VEH CD-TOW TRUCK WEIGHT

Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HB5149

Select Language

×

The Illinois General Assembly offers the Google Translate™ service for visitor convenience. In no way should it be considered accurate as to the translation of any content herein.

Visitors of the Illinois General Assembly website are encouraged to use other translation services available on the internet.

The English language version is always the official and authoritative version of this website.

NOTE: To return to the original English language version, select the "Show Original" button on the Google Translate™ menu bar at the top of the window.

Choose Language

English

Afrikaans

Albanian

Arabic

Armenian

Azerbaijani

Basque

Bengali

Bosnian

Catalan

Croatian

Czech

Danish

Dutch

Esperanto

Estonian

Filipino

Finnish

French

Galician

Georgian

German

Greek

Gujarati

Haitian Creole

Hausa

Hawaiian

Hebrew

Hindi

Hungarian

Icelandic

Indonesian

Interlingua

Interlingue

Inuktitut

Irish

Italian

Japanese

Javanese

Kannada

Khmer

Korean

Latin

Latvian

Lithuanian

Luxembourgish

Macedonian

Malagasy

Malayalam

Maltese

Maori

Marathi

Myanmar

Nepali

Norwegian

Odia

Pashto

Punjabi

Romanian

Russian

Samoan

Sango

Sanskrit

Sardinian

Sindhi

Sinhala

Slovak

Slovenian

Somali

Southern Sotho

Spanish

Sundanese

Swahili

Swedish

Tamil

Telugu

Thai

Tigrinya

Tonga

Turkish

Ukrainian

Urdu

Vietnamese

Welsh

Xhosa

Yiddish

Yoruba

Zulu

Powered by
Translate

Close

Illinois General Assembly

Top Navigation Bar

Translate

Learn

Select General Assembly

Search the 104th General Assembly

Enter search terms for legislation, members, committees, or schedules.

ILGA.GOV

LEGISLATION & LAWS

Bills & Resolutions

Public Acts

Illinois Compiled Statutes

Illinois Constitution

Search Legislation

Glossary

Guide

Reports & Inquiry

Legislative Reports

Special Reports

FTP Site

Legislator Lookup

Capitol Complex Phone Numbers

Rules & Regulations

Illinois Register

Administrative Rules

Senate

Members

Schedules

Committees

Request for Remote Testimony

Journals

Transcripts

Rules

Audio/Video

FOIA Information

Senate Employment Opportunities

Media Guidelines

House

Members

Schedules

Committees

Submit testimony for House Committees

Journals

Transcripts

Rules

Audio/Video

FOIA Information

House Employment Opportunities

Log In

Mobile Top Bar

Search the 104th General Assembly

Enter keywords to search the Illinois General Assembly website.

Full Text of HB5149

Home

Legislation

Full Text

HB5149 - 104th General Assembly

Bill Status

Full Text

Votes

Witness Slips

Select Menu

Bill Status

Full Text

Votes

Witness Slips

Printer Friendly Version

Introduced

Printer Friendly Version

Introduced

Open PDF

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB5149

Introduced 2/10/2026, by Rep. John M. Cabello

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/15-111

from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-111
625 ILCS 5/15-301

from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-301
625 ILCS 5/15-316

from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-316

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Changes the model year and
registration date requirements for a Special Hauling Vehicle with regard
to its allowable combined weight and axle weight to the model year of 2034
(rather than 2024) and registration date of January 1, 2035 (rather than
January 1, 2025). Changes the criteria regarding weight limitations for
tow trucks and vehicle combinations during towing operations. Provides
that specified criteria regarding weight limitations do not apply to a
covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle. Provides that clearing a
vehicle does not include towing the vehicle from the scene of disablement.
Provides that any person, firm, or corporation that violates a provision
regarding restricted rights to use highways shall be fined $150 (rather
than $75) per every 500 pounds or fraction thereof for any excessive
weight. Provides that any excess size or weight movement conducted under a
person that does not meet certain requirements shall be void and the
movement unpermitted. Makes other changes.
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b

A BILL FOR

HB5149
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

AN ACT concerning transportation.

2

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3
represented in the General Assembly:

4

Section 5.
The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
5
changing Sections 15-111, 15-301, and 15-316 as follows:

6

(625 ILCS 5/15-111)

(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-111)
7

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-436
)
8

Sec. 15-111.
Wheel and axle loads and gross weights.
9

(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles with pneumatic
10
tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total
11
weight on the road surface exceeds the following: 20,000
12
pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no
13
axle within the tandem exceeding 20,000 pounds; 80,000 pounds
14
gross weight for vehicle combinations of 5 or more axles; or a
15
total weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles in
16
excess of that weight produced by the application of the
17
following formula: W = 500 times the sum of (LN divided by N-1)
18
+ 12N + 36, where "W" equals overall total weight on any group
19
of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds, "L"
20
equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between
21
extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and "N"
22
equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.
23

The above formula when expressed in tabular form results

HB5149
- 2 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
in allowable loads as follows:

