HB0031eng 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB0031 Engrossed LRB095 03321 DRH 23323 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 3-812, 3-815, 3-818, 15-102, 15-111, 15-112, and 15-301 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/3-812) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-812)

Sec. 3-812. Vehicles with Permanently Mounted Equipment - Registration Fees. Vehicles having permanently mounted equipment thereon used exclusively by the owner for the transporting of such permanently mounted equipment and tools and equipment to be used incidentally in the work to be performed with the permanently mounted equipment and provided such vehicle is not used for hire shall be registered upon the filing of a proper application and the payment of a registration fee based upon a rate of $45 per year (or fraction of a year) for each 10,000 pounds (or portion thereof) of the gross weight of such motor vehicle and equipment, according to the following table of fees:

SCHEDULE OF FEES REQUIRED BY LAW

(Source: P.A. 91-37, eff. 7-1-99.)

(625 ILCS 5/3-815) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-815)

Sec. 3-815. Flat weight tax; vehicles of the second division.

(a) Except as provided in Section 3-806.3, every owner of a vehicle of the second division registered under Section 3-813, and not registered under the mileage weight tax under Section 3-818, shall pay to the Secretary of State, for each registration year, for the use of the public highways, a flat weight tax at the rates set forth in the following table, the rates including the $10 registration fee:

SCHEDULE OF FLAT WEIGHT TAX

REQUIRED BY LAW

(a-1) A Special Hauling Vehicle is a vehicle or combination of vehicles of the second division registered under Section 3-813 transporting asphalt or concrete in the plastic state or a vehicle or combination of vehicles that are subject to the gross weight limitations in subsection (b) of Section 15-111 for which the owner of the vehicle or combination of vehicles has elected to pay, in addition to the registration fee in subsection (a), $125 to the Secretary of State for each registration year. The Secretary shall designate this class of vehicle as a Special Hauling Vehicle.

(b) Except as provided in Section 3-806.3, every camping trailer, motor home, mini motor home, travel trailer, truck camper or van camper used primarily for recreational purposes, and not used commercially, nor for hire, nor owned by a commercial business, may be registered for each registration year upon the filing of a proper application and the payment of a registration fee and highway use tax, according to the following table of fees:

MOTOR HOME, MINI MOTOR HOME, TRUCK CAMPER OR VAN CAMPER

CAMPING TRAILER OR TRAVEL TRAILER

Every house trailer must be registered under Section 3-819.

(c) Farm Truck. Any truck used exclusively for the owner's own agricultural, horticultural or livestock raising operations and not-for-hire only, or any truck used only in the transportation for-hire of seasonal, fresh, perishable fruit or vegetables from farm to the point of first processing, may be registered by the owner under this paragraph in lieu of registration under paragraph (a), upon filing of a proper application and the payment of the $10 registration fee and the highway use tax herein specified as follows:

SCHEDULE OF FEES AND TAXES

In the event the Secretary of State revokes a farm truck registration as authorized by law, the owner shall pay the flat weight tax due hereunder before operating such truck.

Any combination of vehicles having 5 axles, with a distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles, that are subject to the weight limitations in subsection (a) and (b) of Section 15-111 for which the owner of the combination of vehicles has elected to pay, in addition to the registration fee in subsection (c), $125 to the Secretary of State for each registration year shall be designated by the Secretary as a Special Hauling Vehicle.

(d) The number of axles necessary to carry the maximum load provided shall be determined from Chapter 15 of this Code.

(e) An owner may only apply for and receive 5 farm truck registrations, and only 2 of those 5 vehicles shall exceed 59,500 gross weight in pounds per vehicle.

(f) Every person convicted of violating this Section by failure to pay the appropriate flat weight tax to the Secretary of State as set forth in the above tables shall be punished as provided for in Section 3-401.

(Source: P.A. 91-37, eff. 7-1-99.)

