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Public Act 92-0417
HB2259 Enrolled LRB9203338DHmb
AN ACT in relation to motor carriers.
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
adding Section 1-126.1 and changing Sections 15-101, 15-102,
15-103, 15-106, 15-107, 15-111, 15-112, and 15-316 as
follows:
(625 ILCS 5/1-126.1 new)
Sec. 1-126.1. Highway Designations. The Department of
Transportation may designate streets or highways in the
system of State highways as follows:
(a) Class I highways include interstate highways,
expressways, tollways, and other highways deemed
appropriate by the department.
(b) Class II highways include major arterials not
built to interstate highway standards that have at least
11 feet lane widths.
(c) Class III highways include those State highways
that have lane widths of less than 11 feet.
(d) Non-designated highways are highways in the
system of State highways not designated as Class I, II,
or III, or local highways which are part of any county,
township, municipal, or district road system. Local
authorities also may designate Class II or Class III
highways within their systems of highways.
(625 ILCS 5/15-101) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-101)
Sec. 15-101. Scope and effect of Chapter 15. (a) It is
unlawful for any person to drive or move on, upon or across
or for the owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or
moved on, upon or across any highway any vehicle or vehicles
of a size and weight exceeding the limitations stated in this
Chapter or otherwise in violation of this Chapter, and the
maximum size and weight of vehicles herein specified shall be
lawful throughout this State, and local authorities shall
have no power or authority to alter such limitations except
as express authority may be granted in this Chapter.
(b) The provisions of this Chapter governing size,
weight and load do not apply to fire apparatus or equipment
for snow and ice removal operations owned or operated by any
governmental body, or to implements of husbandry, as defined
in Chapter 1 of this Code, temporarily operated or towed in a
combination upon a highway provided such combination does not
consist of more than 3 vehicles or, in the case of hauling
fresh, perishable fruits or vegetables from farm to the point
of first processing, not more than 3 wagons being towed by an
implement of husbandry, or to a vehicle operated under the
terms of a special permit issued hereunder.
(Source: P.A. 83-831.)
(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, Except as otherwise provided in this Section or
this Code, 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.
(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 or road district commissioners, 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.
Vehicles operating under this paragraph (e) shall have
access for a distance of one highway mile to or from a Class
I highway on any street or highway, unless there is a sign
prohibiting the access, or 5 highway miles to or from a Class
I or II highway on a street or highway included in the system
of State highways and upon any street or highway designated
by local authorities or road district commissioners, without
additional fees, to points of loading and unloading and to
facilities for food, fuel, repairs and rest. In addition, any
trailer or semitrailer not exceeding 28 feet 6 inches in
length, that was originally in combination with a truck
tractor, and all household goods carriers, when operating
under paragraph (e), shall have access to points of loading
and unloading.
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. 90-14, eff. 7-1-97; 91-780, eff. 6-9-00.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-103) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-103)
Sec. 15-103. Height of vehicles. The height of a vehicle
from the under side of the tire to the top of the vehicle,
inclusive of load, shall not exceed 13 feet, 6 inches on any
highway in the State.
A person convicted of violating this Section is subject
to the penalty provided in paragraph (b) of Section 15-113.
(Source: P.A. 83-831.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-106)
Sec. 15-106. Protruding members of vehicles.
No vehicle with boom, arm, drill rig or other protruding
component shall be operated upon any the highway in this
State unless such protruding component is fastened so as to
prevent shifting, bouncing or moving in any manner.
(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)
(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. Unless otherwise provided for in this Code, no
single vehicle, with or without load, other than a
semitrailer that is not a housetrailer, shall exceed an
overall length of 42 feet.
(b) On all non-State highways, the maximum length of
vehicles in combinations is as follows:
(1) A truck tractor in combination with a
semitrailer may not exceed 55 feet overall dimension.
(2) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer may not
exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
(3) Combinations specially designed to transport
motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 60 feet overall
dimension.
Vehicles operating during daylight hours when
transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a
structural nature that cannot readily be 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.