2
Distance measured

3
to the nearest

4
foot between the

5
extremes of any Maximum weight in pounds

6
group of 2 or of any group of

7
more consecutive 2 or more consecutive axles

8
axles
9
feet
2 axles
3 axles
4 axles
5 axles
6 axles
10
4
34,000
11
5
34,000
12
6
34,000
13
7
34,000
14
8
34,000*
34,000
15
Between 8

16
and 9
38,000
42,000
17
9
39,000
42,500
18
10
40,000
43,500
19
11
44,000
20
12
45,000
50,000
21
13
45,500
50,500
22
14
46,500
51,500
23
15
47,000
52,000
24
16
48,000
52,500
58,000
25
17
48,500
53,500
58,500

HB5149
- 3 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
18
49,500
54,000
59,000
2
19
50,000
54,500
60,000
3
20
51,000
55,500
60,500
66,000
4
21
51,500
56,000
61,000
66,500
5
22
52,500
56,500
61,500
67,000
6
23
53,000
57,500
62,500
68,000
7
24
54,000
58,000
63,000
68,500
8
25
54,500
58,500
63,500
69,000
9
26
55,500
59,500
64,000
69,500
10
27
56,000
60,000
65,000
70,000
11
28
57,000
60,500
65,500
71,000
12
29
57,500
61,500
66,000
71,500
13
30
58,500
62,000
66,500
72,000
14
31
59,000
62,500
67,500
72,500
15
32
60,000
63,500
68,000
73,000
16
33
64,000
68,500
74,000
17
34
64,500
69,000
74,500
18
35
65,500
70,000
75,000
19
36
66,000**
70,500
75,500
20
37
66,500**
71,000
76,000
21
38
67,500**
72,000
77,000
22
39
68,000
72,500
77,500
23
40
68,500
73,000
78,000
24
41
69,500
73,500
78,500
25
42
70,000
74,000
79,000
26
43
70,500
75,000
80,000

HB5149
- 4 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
44
71,500
75,500
2
45
72,000
76,000
3
46
72,500
76,500
4
47
73,500
77,500
5
48
74,000
78,000
6
49
74,500
78,500
7
50
75,500
79,000
8
51
76,000
80,000
9
52
76,500
10
53
77,500
11
54
78,000
12
55
78,500
13
56
79,500
14
57
80,000
15
*If the distance between 2 axles is 96 inches or less, the 2
16
axles are tandem axles and the maximum total weight may not
17
exceed 34,000 pounds, notwithstanding the higher limit
18
resulting from the application of the formula.
19
**Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds
20
each if the overall distance between the first and last axles
21
of these tandems is 36 feet or more.
22

Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may
23
not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 4
24
axles measured between the extreme axles of the vehicle.
25

Vehicles in a combination having more than 6 axles may not
26
exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 6

HB5149
- 5 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
axles measured between the extreme axles of the combination.
2

Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
3
under their jurisdiction, without additional fees, may also by
4
ordinance or resolution allow the weight limitations of this
5
subsection, provided the maximum gross weight on any one axle
6
shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the maximum total weight on
7
any tandem axle shall not exceed 34,000 pounds, on designated
8
highways when appropriate regulatory signs giving notice are
9
erected upon the street or highway or portion of any street or
10
highway affected by the ordinance or resolution.
11

The following are exceptions to the above formula:
12

(1) Vehicles for which a different limit is
13

established and posted in accordance with Section 15-316
14

of this Code.
15

(2) Vehicles for which the Department of
16

Transportation and local authorities issue overweight
17

permits under authority of Section 15-301 of this Code.
18

These vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula.
19

(3) Cities having a population of more than 50,000 may
20

permit by ordinance axle loads on 2-axle motor vehicles 33
21

1/2% above those provided for herein, but the increase
22

shall not become effective until the city has officially
23

notified the Department of the passage of the ordinance
24

and shall not apply to those vehicles when outside of the
25

limits of the city, nor shall the gross weight of any
26

2-axle motor vehicle operating over any street of the city

HB5149
- 6 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

exceed 40,000 pounds.
2

(4) Weight limitations shall not apply to vehicles
3

(including loads) operated by a public utility when
4

transporting equipment required for emergency repair of
5

public utility facilities or properties or water wells.
6

(4.5) A 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle (including when
7

laden) operated or hired by a municipality within Cook,
8

Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will county being operated
9