(625 ILCS 5/3-818) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-818)

Sec. 3-818. (a) Mileage weight tax option. Any owner of a vehicle of the second division may elect to pay a mileage weight tax for such vehicle in lieu of the flat weight tax set out in Section 3-815. Such election shall be binding to the end of the registration year. Renewal of this election must be filed with the Secretary of State on or before July 1 of each registration period. In such event the owner shall, at the time of making such election, pay the $10 registration fee and the minimum guaranteed mileage weight tax, as hereinafter provided, which payment shall permit the owner to operate that vehicle the maximum mileage in this State hereinafter set forth. Any vehicle being operated on mileage plates cannot be operated outside of this State. In addition thereto, the owner of that vehicle shall pay a mileage weight tax at the following rates for each mile traveled in this State in excess of the maximum mileage provided under the minimum guaranteed basis:

BUS, TRUCK OR TRUCK TRACTOR

TRAILER

(a-1) A Special Hauling Vehicle is a vehicle or combination of vehicles of the second division registered under Section 3-813 transporting asphalt or concrete in the plastic state or a vehicle or combination of vehicles that are subject to the gross weight limitations in subsection (b) of Section 15-111 for which the owner of the vehicle or combination of vehicles has elected to pay, in addition to the registration fee in subsection (a), $125 to the Secretary of State for each registration year. The Secretary shall designate this class of vehicle as a Special Hauling Vehicle.

In preparing rate schedules on registration applications, the Secretary of State shall add to the above rates, the $10 registration fee. The Secretary may decline to accept any renewal filed after July 1st.

The number of axles necessary to carry the maximum load provided shall be determined from Chapter 15 of this Code.

Every owner of a second division motor vehicle for which he has elected to pay a mileage weight tax shall keep a daily record upon forms prescribed by the Secretary of State, showing the mileage covered by that vehicle in this State. Such record shall contain the license number of the vehicle and the miles traveled by the vehicle in this State for each day of the calendar month. Such owner shall also maintain records of fuel consumed by each such motor vehicle and fuel purchases therefor. On or before the 10th day of July the owner shall certify to the Secretary of State upon forms prescribed therefor, summaries of his daily records which shall show the miles traveled by the vehicle in this State during the preceding 12 months and such other information as the Secretary of State may require. The daily record and fuel records shall be filed, preserved and available for audit for a period of 3 years. Any owner filing a return hereunder shall certify that such return is a true, correct and complete return. Any person who willfully makes a false return hereunder is guilty of perjury and shall be punished in the same manner and to the same extent as is provided therefor.

At the time of filing his return, each owner shall pay to the Secretary of State the proper amount of tax at the rate herein imposed.

Every owner of a vehicle of the second division who elects to pay on a mileage weight tax basis and who operates the vehicle within this State, shall file with the Secretary of State a bond in the amount of $500. The bond shall be in a form approved by the Secretary of State and with a surety company approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance to transact business in this State as surety, and shall be conditioned upon such applicant's paying to the State of Illinois all money becoming due by reason of the operation of the second division vehicle in this State, together with all penalties and interest thereon.

Upon notice from the Secretary that the registrant has failed to pay the excess mileage fees, the surety shall immediately pay the fees together with any penalties and interest thereon in an amount not to exceed the limits of the bond.

(Source: P.A. 94-239, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/15-102) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-102)

Sec. 15-102. Width of Vehicles.

(a) On Class III and non-designated State and local highways, the total outside width of any vehicle or load thereon shall not exceed 8 feet.

(b) Except during those times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1000 feet, the following vehicles may exceed the 8 feet limitation during the period from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset:

(1) Loads of hay, straw or other similar farm products provided that the load is not more than 12 feet wide.

(2) Implements of husbandry being transported on another vehicle and the transporting vehicle while loaded.

The following requirements apply to the transportation on another vehicle of an implement of husbandry wider than 8 feet 6 inches on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or other highways in the system of State highways:

(A) The driver of a vehicle transporting an implement of husbandry that exceeds 8 feet 6 inches in width shall obey all traffic laws and shall check the roadways prior to making a movement in order to ensure that adequate clearance is available for the movement. It is prima facie evidence that the driver of a vehicle transporting an implement of husbandry has failed to check the roadway prior to making a movement if the vehicle is involved in a collision with a bridge, overpass, fixed structure, or properly placed traffic control device or if the vehicle blocks traffic due to its inability to proceed because of a bridge, overpass, fixed structure, or properly placed traffic control device.