All other combinations not listed in this subsection (b)
may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension. Subject to the
provisions of paragraph (f) and unless otherwise provided in
this Code, no truck tractor and semitrailer, unladen or with
load, except a semitrailer other than a house trailer, shall
exceed a length of 55 feet extreme overall dimension, except
that the combination when specially designed to transport
motor vehicles may have a length of 60 feet extreme overall
dimension, subject to those exceptions and special rules
otherwise stated in this Code. No other combination of
vehicles, unladen or with load, shall exceed a length of 60
feet extreme overall dimension.
(c) 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.
(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 15-319 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. A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one
trailer, or a converter dolly, or a vehicle that is special
mobile equipment if the extreme length of the combination
does not exceed 60 feet, and a truck in transit may draw 3
trucks in transit coupled together by the triple saddlemount
method. Except as otherwise provided, no other combinations
of vehicles coupled together shall consist of more than 2
vehicles. For the purposes of this paragraph, a tow-dolly
that merely serves as substitute wheels for another legally
licensed vehicle will be considered part of the vehicle and
not as a separate vehicle.
Vehicles in combination, whether being operated
intrastate or interstate, shall be operated and towed in
compliance with all requirements of Federal Highway
Administration, Title 49, C. F. R., Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations, pertaining to coupling devices and towing
methods and all other equipment safety requirements set forth
in the regulations.
(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.
(3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen
or with load, operated in a truck
tractor-semitrailer-trailer 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 as defined
in Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport motor
vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 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 75 feet overall dimension.
Vehicles operating during daylight hours when
transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a
structural nature that cannot readily be 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. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Code, there is no overall length limitation on motor vehicles
operating in truck tractor-semitrailer or truck
tractor-semitrailer-trailer combinations, except that
maxi-cube combinations as defined in this Section, and a
combination of vehicles specifically designed to transport
motor vehicles or boats, shall not exceed 65 feet overall
length, and provided that a stinger steered combination of
vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or
boats and a truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled
together by the triple saddlemount method shall not exceed 75
feet overall length, with the length limitations inclusive of
front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the
transported vehicles as provided for in paragraph (i) of this
Section, upon the National System of Interstate and Defense
Highways or any other highways in the system of State
highways that have been designated Class I highways by the
Department or any street or highway designated by local
authorities or road district commissioners; provided that the
length of the semitrailer unit, unladen or with load,
operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination shall not
exceed 53 feet and the distance between the kingpin and the
center of the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet
shall not exceed 45 feet, 6 inches; and provided that the
length of any semitrailer or trailer, unladen or with load,
operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination
shall not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.
The length limitations described in this paragraph (d)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as rear view mirrors, turn signals, marker lamps, steps
and handholds for entry and egress, flexible fender
extensions, bumpers, mudflaps and splash and spray
suppressant devices, load-induced tire bulge, 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.
Vehicles operating under this paragraph (d) shall have
access for a distance of one highway mile to or from a Class
I highway on any street or highway, unless there is a sign
prohibiting the access, or 5 highway miles on a street or
highway in the system of State highways, and upon any street
or highway designated, without additional fees, by local
authorities or road district commissioners, to points of
loading and unloading and facilities for food, fuel, repairs
and rest. Household goods carriers shall have access to
points of loading and unloading.
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.
(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination
may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
(4) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen
or with load, operated in a truck
tractor-semitrailer-trailer 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, as
defined in Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport
motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 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 75 feet overall dimension.
Vehicles operating during daylight hours when
transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a
structural nature that cannot readily be 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 and road district commissioners, with
respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may
also by ordinance or resolution allow length limitations of
this subsection (e). In addition to the designation of
highways under paragraph (d) the Department may designate
other streets or highways in the system of State highways as
Class II highways. Notwithstanding any other provisions of
this Code, effective June 1, 1996 there is no overall length
limitation on motor vehicles operating in truck
tractor-semitrailer combinations operating upon designated
Class II highways, provided the length of the semitrailer
unit, unladen or with load, operated in a truck
tractor-semitrailer combination shall not exceed 53 feet and
the distance between the kingpin and the center of the rear
axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet shall not exceed 45
feet, 6 inches. A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
combination may be operated provided that the wheelbase
between the front axle and rear axle shall not exceed 65
feet and the length of any semitrailer or trailer, unladen or
with load, in a combination shall not exceed 28 feet 6
inches. Local authorities and road district commissioners
with respect to streets and highways under their
jurisdiction, may also by ordinance or resolution allow the
length limitations of this paragraph (e).