for the purpose of performing emergency sewer repair that
10

would be subject to a weight limitation less than 66,000
11

pounds under the formula in this subsection (a) shall have
12

a weight limitation of 66,000 pounds or the vehicle's
13

gross vehicle weight rating, whichever is less. This
14

paragraph (4.5) does not apply to vehicles being operated
15

on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
16

or to vehicles being operated on bridges or other elevated
17

structures constituting a part of a highway.
18

(5) Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a
19

total weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance
20

between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets
21

of tandem axles is 36 feet or more, notwithstanding the
22

lower limit resulting from the application of the above
23

formula.
24

(6) A truck, not in combination and used exclusively
25

for the collection of rendering materials, may, when
26

laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part

HB5149
- 7 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
2

the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single
3

axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle.
4

(7) A truck not in combination, equipped with a self
5

compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off
6

container, used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or
7

recycling operations, may, when laden, transmit upon the
8

road surface, except when on part of the National System
9

of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
10

weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on
11

a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle
12

vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle.
13

This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
14

(7.5) A 3-axle rear discharge truck mixer registered
15

as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the
16

mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic
17

state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
18

except when on part of the National System of Interstate
19

and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
20

22,000 pounds on single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
21

axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
22

vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
23

(8) Except as provided in paragraph (7.5) of this
24

subsection (a), tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered
25

as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in
26

the model year of 2024 and first registered in Illinois

HB5149
- 8 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

prior to January 1, 2025, with a distance greater than 72
2

inches but not more than 96 inches between any series of 2
3

axles, is allowed a combined weight on the series not to
4

exceed 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the series may
5

exceed 20,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type
6

manufactured after the model year of 2024 or first
7

registered in Illinois after December 31, 2024 may not
8

exceed a combined weight of 34,000 pounds through the
9

series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed
10

20,000 pounds.
11

A 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum
12

truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used
13

exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid
14

waste, manufactured before or in the model year of 2014,
15

first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015, may,
16

when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on
17

part of the National System of Interstate and Defense
18

Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on
19

a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 54,000
20

pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This vehicle is
21

not subject to the bridge formula.
22

(9) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special
23

Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and
24

transportation of concrete in the plastic state, and not
25

operated on a highway that is part of the National System
26

of Interstate Highways, is allowed the following maximum

HB5149
- 9 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds
2

on a series of axles greater than 72 inches but not more
3

than 96 inches; and 34,000 pounds on any series of 2 axles
4

greater than 40 inches but not more than 72 inches. The
5

gross weight of this vehicle may not exceed the weights
6

allowed by the bridge formula for 4 axles. The bridge
7

formula does not apply to any series of 3 axles while the
8

vehicle is transporting concrete in the plastic state, but
9

no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum
10

weight permitted under this paragraph (9) of subsection
11

(a).
12

(10) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special
13

Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured
14

prior to or in the model year of 2024, and registered in
15

Illinois prior to January 1, 2025, having 5 axles with a
16

distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles, may not
17

exceed the following maximum weights: 20,000 pounds on a
18

single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle; and 72,000
19

pounds gross weight. This combination of vehicles is not
20

subject to the bridge formula. For all those combinations
21

of vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured after
22

the effective date of P.A. 92-0417, the overall distance
23

between the first and last axles of the 2 sets of tandems
24

must be 18 feet 6 inches or more. Any combination of
25

vehicles that has had its cargo container replaced in its
26

entirety after December 31, 2024 may not exceed the

HB5149
- 10 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

weights allowed by the bridge formula.
2

(11) The maximum weight allowed on a vehicle with
3

crawler type tracks is 40,000 pounds.
4

(12) A combination of vehicles, including a tow truck
5

and a disabled vehicle or disabled combination of
6

vehicles, that exceeds the weight restriction imposed by
7

this Code, may be operated on a public highway in this
8

State provided that neither the disabled vehicle nor any
9

vehicle being towed nor the tow truck itself shall exceed
10

the weight limitations permitted under this Chapter.
11

During the towing operation, neither the tow truck nor the
12

vehicle combination shall exceed 24,000 pounds on a single
13

rear axle and 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle,
14

provided the towing vehicle:
15

(i) is specifically designed as a tow truck having
16

a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
17

pounds and is equipped with air brakes, provided that
18

air brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is
19

towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer
20

combination that is equipped with air brakes;
21

(ii) is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
22

oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500
23

feet in all directions;
24

(iii) is capable of utilizing the lighting and
25

braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
26

of vehicles; and

HB5149
- 11 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

(iv) does not engage in a tow exceeding 20 miles
2

from the initial point of wreck or disablement. Any
3

additional movement of the vehicles may occur only
4

upon issuance of authorization for that movement under
5

the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of
6

this Code. The towing vehicle, however, may tow any
7

disabled vehicle to a point where repairs are actually
8

to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State
9

routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight
10

limits.
11

(12.5) The vehicle weight limitations in this Section
12

do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery
13

vehicle. The covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle
14

license plate must cover the operating empty weight of the
15

covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle only.
16

(13) Upon and during a declaration of an emergency