(B) Flags shall be displayed so as to wave freely at the extremities of overwidth objects and at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections, and overhangs. All flags shall be clean, bright red flags with no advertising, wording, emblem, or insignia inscribed upon them and at least 18 inches square.

(C) "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs are mandatory on the front and rear of all vehicles with loads over 10 feet wide. These signs must have 12-inch high black letters with a 2-inch stroke on a yellow sign that is 7 feet wide by 18 inches high.

(D) One civilian escort vehicle is required for a load that exceeds 14 feet 6 inches in width and 2 civilian escort vehicles are required for a load that exceeds 16 feet in width on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or other highways in the system of State highways.

(E) The requirements for a civilian escort vehicle and driver are as follows:

(1) The civilian escort vehicle shall be a passenger car or a second division vehicle not exceeding a gross vehicle weight of 8,000 pounds that is designed to afford clear and unobstructed vision to both front and rear.

(2) The escort vehicle driver must be properly licensed to operate the vehicle.

(3) While in use, the escort vehicle must be equipped with illuminated rotating, oscillating, or flashing amber lights or flashing amber strobe lights mounted on top that are of sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight.

(4) "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs are mandatory on all escort vehicles. The sign on an escort vehicle shall have 8-inch high black letters on a yellow sign that is 5 feet wide by 12 inches high.

(5) When only one escort vehicle is required and it is operating on a two-lane highway, the escort vehicle shall travel approximately 300 feet ahead of the load. The rotating, oscillating, or flashing lights or flashing amber strobe lights and an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign shall be displayed on the escort vehicle and shall be visible from the front. When only one escort vehicle is required and it is operating on a multilane divided highway, the escort vehicle shall travel approximately 300 feet behind the load and the sign and lights shall be visible from the rear.

(6) When 2 escort vehicles are required, one escort shall travel approximately 300 feet ahead of the load and the second escort shall travel approximately 300 feet behind the load. The rotating, oscillating, or flashing lights or flashing amber strobe lights and an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign shall be displayed on the escort vehicles and shall be visible from the front on the lead escort and from the rear on the trailing escort.

(7) When traveling within the corporate limits of a municipality, the escort vehicle shall maintain a reasonable and proper distance from the oversize load, consistent with existing traffic conditions.

(8) A separate escort shall be provided for each load hauled.

(9) The driver of an escort vehicle shall obey all traffic laws.

(10) The escort vehicle must be in safe operational condition.

(11) The driver of the escort vehicle must be in radio contact with the driver of the vehicle carrying the oversize load.

(F) A transport vehicle while under load of more than 8 feet 6 inches in width must be equipped with an illuminated rotating, oscillating, or flashing amber light or lights or a flashing amber strobe light or lights mounted on the top of the cab that are of sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. If the load on the transport vehicle blocks the visibility of the amber lighting from the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle must also be equipped with an illuminated rotating, oscillating, or flashing amber light or lights or a flashing amber strobe light or lights mounted on the rear of the load that are of sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight.

(G) When a flashing amber light is required on the transport vehicle under load and it is operating on a two-lane highway, the transport vehicle shall display to the rear at least one rotating, oscillating, or flashing light or a flashing amber strobe light and an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign. When a flashing amber light is required on the transport vehicle under load and it is operating on a multilane divided highway, the sign and light shall be visible from the rear.

(H) Maximum speed shall be 45 miles per hour on all such moves or 5 miles per hour above the posted minimum speed limit, whichever is greater, but the vehicle shall not at any time exceed the posted maximum speed limit.

(3) Portable buildings designed and used for agricultural and livestock raising operations that are not more than 14 feet wide and with not more than a 1 foot overhang along the left side of the hauling vehicle. However, the buildings shall not be transported more than 10 miles and not on any route that is part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.

All buildings when being transported shall display at least 2 red cloth flags, not less than 12 inches square, mounted as high as practicable on the left and right side of the building.

A State Police escort shall be required if it is necessary for this load to use part of the left lane when crossing any 2 laned State highway bridge.

(c) Vehicles propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires operated wholly within the corporate limits of a municipality are also exempt from the width limitation.