A maxi-cube combination, a truck in transit transporting
3 trucks coupled together by the triple saddlemount method,
and a combination of vehicles specifically designed to
transport motor vehicles or boats may operate on the
designated streets or highways provided the overall length
shall not exceed 65 feet, and provided that a stinger steered
combination of vehicles specifically designed to transport
motor vehicles or boats shall not exceed 75 feet overall
length, with the length limitations inclusive of front and
rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the transported
vehicles as provided for in paragraph (i) of this Section.
The length limitations described in this paragraph (e)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as rear view mirrors, turn signals, marker lamps, steps
and handholds for entry and egress, flexible fender
extensions, bumpers, mudflaps and splash and spray
suppressant devices, load-induced tire bulge, 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.
Vehicles operating under this paragraph (e) shall have
access for a distance of 5 highway miles on a street or
highway in the system of State highways, and upon any street
or highway designated by local authorities or road district
commissioners, to points of loading and unloading and to
facilities for food, fuel, repairs and rest. Household goods
carriers shall have access to points of loading and
unloading.
(e-1) Combinations of vehicles not exceeding 65 feet
overall length are 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 does not exceed 73,280 pounds
in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.
(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 onto any municipal highway for a distance of one
highway mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and
rest, provided:
(A) The vehicle does not exceed 73,280 pounds
in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.
(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.
(C) The route is not being used as a
thoroughfare between State designated highways.
(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
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.
(e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length
operated by household goods carriers, with no overall length
limitations except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of
this Section, have unlimited access to points of loading and
unloading.
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) On Class III and other non-designated State
highways, the length limitations for vehicles in combination
are as follows:
(1) Truck tractor-semitrailer combinations, must
comply with either a maximum 55 feet overall wheel base
or a maximum 65 feet extreme overall dimension.
(2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not
exceed 53 feet overall dimension.
(3) No truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
combination may exceed 60 feet extreme 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. On
any street or highway in the system of State highways
that has not been designated by the Department under
paragraph (d) or (e), the wheelbase between the front
axle and the rear axle in a truck tractor-semitrailer
combination shall not exceed 55 feet or, effective June
1, 1996, no truck tractor and semitrailer, unladen or
with load, except a semitrailer other than a house
trailer, shall exceed a length of 65 feet between extreme
overall dimensions, the length of the semitrailer,
unladen or with load, shall not exceed 53 feet and the
distance between the kingpin and the center of the rear
axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet 894ll not
exceed 42 feet, 6 inches. On any street or highway in the
State system of highways that has not been designated by
the Department under paragraph (d) or (e), no truck
tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination shall exceed a
length of 60 feet extreme overall dimension.
(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 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.
(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, provided the
towing vehicle meets the following conditions:
(A) It 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.
(B) It is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500
feet in all directions.
(C) It is capable of utilizing the lighting
and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or
combination of vehicles.
(D) It does not engage in a tow exceeding 50
miles from the initial point of wreck or
disablement.
Length limitations in the preceding subsections of this
Section 15-107 shall not apply to 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 dismembered, nor to
vehicles transporting those objects operated on Saturdays,
Sundays or legal holidays or at nighttime by a public utility
when required for emergency repair of public service
facilities or properties, but in respect to the night
operation every vehicle and the load thereon shall 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,
provided that the overall length of vehicle and load shall
not exceed 100 feet and no object exceeding 80 feet in length
shall be transported, except by a public utility when
required for emergency repairs, unless a permit has first
been obtained as authorized in Section 15-301. A combination
of vehicles, including a tow truck and a disabled vehicle or
disabled combination of vehicles, that exceeds the length
restriction imposed by this Code, may be operated on a public
highway in this State upon the following conditions:
(1) The towing vehicle must be:
a. specifically designed as a tow truck having
a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
lbs. and equipped with air brakes;
b. equipped with flashing, rotating or
oscillating amber lights, visible for a least 500
feet in all directions; and
c. capable of utilizing the lighting and
braking systems of the disabled vehicle or
combination of vehicles.