17

propane supply disaster by the Governor under Section 7 of
18

the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act:
19

(i) a truck not in combination, equipped with a
20

cargo tank, used exclusively for the transportation of
21

propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden,
22

transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of
23

the National System of Interstate and Defense
24

Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds
25

on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
26

40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000

HB5149
- 12 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; and
2

(ii) a truck when in combination with a trailer
3

equipped with a cargo tank used exclusively for the
4

transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas
5

may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
6

except when on part of the National System of
7

Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
8

weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds
9

on a tandem axle; 90,000 pounds gross weight on a
10

5-axle or 6-axle vehicle.
11

Vehicles operating under this paragraph (13) are not
12

subject to the bridge formula.
13

(14) A vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses
14

natural gas or propane gas as a motor fuel may exceed the
15

above weight limitations by up to 2,000 pounds, the total
16

allowance is calculated by an amount that is equal to the
17

difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable
18

to the natural gas or propane gas tank and fueling system
19

carried by the vehicle, and the weight of a comparable
20

diesel tank and fueling system. This paragraph (14) shall
21

not allow a vehicle to exceed any posted weight limit on a
22

highway or structure.
23

(15) An emergency vehicle or fire apparatus that is a
24

vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to
25

transport personnel and equipment, and used to support the
26

suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous

HB5149
- 13 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

situations on a Class I highway, may not exceed 86,000
2

pounds gross weight, or any of the following weight
3

allowances:
4

(i) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;
5

(ii) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;
6

(iii) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
7

(iv) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer
8

axle.
9

(16) A bus, motor coach, or recreational vehicle may
10

carry a total weight of 24,000 pounds on a single axle, but
11

may not exceed other weight provisions of this Section.
12

Gross weight limits shall not apply to the combination of
13
the tow truck and vehicles being towed. The tow truck license
14
plate must cover the operating empty weight of the tow truck
15
only. The weight of each vehicle being towed shall be covered
16
by a valid license plate issued to the owner or operator of the
17
vehicle being towed and displayed on that vehicle. If no valid
18
plate issued to the owner or operator of that vehicle is
19
displayed on that vehicle, or the plate displayed on that
20
vehicle does not cover the weight of the vehicle, the weight of
21
the vehicle shall be covered by the third tow truck plate
22
issued to the owner or operator of the tow truck and
23
temporarily affixed to the vehicle being towed. If a roll-back
24
carrier is registered and being used as a tow truck, however,
25
the license plate or plates for the tow truck must cover the
26
gross vehicle weight, including any load carried on the bed of

HB5149
- 14 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
the roll-back carrier.
2

The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
3
additional requirements. However, nothing in this Code shall
4
prohibit a tow truck under instructions of a police officer
5
from legally clearing a disabled vehicle, that may be in
6
violation of weight limitations of this Chapter, from the
7
roadway to the berm or shoulder of the highway. If in the
8
opinion of the police officer that location is unsafe, the
9
officer is authorized to have the disabled vehicle towed to
10
the nearest place of safety.
11

For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
12
rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer
13
as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
14

(b) As used in this Section, "recycling haul" or
15
"recycling operation" means the hauling of non-hazardous,
16
non-special, non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass,
17
cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary
18
materials market.
19

(c) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
20
pneumatic tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon
21
the highways of this State in violation of the provisions of
22
any permit issued under the provisions of Sections 15-301
23
through 15-318 of this Chapter.
24

(d) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
25
other than pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with
26
load, upon the highways of this State when the gross weight on

HB5149
- 15 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
the road surface through any wheel exceeds 800 pounds per inch
2
width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road
3
surface through any axle exceeds 16,000 pounds.
4

(e) No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of
5
vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure
6
constituting part of a highway with a gross weight that is
7
greater than the maximum weight permitted by the Department,
8
when the structure is sign posted as provided in this Section.
9

(f) The Department upon request from any local authority
10
shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an
11
investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure
12
constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the
13
structure cannot with safety to itself withstand the weight of
14
vehicles otherwise permissible under this Code the Department
15
shall determine and declare the maximum weight of vehicles
16
that the structures can withstand, and shall cause or permit
17
suitable signs stating maximum weight to be erected and
18
maintained before each end of the structure. No person shall
19
operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over any
20
structure with a gross weight that is greater than the posted
21
maximum weight.
22

(g) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation
23
of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section, proof of the
24
determination of the maximum allowable weight by the
25
Department and the existence of the signs, constitutes
26
conclusive evidence of the maximum weight that can be

HB5149
- 16 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
2
(Source: P.A. 102-124, eff. 7-23-21.)

3

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-436
)
4

Sec. 15-111.
Wheel and axle loads and gross weights.
5

(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles with pneumatic
6
tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total
7
weight on the road surface exceeds the following: 20,000
8
pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no
9
axle within the tandem exceeding 20,000 pounds; 80,000 pounds
10
gross weight for vehicle combinations of 5 or more axles; or a
11
total weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles in
12
excess of that weight produced by the application of the
13
following formula: W = 500 times the sum of (LN divided by N-1)
14
+ 12N + 36, where "W" equals overall total weight on any group
15
of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds, "L"
16
equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between
17
extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and "N"
18
equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.
19

The above formula when expressed in tabular form results
20
in allowable loads as follows:

21
Distance measured

22
to the nearest

23
foot between the

24
extremes of any Maximum weight in pounds

HB5149
- 17 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
group of 2 or of any group of