(d) Exemptions are also granted to vehicles designed for the carrying of more than 10 persons under the following conditions:

(1) (Blank);

(2) When operated within any public transportation service with the approval of local authorities or an appropriate public body authorized by law to provide public transportation. Any vehicle so operated may be 8 feet 6 inches in width; or

(3) When a county engineer or superintendent of highways, after giving due consideration to the mass transportation needs of the area and to the width and condition of the road, has determined that the operation of buses wider than 8 feet will not pose an undue safety hazard on a particular county or township road segment, he or she may authorize buses not to exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width on any highway under that engineer's or superintendent's jurisdiction.

(d-1) A recreational vehicle, as defined in Section 1-169, may exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width if:

(1) the excess width is attributable to appurtenances that extend 6 inches or less beyond either side of the body of the vehicle; and

(2) the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling has marked lanes for vehicular traffic that are at least 11 feet in width.

As used in this subsection (d-1) and in subsection (d-2), the term appurtenance includes (i) a retracted awning and its support hardware and (ii) any appendage that is intended to be an integral part of a recreation vehicle.

(d-2) A recreational vehicle that exceeds 8 feet 6 inches in width as provided in subsection (d-1) may travel any roadway of the State if the vehicle is being operated between a roadway permitted under subsection (d-1) and:

(1) the location where the recreation vehicle is garaged;

(2) the destination of the recreation vehicle; or

(3) a facility for food, fuel, repair, services, or rest.

(e) A vehicle and load traveling upon the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or any other highway in the system of State highways that has been designated as a Class I or Class II highway by the Department, or any street or highway designated by local authorities, may have a total outside width of 8 feet 6 inches, provided that certain safety devices that the Department determines as necessary for the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles shall not be included in the calculation of width.

(e-1) A vehicle and load more than 8 feet wide but not exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width is allowed access according to the following:

(1) A vehicle and load not exceeding 73,280 pounds in weight 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 loading and unloading, provided:

(A) The vehicle and load does not exceed 65 feet overall length.

(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.

(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between State designated highways.

(2) A vehicle and load not exceeding 73,280 pounds in weight is allowed access from any State designated highway onto any county or township highway for a distance of 5 highway miles or onto any municipal highway for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and rest, provided:

(A) The vehicle and load does not exceed 65 feet overall length.

(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.

(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between State designated highways.

(3) A vehicle and load not exceeding 80,000 pounds in weight is allowed access 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.

(4) A vehicle and load not exceeding 80,000 pounds in weight is allowed access from a Class I or Class II highway onto any State highway or any locally designated highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest.

(5) A trailer or semi-trailer not exceeding 28 feet 6 inches in length, that was originally in combination with a truck tractor, shall have unlimited access to points of loading and unloading.

(6) All household goods carriers shall have unlimited access to points of loading and unloading.

(7) Any vehicle utilizing an auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling shall be allowed an additional 400 pounds total to the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits defined in Section 15-111 of this Code, and to registered weights found in Chapter 3 of this Code. To be eligible for this exception, the operator of the vehicle must be able to prove, by written certification, the weight of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and to demonstrate or certify the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.

Certification of the weight of the APU must be available to law enforcement officers if the vehicle is found in violation of applicable weight laws. The weight allowed cannot exceed 400 pounds or the weight certified, whichever is less. APU weights shall not be considered in the calculation of any tolerances allowed by Section 15-112 of this Code.

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).

(f) Mirrors required by Section 12-502 of this Code and other safety devices identified by the Department may project up to 14 inches beyond each side of a bus and up to 6 inches beyond each side of any other vehicle, and that projection shall not be deemed a violation of the width restrictions of this Section.

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

(Source: P.A. 93-177, eff. 7-11-03; 94-949, eff. 1-1-07.)