(2) The towing of vehicles on the highways of this
State shall not exceed 50 miles from the initial point of
wreck or disablement. Any additional movement of the
vehicles shall only occur upon issuance of authorization
for that movement under the provisions of Section 15-301
through 15-319 of this Chapter.
The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
additional requirements regarding length limitations for a
tow truck towing another vehicle.
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. Legal
holidays referred to in this Section shall be specified as
the day on which the following traditional holidays are
celebrated:
New Year's Day;
Memorial Day;
Independence Day;
Labor Day;
Thanksgiving Day; and
Christmas Day.
(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 a combination of
vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles
shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the foremost part of
the transporting vehicle and the load upon the rear
transporting vehicle shall not extend more than 4 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). Charter or regulated route buses may be
up to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing
bumpers.
(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). A combination of 3 vehicles not to exceed
60 feet overall length may be operated on the highways of the
State, provided that the vehicles meet the following
requirements:
(1) The towing vehicle is a properly registered
vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a
fifth-wheel type assembly.
(2) The second vehicle in the combination of
vehicles shall be a recreational vehicle that is towed by
a fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle shall be properly
registered and be equipped with brakes regardless of
weight.
(3) The third vehicle shall be the lightest of the
3 vehicles and be a trailer or semi-trailer designed or
used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle,
personal watercraft, or motorcycle.
(4) The towed vehicles may only be for the use of
the operator of the towing vehicle.
(5) All vehicles shall be properly equipped with
operating brakes and safety equipment required by this
Code, except the additional brake requirement in
paragraph (2) above.
(Source: P.A. 89-219, eff. 1-1-96; 89-434, eff. 6-1-96;
89-626, eff. 8-9-96; 90-89, eff. 1-1-98; 90-147, eff.
7-23-97; 90-407, eff. 8-15-97; 90-655, eff. 7-30-98.)
(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 2004 and first registered in Illinois prior
to January 1, 2005, 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 2004 or first
registered in Illinois after December 31, 2004 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) tandem axles on a 4-axle truck mixer, whose
fourth axle is a road surface engaging mixer trailing
axle, registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used
exclusively for the mixing and transportation of concrete
and manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2004
and first registered in Illinois prior to January 1,
2005, 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 2004 or first registered in Illinois after
December 31, 2004 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;
(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. No vehicle or
combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall
be operated, unladen or with load, upon the highways of this
State when the gross weight on the road surface through any
single axle thereof exceeds 18,000 pounds, except when a
different limit is established and posted in accordance with
Section 15-316 and except any single axle of a 2 axle motor
vehicle weighing 36,000 pounds or less and not a part of a
combination of vehicles, shall not exceed 20,000 pounds.
Provided, however, that any single axle of a 2 axle motor
vehicle 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. No vehicle
or combination of vehicles equipped with other than pneumatic
tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon the
highways of this State when the gross weight on the road
surface through any wheel thereof exceeds 800 pounds per inch
width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road
surface through any axle thereof exceeds 16,000 pounds. The
gross weight transmitted to the road surface through tandem
axles shall not exceed 32,000 pounds and no axle of the
series shall exceed the maximum weight permitted under this
Section for a single axle. Provided that on a 4 axle vehicle
or on a 5 or more axle combination of vehicles the weight on
a series of 3 axles whose centers are more than 96 inches
apart, measured between extreme axles in the series, shall
not exceed those allowed on 3 axles in the table contained in
subsection (f) of this Section and no axle or tandem axle of
the series shall exceed the maximum weight permitted under
this Section for a single or tandem axle. Provided also that
a 3 axle vehicle or 3 axle truck mixer registered as a
Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and
transportation of concrete, specially equipped with a road
surface engaging mixer trailing 4th axle, manufactured
prior to or in the model year of 2004 and first registered in
Illinois prior to January 1, 2005, with a distance greater
than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches between any series
of 2 axles may transmit to the road surface a maximum weight
of 18,000 pounds on each of these axles with a gross weight
on these 2 axles not to exceed 36,000 pounds. Any such
vehicle manufactured in the model year of 2004 or thereafter
or first registered in Illinois after December 31, 2004 may
transmit to the road surface a maximum of 32,000 pounds
through these 2 axles and none of the axles shall exceed
18,000 pounds.