2
more consecutive 2 or more consecutive axles

3
axles
4
feet
2 axles
3 axles
4 axles
5 axles
6 axles
5
4
34,000
6
5
34,000
7
6
34,000
8
7
34,000
9
8
34,000*
34,000
10
Between 8

11
and 9
38,000
42,000
12
9
39,000
42,500
13
10
40,000
43,500
14
11
44,000
15
12
45,000
50,000
16
13
45,500
50,500
17
14
46,500
51,500
18
15
47,000
52,000
19
16
48,000
52,500
58,000
20
17
48,500
53,500
58,500
21
18
49,500
54,000
59,000
22
19
50,000
54,500
60,000
23
20
51,000
55,500
60,500
66,000
24
21
51,500
56,000
61,000
66,500
25
22
52,500
56,500
61,500
67,000
26
23
53,000
57,500
62,500
68,000

HB5149
- 18 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
24
54,000
58,000
63,000
68,500
2
25
54,500
58,500
63,500
69,000
3
26
55,500
59,500
64,000
69,500
4
27
56,000
60,000
65,000
70,000
5
28
57,000
60,500
65,500
71,000
6
29
57,500
61,500
66,000
71,500
7
30
58,500
62,000
66,500
72,000
8
31
59,000
62,500
67,500
72,500
9
32
60,000
63,500
68,000
73,000
10
33
64,000
68,500
74,000
11
34
64,500
69,000
74,500
12
35
65,500
70,000
75,000
13
36
66,000**
70,500
75,500
14
37
66,500**
71,000
76,000
15
38
67,500**
72,000
77,000
16
39
68,000
72,500
77,500
17
40
68,500
73,000
78,000
18
41
69,500
73,500
78,500
19
42
70,000
74,000
79,000
20
43
70,500
75,000
80,000
21
44
71,500
75,500
22
45
72,000
76,000
23
46
72,500
76,500
24
47
73,500
77,500
25
48
74,000
78,000
26
49
74,500
78,500

HB5149
- 19 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
50
75,500
79,000
2
51
76,000
80,000
3
52
76,500
4
53
77,500
5
54
78,000
6
55
78,500
7
56
79,500
8
57
80,000
9
*If the distance between 2 axles is 96 inches or less, the 2
10
axles are tandem axles and the maximum total weight may not
11
exceed 34,000 pounds, notwithstanding the higher limit
12
resulting from the application of the formula.
13
**Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds
14
each if the overall distance between the first and last axles
15
of these tandems is 36 feet or more.
16

Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may
17
not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 4
18
axles measured between the extreme axles of the vehicle.
19

Vehicles in a combination having more than 6 axles may not
20
exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 6
21
axles measured between the extreme axles of the combination.
22

Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
23
under their jurisdiction, without additional fees, may also by
24
ordinance or resolution allow the weight limitations of this
25
subsection, provided the maximum gross weight on any one axle
26
shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the maximum total weight on

HB5149
- 20 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
any tandem axle shall not exceed 34,000 pounds, on designated
2
highways when appropriate regulatory signs giving notice are
3
erected upon the street or highway or portion of any street or
4
highway affected by the ordinance or resolution.
5

The following are exceptions to the above formula:
6

(1) Vehicles for which a different limit is
7

established and posted in accordance with Section 15-316
8

of this Code.
9

(2) Vehicles for which the Department of
10

Transportation and local authorities issue overweight
11

permits under authority of Section 15-301 of this Code.
12

These vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula.
13

(3) Cities having a population of more than 50,000 may
14

permit by ordinance axle loads on 2-axle motor vehicles 33
15

1/2% above those provided for herein, but the increase
16

shall not become effective until the city has officially
17

notified the Department of the passage of the ordinance
18

and shall not apply to those vehicles when outside of the
19

limits of the city, nor shall the gross weight of any
20

2-axle motor vehicle operating over any street of the city
21

exceed 40,000 pounds.
22

(4) Weight limitations shall not apply to vehicles
23

(including loads) operated by a public utility when
24

transporting equipment required for emergency repair of
25

public utility facilities or properties or water wells.
26

(4.5) A 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle (including when

HB5149
- 21 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

laden) operated or hired by a municipality within Cook,
2

Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will county being operated
3

