promotes or stifles economic development, and whether the proposed route travels less than 5 miles. A load is not required to be dismantled or disassembled for the purposes of subsection (a) if the Secretary of the Department determines there will be no significant negative impact to pavement or structures along the proposed route, the proposed load or vehicle causes no safety hazard to the traveling public, dismantling or disassembling the load does not promote economic development, and the proposed route travels less than 5 miles. The Department may promulgate rules for the purpose of establishing the divisibility of a load pursuant to subsection (a). Any load determined by the Secretary to be nondivisible shall otherwise comply with the existing size or weight maximums specified in this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 100-70, eff. 8-11-17; 100-728, eff. 1-1-19; 100-830, eff. 1-1-19; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18; 100-1090, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-547, eff. 1-1-20.)

(625 ILCS 5/15-307) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-307)

Sec. 15-307. Fees for overweight-gross loads. Fees for special permits to move vehicles, combinations of vehicles and loads with overweight-gross loads shall be paid at the flat rate fees established in this Section for weights in excess of legal gross weights, by the applicant to the Department.

(a) With respect to fees for overweight-gross loads listed in this Section and for overweight-axle loads listed in Section 15-306, one fee only shall be charged, whichever is the greater, but not for both.

(b) In lieu of the fees stated in this Section and Section 15-306, with respect to combinations of vehicles consisting of a 3-axle truck tractor with a tandem axle composed of 2 consecutive axles drawing a semitrailer, or other vehicle approved by the Department, equipped with a tandem axle composed of 3 consecutive axles, weighing over 80,000 pounds but not more than 88,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such combinations weighing over 88,000 pounds but not more than 100,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such combination weighing over 100,000 pounds but not more than 110,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such combinations weighing over 110,000 pounds but not more than 120,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

Payment of overweight fees for the above combinations also shall include fees for overwidth dimensions of 4 feet or less, overheight and overlength. Any overwidth in excess of 4 feet shall be charged an additional fee of $15.

(c) In lieu of the fees stated in this Section and Section 15-306 of this Chapter, with respect to combinations of vehicles consisting of a 3-axle truck tractor with a tandem axle composed of 2 consecutive axles drawing a semitrailer, or other vehicle approved by the Department, equipped with a tandem axle composed of 2 consecutive axles, weighing over 80,000 pounds but not more than 88,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such combination weighing over 88,000 pounds but not more than 100,000 pounds gross weight, the fees shall be at the following rates:

Payment of overweight fees for the above combinations also shall include fees for overwidth dimension of 4 feet or less, overheight and overlength. Any overwidth in excess of 4 feet shall be charged an additional overwidth fee of $15.

(d) In lieu of the fees stated in this Section and in Section 15-306 of this Chapter, with respect to a 3 (or more) axle mobile crane or water well-drilling vehicle consisting of a single axle and a tandem axle or 2 tandem axle groups composed of 2 consecutive axles each, with a distance of extreme axles not less than 18 feet, weighing not more than 60,000 pounds gross with no single axle weighing more than 21,000 pounds, or any tandem axle group to exceed 40,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such vehicles weighing over 60,000 pounds but not more than 68,000 pounds with no single axle weighing more than 21,000 pounds and no tandem axle group exceeding 48,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

Payment of overweight fees for the above vehicle shall include overwidth dimension of 4 feet or less, overheight and overlength. Any overwidth in excess of 4 feet shall be charged an additional overwidth fee of $15.

(e) In lieu of the fees stated in this Section and in Section 15-306 of this Chapter, with respect to a 4 (or more) axle mobile crane or water well drilling vehicle consisting of 2 sets of tandem axles composed of 2 or more consecutive axles each with a distance between extreme axles of not less than 23 feet weighing not more than 72,000 pounds with axle weights on one set of tandem axles not more than 34,000 pounds, and weight in the other set of tandem axles not to exceed 40,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such vehicles weighing over 72,000 pounds but not more than 76,000 pounds with axle weights on either set of tandem axles not more than 44,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

Payment of overweight fees for the above vehicle shall include overwidth dimension of 4 feet or less, overheight and overlength. Any overwidth in excess of 4 feet shall be charged an additional fee of $15.

(f) In lieu of fees stated in this Section and in Section 15-306 of this Chapter, with respect to a two axle mobile crane or water well-drilling vehicle consisting of 2 single axles weighing not more than 48,000 pounds with no single axle weighing more than 25,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

For such vehicles weighing over 48,000 pounds but not more than 54,000 pounds with no single axle weighing more than 28,000 pounds, the fees shall be at the following rates:

Payment of overweight fees for the above vehicle shall include overwidth dimension of 4 feet or less, overheight and overlength. Any overwidth in excess of 4 feet shall be charged an additional overwidth fee of $15.

(g) Fees for special permits to move vehicles, combinations of vehicles, and loads with overweight gross loads not included in the fee categories shall be paid by the applicant to the Department at the rate of $50 plus 3.5 cents per ton-mile in excess of legal weight.

With respect to fees for overweight gross loads not included in the schedules specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of Section 15-307 and for overweight axle loads listed in Section 15-306, one fee only shall be charged, whichever is the greater, but not both. An additional fee in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 15-305 shall be charged for each overdimension.

(h) Fees for special permits for continuous limited operation authorizing the applicant to operate vehicles that exceed the weight limits provided for in subsection (a) of Section 15-111.

All single axles excluding the steer axle and axles within a tandem are limited to 24,000 pounds or less unless otherwise noted in this subsection (h). Loads up to 12 feet wide and 110 feet in length shall be included within this permit. Fees shall be $250 for a quarterly and $1,000 for an annual permit. Front tag axle and double tandem trailers are not eligible.

The following configurations qualify for the quarterly and annual permits:

(1) 3 or more axles, total gross weight of 68,000 pounds or less, front tandem or axle 21,000 pounds or less, rear tandem 48,000 pounds or less on 2 or 3 axles, 25,000 pounds or less on single axle;

(2) 4 or more axles, total gross weight of 76,000 pounds or less, front tandem 44,000 pounds or less on 2 axles, front axle 20,000 pounds or less, rear tandem 44,000 pounds or less on 2 axles and 23,000 pounds or less on single axle or 48,000 pounds or less on 3 axles, 25,000 pounds or less on single axle;

(3) 5 or more axles, total gross weight of 100,000 pounds or less, front tandem 48,000 pounds or less on 2 axles, front axle 20,000 pounds or less, 25,000 pounds or less on single axle, rear tandem 48,000 pounds or less on 2 axles, 25,000 pounds or less on single axle;

(4) 6 or more axles, total gross weight of 120,000 pounds or less, front tandem 48,000 pounds or less on 2 axles, front axle 20,000 pounds or less, single axle 25,000 pounds or less, or rear tandem 60,000 pounds or less on 3 axles, 21,000 pounds or less on single axles within a tandem.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 1-1-10; 97-201, eff. 1-1-12.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.