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,
and a truck used exclusively for the collection of rendering
materials may, however, when laden, transmit upon the road
surface of any highway except when part of the National
System of Interstate and Defense Highways, a gross weight
upon a single axle not more than 22,000 pounds, and upon a
tandem axle not more than 40,000 pounds. When unladen,
however, those trucks shall comply with the axle limitations
applicable to all other trucks.
A 2 axle truck specially equipped with a front loading
compactor used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or recycling
may transmit 20,000 pounds per axle provided that the gross
weight of the vehicle does not exceed 40,000 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
With Tandem With or
Axles Without
Tandem Axles
Minimum Minimum
distance to Maximum distance to Maximum
nearest foot Gross nearest foot Gross
between Weight between Weight
extreme axles (pounds) extreme axles (pounds)
10 feet 41,000 16 feet 46,000
11 42,000 17 47,000
12 43,000 18 47,500
13 44,000 19 48,000
14 44,500 20 49,000
15 45,000 21 feet or more 50,000
VEHICLES OR COMBINATIONS
HAVING 4 AXLES
Minimum Minimum
distance to Maximum distance to Maximum
nearest foot Gross nearest foot Gross
between Weight between Weight
extreme axles (pounds) extreme axles (pounds)
15 feet 50,000 26 feet 57,500
16 50,500 27 58,000
17 51,500 28 58,500
18 52,000 29 59,500
19 52,500 30 60,000
20 53,500 31 60,500
21 54,000 32 61,500
22 54,500 33 62,000
23 55,500 34 62,500
24 56,000 35 63,500
25 56,500 36 feet or more 64,000
A vehicle not in a combination having more than 4 axles
may not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (b)
for 4 axles measured between the extreme axles of the
vehicle.
In applying the above table to a vehicle having more than
4 axles that is not in combination, only 4 axles shall be
considered in determining the maximum gross weights.
COMBINATIONS HAVING 5 OR MORE AXLES
Minimum distance to Maximum
nearest foot between Gross Weight
extreme axles (pounds)
42 feet or less 72,000
43 73,000
44 feet or more 73,280
VEHICLES OPERATING ON CRAWLER TYPE TRACKS ..... 40,000 pounds
TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SELFCOMPACTORS
OR ROLL-OFF HOISTS AND ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS FOR GARBAGE
OR REFUSE 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
(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 the
following axle weight limitations:
(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.
A. 24,000 pounds - Single rear axle;
B. 44,000 pounds - Tandem rear axle;
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.
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
(1) the towing vehicle must be:
a. specifically designed as a tow truck having
a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
lbs. and equipped with air brakes provided that air
brakes shall be required only if the towing vehicle
is towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer
combination that is equipped with airbrakes;
b. equipped with flashing, rotating or
oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500
feet in all directions; and
c. capable of utilizing the lighting and
braking systems of the disabled vehicle or
combination of vehicles.
(2) The towing of the vehicles on the highways of
this State shall not exceed 20 miles from the initial
point of wreck or disablement. Any additional movement of
the vehicles shall only occur upon issuance of
authorization for that movement under the provisions of
Sections 15-301 through 15-319 of this Chapter.
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. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Code, except for those provisions of subsection (d) of this
Section relating to emergency operations of public utilities
and tow trucks while actually engaged in the towing of a
disabled vehicle, and those vehicles for which the Department
issues overweight permits under authority of Section 15-301
of this Code, the weight limitations contained in this
subsection shall apply to the National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways and other highways in the system of
State highways that have been designated by the Department as
Class I, II, or III. No vehicle shall be operated on the
highways with a weight in excess of 20,000 pounds carried on
any one axle or with a tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000
pounds, or a gross weight in excess of 80,000 pounds for
vehicle combinations of 5 axles or more, or a gross 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 gross 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, except that
2 consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of
34,000 pounds each, provided the overall distance between the
first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles
is 36 feet or more. Provided also that a 3-axle vehicle
registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle manufactured prior to
or in the model year of 2004, and first registered in
Illinois prior to January 1, 2005, with a distance greater
than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches between the 2 rear
axles may transmit to the road surface a maximum weight of
18,000 pounds on each of the 2 rear axles with a gross weight
on these 2 axles not to exceed 36,000 pounds. Any vehicle
registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle manufactured prior to
or in the model year of 2004 or thereafter or first
registered in Illinois after December 31, 2004, may transmit
to the road surface a maximum of 34,000 pounds through the 2
rear axles and neither of the rear axles shall exceed 20,000
pounds.