for the purpose of performing emergency sewer repair that
4

would be subject to a weight limitation less than 66,000
5

pounds under the formula in this subsection (a) shall have
6

a weight limitation of 66,000 pounds or the vehicle's
7

gross vehicle weight rating, whichever is less. This
8

paragraph (4.5) does not apply to vehicles being operated
9

on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
10

or to vehicles being operated on bridges or other elevated
11

structures constituting a part of a highway.
12

(5) Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a
13

total weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance
14

between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets
15

of tandem axles is 36 feet or more, notwithstanding the
16

lower limit resulting from the application of the above
17

formula.
18

(6) A truck, not in combination and used exclusively
19

for the collection of rendering materials, may, when
20

laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part
21

of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
22

the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single
23

axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle.
24

(7) A truck not in combination, equipped with a self
25

compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off
26

container, used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or

HB5149
- 22 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

recycling operations, may, when laden, transmit upon the
2

road surface, except when on part of the National System
3

of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
4

weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on
5

a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle
6

vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle.
7

This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
8

(7.5) A 3-axle rear discharge truck mixer registered
9

as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the
10

mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic
11

state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
12

except when on part of the National System of Interstate
13

and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
14

22,000 pounds on single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
15

axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
16

vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
17

(8) Except as provided in paragraph (7.5) of this
18

subsection (a), tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered
19

as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in
20

the model year of
2034

2024
and first registered in
21

Illinois prior to January 1,
2035

2025
, with a distance
22

greater than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches between
23

any series of 2 axles, is allowed a combined weight on the
24

series not to exceed 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the
25

series may exceed 20,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type
26