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

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

(a) On non-designated highways, no vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total weight transmitted to the road surface exceeds 18,000 pounds on a single axle or 32,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no axle within the tandem exceeding 18,000 pounds except:

(1) when 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;

(3) tow trucks subject to the conditions provided in subsection (d) may not exceed 24,000 pounds on a single rear axle or 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle;

(4) any single axle of a 2-axle truck weighing 36,000 pounds or less and not a part of a combination of vehicles, shall not exceed 20,000 pounds;

(5) any single axle of a 2-axle truck equipped with a personnel lift or digger derrick, weighing 36,000 pounds or less, owned and operated by a public utility, shall not exceed 20,000 pounds;

(6) any single axle of a 2-axle truck specially equipped with a front loading compactor used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or recycling may not exceed 20,000 pounds per axle, provided that the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 40,000 pounds;

(7) a truck, not in combination and specially equipped with a selfcompactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off container, used exclusively for garbage or refuse operations may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;

(8) a truck, not in combination and used exclusively for the collection of rendering materials, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;

(9) tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2014 and first registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2015, 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 18,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type manufactured after the model year of 2014 or first registered in Illinois after December 31, 2014 may not exceed a combined weight of 32,000 pounds through the series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed 18,000 pounds;

(10) 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 manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2014 and first registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2015, is allowed the following maximum weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds on any series of 2 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;

(11) 4-axle vehicles or a 5 or more axle combination of vehicles: The weight transmitted upon the road surface through any series of 3 axles whose centers are more than 96 inches apart, measured between extreme axles in the series, may not exceed those allowed in the table contained in subsection (f) of this Section. No axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum weight permitted under this Section for a single or tandem axle.

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.

(b) On non-designated highways, the gross weight of vehicles and combination of vehicles including the weight of the vehicle or combination and its maximum load shall be subject to the foregoing limitations and further shall not exceed the following gross weights dependent upon the number of axles and distance between extreme axles of the vehicle or combination measured longitudinally to the nearest foot.

VEHICLES HAVING 2 AXLES ....................... 36,000 pounds

VEHICLES OR COMBINATIONS

HAVING 3 AXLES

VEHICLES OPERATING ON CRAWLER TYPE TRACKS ..... 40,000 pounds

TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SELFCOMPACTORS

OR ROLL-OFF HOISTS AND ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS FOR GARBAGE,

REFUSE, OR RECYCLING HAULS ONLY AND TRUCKS USED FOR

THE COLLECTION OF RENDERING MATERIALS

On Highway Not Part of National System

of Interstate and Defense Highways

with 2 axles 36,000 pounds

with 3 axles 54,000 pounds

TWO AXLE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH

A FRONT LOADING COMPACTOR USED EXCLUSIVELY

FOR THE COLLECTION OF GARBAGE, REFUSE, OR RECYCLING

with 2 axles 40,000 pounds

A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic state, manufactured before or in the model year of 2014, and first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015, is allowed a maximum gross weight listed in the table of subsection (f) of this Section for 4 axles. This vehicle, while loaded with concrete in the plastic state, is not subject to the series of 3 axles requirement provided for in subdivision (a)(11) of this Section, but no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum weight permitted under subdivision (a)(10) of this Section.

(b-1) As used in this Section, a "recycling haul" or "recycling operation" means the hauling of segregated, non-hazardous, non-special, homogeneous non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass, cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary materials market.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

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:

(1) 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;

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

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

(4) 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 15-319 of this Code. 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.

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.

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, shall mean the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck.

(e) 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 15-319 of this Chapter.

(f) On designated Class I, II, or III highways and the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, 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.

Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (f) 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 (f) 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) 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.

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

(3) 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.

(4) Tow trucks subject to the conditions provided in subsection (d) may not exceed 24,000 pounds on a single rear axle or 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle.

(5) A tandem axle on a 3-axle truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2014, and registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2015, with a distance between 2 axles in a series greater than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches may not exceed a total weight of 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the series may exceed 18,000 pounds.

(6) 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; 36,000 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) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2014, and registered in Illinois prior to January 1, 2015, having 5 axles with a distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles, may not exceed the following maximum weights: 18,000 pounds on a single axle; 32,000 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 this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly, 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, 2014 may not exceed the weights allowed by the bridge formula.

(8) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic state, manufactured before or in the model year of 2014, first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015, 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 subsection (f).

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.

(f-1) A vehicle and load not exceeding 73,280 pounds is allowed access as follows:

(1) From any State designated highway onto any county, township, or municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of loading and unloading, provided:

(A) The vehicle and load does not exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width and 65 feet overall length.

(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.