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 load in pounds
group of 2 or of carried on any group of
more consecutive 2 or more consecutive axles
axles
feet 2 axles 3 axles 4 axles 5 axles 6 axles
4 34,000
5 34,000
6 34,000
7 34,000
8 38,000* 42,000
9 39,000 42,500
10 40,000 43,500
11 44,000
12 45,000 50,000
13 45,500 50,500
14 46,500 51,500
15 47,000 52,000
16 48,000 52,500 58,000
17 48,500 53,500 58,500
18 49,500 54,000 59,000
19 50,000 54,500 60,000
20 51,000 55,500 60,500 66,000
21 51,500 56,000 61,000 66,500
22 52,500 56,500 61,500 67,000
23 53,000 57,500 62,500 68,000
24 54,000 58,000 63,000 68,500
25 54,500 58,500 63,500 69,000
26 55,500 59,500 64,000 69,500
27 56,000 60,000 65,000 70,000
28 57,000 60,500 65,500 71,000
29 57,500 61,500 66,000 71,500
30 58,500 62,000 66,500 72,000
31 59,000 62,500 67,500 72,500
32 60,000 63,500 68,000 73,000
33 64,000 68,500 74,000
34 64,500 69,000 74,500
35 65,500 70,000 75,000
36 66,000 70,500 75,500
37 66,500 71,000 76,000
38 67,500 72,000 77,000
39 68,000 72,500 77,500
40 68,500 73,000 78,000
41 69,500 73,500 78,500
42 70,000 74,000 79,000
43 70,500 75,000 80,000
44 71,500 75,500
45 72,000 76,000
46 72,500 76,500
47 73,500 77,500
48 74,000 78,000
49 74,500 78,500
50 75,500 79,000
51 76,000 80,000
52 76,500
53 77,500
54 78,000
55 78,500
56 79,500
57 80,000
*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 load permitted is 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.
In applying the above formula to a vehicle having more
than 4 axles that is not a combination, only 4 axles shall be
considered in determining the maximum gross weight, and for a
combination of vehicles having more than 6 axles, only 6
axles shall be considered in determining the maximum gross
weight.
Notwithstanding the above table, 2 consecutive sets of
tandem axles may carry a gross 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.
Local authorities and road district highway
commissioners, 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 gross
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 2004, and registered in Illinois prior to
January 1, 2005, 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 or
refuse 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 2004, and registered in
Illinois prior to January 1, 2005, 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, 2004 may not exceed the
weights allowed by the bridge formula.
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.
Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special Hauling
Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured prior to or
in the model year of 2004, and first registered in Illinois
prior to January 1, 2005, having 5 axles with a distance of
42 feet or less between extreme axles shall be limited to the
weights prescribed in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section
and not subject to the bridge formula on the National System
of Interstate and Defense Highways and other highways in the
system of State highways designated by the Department. For
all those combinations of vehicles, that include a
semitrailer manufactured after the effective date of this
amendatory Act of 1986, the overall distance between the
first and last axles of the 2 sets of tandems must be 18 feet
6 inches or more. All combinations of vehicles registered as
Special Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer
manufactured prior to or in the model year of 2004 or
thereafter or first registered in Illinois after December 31,
2004, or that has had its cargo container replaced in its
entirety after December 31, 2004, are limited to the gross
weight allowed by the above formula.
A truck not in combination, equipped with a self
compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off
container, used exclusively for garbage or refuse operations,
shall be allowed the weights as prescribed in subsections (a)
and (b) of this Section and not subject to the bridge
formula, provided they are not operated on a highway that is
part of the Interstate and Defense Highway System.