manufactured after the model year of
2034

2024
or first

HB5149
- 23 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

registered in Illinois after December 31,
2035

2024
may
2

not exceed a combined weight of 34,000 pounds through the
3

series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed
4

20,000 pounds.
5

A 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum
6

truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used
7

exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid
8

waste, manufactured before or in the model year of
2034

9

2014
, first registered in Illinois before January 1,
2035

10

2015
, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
11

except when on part of the National System of Interstate
12

and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
13

22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
14

axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
15

vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
16

(9) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special
17

Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and
18

transportation of concrete in the plastic state, and not
19

operated on a highway that is part of the National System
20

of Interstate Highways, is allowed the following maximum
21

weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds
22

on a series of axles greater than 72 inches but not more
23

than 96 inches; and 34,000 pounds on any series of 2 axles
24

greater than 40 inches but not more than 72 inches. The
25

gross weight of this vehicle may not exceed the weights
26

allowed by the bridge formula for 4 axles. The bridge

HB5149
- 24 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

formula does not apply to any series of 3 axles while the
2

vehicle is transporting concrete in the plastic state, but
3

no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum
4

weight permitted under this paragraph (9) of subsection
5

(a).
6

(10) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special
7

Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured
8

prior to or in the model year of
2034

2024
, and registered
9

in Illinois prior to January 1,
2035

2025
, having 5 axles
10

with a distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles,
11

may not exceed the following maximum weights: 20,000
12

pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
13

and 72,000 pounds gross weight. This combination of
14

vehicles is not subject to the bridge formula. For all
15

those combinations of vehicles that include a semitrailer
16

manufactured after the effective date of P.A. 92-0417, the
17

overall distance between the first and last axles of the 2
18

sets of tandems must be 18 feet 6 inches or more. Any
19

combination of vehicles that has had its cargo container
20

replaced in its entirety after December 31, 2024 may not
21

exceed the weights allowed by the bridge formula.
22

(11) The maximum weight allowed on a vehicle with
23

crawler type tracks is 40,000 pounds.
24

(12) A combination of vehicles, including a tow truck
25

and a disabled vehicle or disabled combination of
26

vehicles, that exceeds the weight restriction imposed by

HB5149
- 25 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

this Code, may be operated on a public highway in this
2

State provided that neither the disabled vehicle nor any
3

vehicle being towed nor the tow truck itself shall exceed
4

the weight limitations permitted under this Chapter.
5

During the towing operation, neither the tow truck nor the
6

vehicle combination shall exceed 24,000 pounds on a single
7

rear axle and 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle,
8

provided the towing vehicle:
9

(i) is specifically designed as a tow truck having
10

a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
11

pounds and is equipped with air brakes, provided that
12

air brakes are required
to be used
only if the towing
13

vehicle is towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or
14

tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with air
15

brakes;
16

(ii) is equipped with
and utilizing
flashing,
17

rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at
18

least 500 feet in all directions;
19

(iii) is capable of utilizing the lighting and
20

braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
21

of vehicles; and
22

(iv) does not engage in a tow exceeding 20 miles
23

from the initial point of wreck or disablement. Any
24

additional movement of the vehicles may occur only
25

upon issuance of authorization for that movement under
26

the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of

HB5149
- 26 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

this Code. The towing vehicle, however, may tow any
2

disabled vehicle to a point where repairs are actually
3

to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State
4

routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight
5

limits.
6

(12.5) The vehicle weight limitations in this Section
7

do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery
8

vehicle
that meet the criteria of subparagraphs (i)
9

through (iii) of paragraph (12)
. The covered heavy duty
10

tow and recovery vehicle license plate must cover the
11

operating empty weight of the covered heavy duty tow and
12

recovery vehicle only.
13

(13) Upon and during a declaration of an emergency
14

propane supply disaster by the Governor under Section 7 of
15

the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act:
16

(i) a truck not in combination, equipped with a
17

cargo tank, used exclusively for the transportation of
18

propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden,
19

transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of
20

the National System of Interstate and Defense
21

Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds
22

on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
23

40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000
24

pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; and
25

(ii) a truck when in combination with a trailer
26

equipped with a cargo tank used exclusively for the

HB5149
- 27 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas
2

may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
3

except when on part of the National System of
4

Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
5

weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds
6

on a tandem axle; 90,000 pounds gross weight on a
7

5-axle or 6-axle vehicle.
8

Vehicles operating under this paragraph (13) are not
9

subject to the bridge formula.
10

(14) A vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses
11

either natural gas or propane gas as a motor fuel or is
12

operated by an engine fueled wholly or partially by an
13

electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric fueling
14

system may exceed the above weight limitations by up to
15

2,000 pounds, the total allowance is calculated by an
16

amount that is equal to the difference between the weight
17

of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas or propane
18

or hydrogen gas tank, batteries, and fueling system
19

carried by the vehicle, and the weight of a comparable
20

diesel tank and fueling system. This paragraph (14) shall
21

not allow a vehicle to exceed any posted weight limit on a
22

highway or structure.
23

(15) An emergency vehicle or fire apparatus that is a
24

vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to
25

transport personnel and equipment, and used to support the
26

suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous

HB5149
- 28 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

situations on a Class I highway, may not exceed 86,000
2

pounds gross weight, or any of the following weight
3

allowances:
4

(i) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;
5

(ii) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;
6

(iii) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
7

(iv) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer
8

axle.
9

(16) A bus, motor coach, or recreational vehicle may
10

carry a total weight of 24,000 pounds on a single axle, but
11

may not exceed other weight provisions of this Section.
12

Gross weight limits shall not apply to the combination of
13
the tow truck and vehicles being towed. The tow truck license
14
plate must cover the operating empty weight of the tow truck
15
only. The weight of each vehicle being towed shall be covered
16
by a valid license plate issued to the owner or operator of the
17
vehicle being towed and displayed on that vehicle. If no valid
18
plate issued to the owner or operator of that vehicle is
19
displayed on that vehicle, or the plate displayed on that
20
vehicle does not cover the weight of the vehicle, the weight of
21
the vehicle shall be covered by the third tow truck plate
22
issued to the owner or operator of the tow truck and
23
temporarily affixed to the vehicle being towed. If a roll-back
24
carrier is registered and being used as a tow truck, however,
25
the license plate or plates for the tow truck must cover the
26
gross vehicle weight, including any load carried on the bed of

HB5149
- 29 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
the roll-back carrier.
2

The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
3
additional requirements. However, nothing in this Code shall
4
prohibit a tow truck under instructions of a police officer
5
from legally clearing a disabled vehicle, that may be in
6
violation of weight limitations of this Chapter, from the
7
roadway to the berm or shoulder of the highway. If in the
8
opinion of the police officer that location is unsafe, the
9
officer is authorized to have the disabled vehicle towed to
10
the nearest place of safety.
11

For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
12
rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer
13
as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
14

(b) As used in this Section, "recycling haul" or
15
"recycling operation" means the hauling of non-hazardous,
16
non-special, non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass,
17
cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary
18
materials market.
19

(c) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
20
pneumatic tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon
21
the highways of this State in violation of the provisions of
22
any permit issued under the provisions of Sections 15-301
23
through 15-318 of this Chapter.
24

(d) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
25
other than pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with
26
load, upon the highways of this State when the gross weight on

HB5149
- 30 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
the road surface through any wheel exceeds 800 pounds per inch
2
width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road
3
surface through any axle exceeds 16,000 pounds.
4

(e) No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of
5
vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure
6
constituting part of a highway with a gross weight that is
7
greater than the maximum
gross
weight permitted by the
8
Department, when the structure is sign posted as provided in
9
this Section.
10

(f) The Department upon request from any local authority
11
shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an
12
investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure
13
constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the
14
structure cannot with safety to itself withstand the weight of
15
vehicles otherwise permissible under this Code the Department
16
shall determine and declare the maximum
gross
weight of
17
vehicles that the structures can withstand, and shall cause or
18
permit suitable signs stating maximum
gross
weight to be
19
erected and maintained before each end of the structure. No
20
person shall operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over
21
any structure with a gross weight that is greater than the
22
posted maximum weight.
23

(g) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation
24
of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section, proof of the
25
determination of the maximum allowable
gross
weight by the
26
Department and the existence of the signs, constitutes

HB5149
- 31 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
conclusive evidence of the maximum
gross
weight that can be
2
maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
3
(Source: P.A. 104-436, eff. 6-1-26.)