(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between State designated highways.

(2) From any State designated highway onto any county or township highway for a distance of 5 highway miles, or any municipal highway for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and rest, provided:

(A) The vehicle and load does not exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width and 65 feet overall length.

(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.

(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between State designated highways.

(f-2) A vehicle and load greater than 73,280 pounds in weight but not exceeding 80,000 pounds is 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, II, or III highway onto any State highway or any local designated highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest.

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

(g) 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.

(g-1) Any vehicle utilizing an auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling shall be allowed an additional 400 pounds total to the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits defined in this Section, and to registered weights found in Chapter 3 of this Code. To be eligible for this exception, the operator of the vehicle must be able to prove, by written certification, the weight of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and to demonstrate or certify the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.

Certification of the weight of the APU must be available to law enforcement officers if the vehicle is found in violation of applicable weight laws. The weight allowed cannot exceed 400 pounds or the weight certified, whichever is less. APU weights shall not be considered in the calculation of any tolerances allowed by Section 15-112 of this Code.

(h) 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.

(i) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of subsections (g) or (h) 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. 93-177, eff. 7-11-03; 93-186, eff. 1-1-04; 93-1023, eff. 8-25-04; 94-464, eff. 1-1-06; 94-926, eff. 1-1-07.)

(625 ILCS 5/15-112) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-112)

Sec. 15-112. Officers to weigh vehicles and require removal of excess loads.

(a) Any police officer having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful shall require the driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the same either by means of a portable or stationary scales that have been tested and approved at a frequency prescribed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, or for those scales operated by the State, when such tests are requested by the Department of State Police, whichever is more frequent. If such scales are not available at the place where such vehicle is stopped, the police officer shall require that such vehicle be driven to the nearest available scale that has been tested and approved pursuant to this Section by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Weights and Measures Act or the United States Department of Commerce NIST handbook 44, multi or single draft weighing is an acceptable method of weighing by law enforcement for determining a violation of Chapter 3 or 15 of this Code. Law enforcement is exempt from the requirements of commercial weighing established in NIST handbook 44.

Within 18 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, all municipal and county officers, technicians, and employees who set up and operate portable scales for wheel load or axle load or both and issue citations based on the use of portable scales for wheel load or axle load or both and who have not successfully completed initial classroom and field training regarding the set up and operation of portable scales, shall attend and successfully complete initial classroom and field training administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(b) Whenever an officer, upon weighing a vehicle and the load, determines that the weight is unlawful, such officer shall require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until such portion of the load is removed as may be necessary to reduce the weight of the vehicle to the limit permitted under this Chapter, or to the limit permitted under the terms of a permit issued pursuant to Sections 15-301 through 15-318 and shall forthwith arrest the driver or owner. All material so unloaded shall be cared for by the owner or operator of the vehicle at the risk of such owner or operator; however, whenever a 3 or 4 axle vehicle with a tandem axle dimension greater than 72 inches, but less than 96 inches and registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle is transporting asphalt or concrete in the plastic state that exceeds axle weight or gross weight limits by less than 4,000 pounds, the owner or operator of the vehicle shall accept the arrest ticket or tickets for the alleged violations under this Section and proceed without shifting or reducing the load being transported or may shift or reduce the load under the provisions of subsection (d) or (e) of this Section, when applicable. Any fine imposed following an overweight violation by a vehicle registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle transporting asphalt or concrete in the plastic state shall be paid as provided in subsection 4 of paragraph (a) of Section 16-105 of this Code.

(c) The Department of Transportation may, at the request of the Department of State Police, erect appropriate regulatory signs on any State highway directing second division vehicles to a scale. The Department of Transportation may also, at the direction of any State Police officer, erect portable regulating signs on any highway directing second division vehicles to a portable scale. Every such vehicle, pursuant to such sign, shall stop and be weighed.

(d) Whenever any axle load of a vehicle exceeds the axle or tandem axle weight limits permitted by paragraph (a) or (f) of Section 15-111 by 2000 pounds or less, the owner or operator of the vehicle must shift or remove the excess so as to comply with paragraph (a) or (f) of Section 15-111. No overweight arrest ticket shall be issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle by any officer if the excess weight is shifted or removed as required by this paragraph.