Vehicles operating under this subsection shall have
access for a distance of one highway mile to or from a Class
I highway on any street or highway, unless there is a sign
prohibiting the access, or 5 highway miles to or from either
a Class I, II, or III highway on a street or highway included
in the system of State highways and upon any street or
highway designated by local authorities or road district
commissioners to points of loading and unloading and to
facilities for food, fuel, repairs and rest.
(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.
(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. 89-117, eff. 7-7-95; 89-433, eff. 12-15-95;
90-89, eff. 1-1-98; 90-330, eff. 8-8-97; 90-655, eff.
7-30-98.)
(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 gross
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.
(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.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-316) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-316)
Sec. 15-316. When the Department, local authority or road
district highway commissioner may restrict right to use
highways.
(a) Local authorities and road district highway
commissioners with respect to highways under their
jurisdiction may by ordinance or resolution prohibit the
operation of vehicles upon any such highway or impose
restrictions as to the weight of vehicles to be operated upon
any such highway, for a total period of not to exceed 90 days
in any one calendar year, whenever any said highway by reason
of deterioration, rain, snow, or other climate conditions
will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the use of
vehicles thereon is prohibited or the permissible weights
thereof reduced.
(b) The local authority or road district highway
commissioner enacting any such ordinance or resolution shall
erect or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating
the provision of the ordinance or resolution at each end of
that portion of any highway affected thereby, and the
ordinance or resolution shall not be effective unless and
until such signs are erected and maintained.
(c) Local authorities and road district highway
commissioners with respect to highways under their
jurisdiction may also, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit
the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles, or may
impose limitations as the weight thereof, on designated
highways, which prohibitions and limitations shall be
designated by appropriate signs placed on such highways.
(c-1) (Blank) The weight provisions of subsections (a),
(b), and (c) take precedence over the provisions of
subsections (d-1) and (d-2).
(d) The Department shall likewise have authority as
hereinbefore granted to local authorities and road district
highway commissioners to determine by resolution and to
impose restrictions as to the weight of vehicles operated
upon any highway under the jurisdiction of said department,
and such restrictions shall be effective when signs giving
notice thereof are erected upon the highway or portion of any
highway affected by such resolution.
(d-1) (Blank) Motor vehicles and motor vehicles in
combination with gross weights not exceeding 73,280 pounds
and up to 65 feet in overall length and 102 inches in width
operating on highways under the control of a county or
township road district highway commissioner may have access
for a distance of 5 miles from a State designated highway for
the purpose of loading, unloading, services, and home base.
No exemption shall be granted authorizing travel on local
roads as a thoroughfare between State designated highways.
(d-2) (Blank) Motor vehicles and motor vehicles in
combination with gross weights not exceeding 73,280 pounds
and up to 65 feet in overall length and 102 inches in width
operating on highways under the control of municipal
authorities may have access for 5 miles from a State
designated highway for the purpose of loading and unloading
and one mile for food, fuel, repairs, and rest on those
municipally controlled highways. No exemption shall be
granted authorizing travel on municipal roads as a
thoroughfare between State designated highways.
(e) When any vehicle is operated in violation of this
Section, the owner or driver of the vehicle shall be deemed
guilty of a violation and either the owner or the driver of
the vehicle may be prosecuted for the violation. Any person,
firm, or corporation convicted of violating this Section
shall be fined $50 for any weight exceeding the posted limit
up to the axle or gross weight limit allowed a vehicle as
provided for in subsections (a) or (b) of Section 15-111 and
$75 per every 500 pounds or fraction thereof for any weight
exceeding that which is provided for in subsections (a) or
(b) of Section 15-111.
(f) A municipality is authorized to enforce a county
weight limit ordinance applying to county highways within its
corporate limits and is entitled to the proceeds of any fines
collected from the enforcement.
(Source: P.A. 89-117, eff. 7-7-95; 89-687, eff. 6-1-97;
90-211, eff. 1-1-98.)
Passed in the General Assembly May 22, 2001.
Approved August 17, 2001.
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