(e) Whenever the gross weight of a vehicle with a registered gross weight of 73,280 pounds or less exceeds the weight limits of paragraph (b) or (f) of Section 15-111 of this Chapter by 2000 pounds or less, the owner or operator of the vehicle must remove the excess. Whenever the gross weight of a vehicle with a registered gross weight of 73,281 pounds or more exceeds the weight limits of paragraph (b) or (f) of Section 15-111 by 1,000 pounds or less or 2,000 pounds or less if weighed on wheel load weighers, the owner or operator of the vehicle must remove the excess. In either case no arrest ticket for any overweight violation of this Code shall be issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle by any officer if the excess weight is removed as required by this paragraph. A person who has been granted a special permit under Section 15-301 of this Code shall not be granted a tolerance on wheel load weighers.

(f) Whenever an axle load of a vehicle exceeds axle weight limits allowed by the provisions of a permit an arrest ticket shall be issued, but the owner or operator of the vehicle may shift the load so as to comply with the provisions of the permit. Where such shifting of a load to comply with the permit is accomplished, the owner or operator of the vehicle may then proceed.

(f-1) Any vehicle utilizing an auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling shall be allowed an additional 400 pounds total to the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits defined in this Section, and to registered weights found in Chapter 3 of this Code. To be eligible for this exception, the operator of the vehicle must be able to prove, by written certification, the weight of the auxiliary power unit (APU); and demonstrate or certify the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.

Certification of the weight of the APU must be available to law enforcement officers if the vehicle is found in violation of applicable weight laws. The weight allowed cannot exceed 400 pounds or the weight certified, whichever is less. APU weights shall not be considered in the calculation of any tolerances allowed by this Section.

(g) Any driver of a vehicle who refuses to stop and submit his vehicle and load to weighing after being directed to do so by an officer or removes or causes the removal of the load or part of it prior to weighing is guilty of a business offense and shall be fined not less than $500 nor more than $2,000.

(Source: P.A. 91-129, eff. 7-16-99; 92-417, eff. 1-1-02.)

(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 Act or otherwise not in conformity with this Act 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 is composed of a single nondivisible object that cannot reasonably be dismantled or disassembled. 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. 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.

(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) 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 except that for vehicles or vehicle combinations registered by the Department as provided in Section 15-319 of this Chapter, only the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDT) registration number or classification need be given; (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) 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 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 paragraph (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 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 is 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 Illinois 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) Upon a declaration by the Governor that an emergency harvest situation exists, a special permit issued by the Department under this Section shall not be required from September 1 through December 31 during harvest season emergencies, provided that the weight does not exceed 20% above the limits provided in Section 15-111. All other restrictions that apply to permits issued under this Section shall apply during the declared time period. With respect to highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities, the local authorities may, at their discretion, waive special permit requirements during harvest season emergencies. This permit exemption shall apply to all vehicles eligible to obtain permits under this Section, including commercial vehicles in use 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 paragraph (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 permitee, while enroute 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 to 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 Act.

(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 shall 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 for such third 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 (d) 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 56,000 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) 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 transport raw milk that exceeds the weight limits provided for in subsections (b) and (f) of Section 15-111 of this Code, provided:

(1) no single axle exceeds 20,000 pounds;

(2) no gross weight exceeds 80,000 pounds;

(3) permits issued by the State are good only for federal and State highways and are not applicable to interstate highways; and

(4) all road and bridge postings must be obeyed.

(p) Any vehicle utilizing an auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling shall be allowed an additional 400 pounds total to the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits defined in Section 15-111 of this Code, and to registered weights found in Chapter 3 of this Code. To be eligible for this exception, the operator of the vehicle must be able to prove, by written certification, the weight of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and to demonstrate or certify the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.

Certification of the weight of the APU must be available to law enforcement officers if the vehicle is found in violation of applicable weight laws. The weight allowed cannot exceed 400 pounds or the weight certified, whichever is less. APU weights shall not be considered in the calculation of any tolerances allowed by 15-112 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 93-718, eff. 1-1-05; 93-971, eff. 8-20-04; 93-1023, eff. 8-25-04; revised 10-14-04.)