4

(625 ILCS 5/15-301)

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

Sec. 15-301.
Permits for excess size and weight.
6

(a) The Department with respect to highways under its
7
jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways
8
under their jurisdiction may, in their discretion, upon
9
application and good cause being shown therefor, issue a
10
special permit authorizing the applicant to operate or move a
11
vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of
12
vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this Code
13
or otherwise not in conformity with this Code upon any highway
14
under the jurisdiction of the party granting such permit and
15
for the maintenance of which the party is responsible.
16
Applications and permits other than those in written or
17
printed form may only be accepted from and issued to the
18
company or individual making the movement. Except for an
19
application to move directly across a highway, it shall be the
20
duty of the applicant to establish in the application that the
21
load to be moved by such vehicle or combination cannot
22
reasonably be dismantled or disassembled, the reasonableness
23
of which shall be determined by the Secretary of the
24
Department. For the purpose of over length movements, more
25
than one object may be carried side by side as long as the

HB5149
- 32 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
height, width, and weight laws are not exceeded and the cause
2
for the over length is not due to multiple objects. For the
3
purpose of over height movements, more than one object may be
4
carried as long as the cause for the over height is not due to
5
multiple objects and the length, width, and weight laws are
6
not exceeded. For the purpose of an over width movement, more
7
than one object may be carried as long as the cause for the
8
over width is not due to multiple objects and length, height,
9
and weight laws are not exceeded. Except for transporting
10
fluid milk products, no State or local agency shall authorize
11
the issuance of excess size or weight permits for vehicles and
12
loads that are divisible and that can be carried, when
13
divided, within the existing size or weight maximums specified
14
in this Chapter. Any excess size or weight permit issued in
15
violation of the provisions of this Section shall be void at
16
issue and any movement made thereunder shall not be authorized
17
under the terms of the void permit. In any prosecution for a
18
violation of this Chapter when the authorization of an excess
19
size or weight permit is at issue, it is the burden of the
20
defendant to establish that the permit was valid because the
21
load to be moved could not reasonably be dismantled or
22
disassembled, or was otherwise nondivisible.
23

(a-1) As used in this Section, "extreme heavy duty tow and
24
recovery vehicle" means a tow truck manufactured as a unit
25
having a lifting capacity of not less than 50 tons, and having
26
either 4 axles and an unladen weight of not more than 80,000

HB5149
- 33 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
pounds or 5 axles and an unladen weight not more than 90,000
2
pounds. Notwithstanding otherwise applicable gross and axle
3
weight limits, an extreme heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle
4
may lawfully travel to and from the scene of a disablement and
5
clear a disabled vehicle if the towing service has obtained an
6
extreme heavy duty tow and recovery permit for the vehicle.
7
The form and content of the permit shall be determined by the
8
Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and
9
by local authorities with respect to highways under their
10
jurisdiction.
For purposes of this Section, clearing a vehicle
11
does not include towing the vehicle from the scene of
12
disablement.

13

(b) The application for any such permit shall: (1) state
14
whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for
15
limited continuous operation; (2) (blank); (3) specifically
16
describe and identify the vehicle or vehicles and load to be
17
operated or moved; (4) state the routing requested, including
18
the points of origin and destination, and may identify and
19
include a request for routing to the nearest certified scale
20
in accordance with the Department's rules and regulations,
21
provided the applicant has approval to travel on local roads;
22
and (5) (blank).
23

(c) The Department or local authority when not
24
inconsistent with traffic safety is authorized to issue or
25
withhold such permit at its discretion; or, if such permit is
26
issued at its discretion to prescribe the route or routes to be

HB5149
- 34 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
traveled, to limit the number of trips, to establish seasonal
2
or other time limitations within which the vehicles described
3
may be operated on the highways indicated, or otherwise to
4
limit or prescribe conditions of operations of such vehicle or
5
vehicles, when necessary to assure against undue damage to the
6
road foundations, surfaces or structures, and may require such
7
undertaking or other security as may be deemed necessary to
8
compensate for any injury to any roadway or road structure.
9
The Department shall maintain a daily record of each permit
10
issued along with the fee and the stipulated dimensions,
11
weights, conditions, and restrictions authorized and this
12
record shall be presumed correct in any case of questions or
13
dispute. The Department shall install an automatic device for
14
recording telephone conversations involving permit
15
applications. The Department and applicant waive all
16
objections to the recording of the conversation.
17

(d) The Department shall, upon application in writing from
18
any local authority, issue an annual permit authorizing the
19
local authority to move oversize highway construction,
20
transportation, utility, and maintenance equipment over roads
21
under the jurisdiction of the Department. The permit shall be
22
applicable only to equipment and vehicles owned by or
23
registered in the name of the local authority, and no fee shall
24
be charged for the issuance of such permits.
25

(e) As an exception to subsection (a) of this Section, the
26
Department and local authorities, with respect to highways

HB5149
- 35 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
under their respective jurisdictions, in their discretion and
2
upon application in writing, may issue a special permit for
3
limited continuous operation, authorizing the applicant to
4
move loads of agricultural commodities on a 2-axle single
5
vehicle registered by the Secretary of State with axle loads
6
not to exceed 35%, on a 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle registered by
7
the Secretary of State with axle loads not to exceed 20%, and
8
on a 5-axle vehicle registered by the Secretary of State not to
9
exceed 10% above those provided in Section 15-111. The total
10
gross weight of the vehicle, however, may not exceed the
11
maximum gross weight of the registration class of the vehicle
12
allowed under Section 3-815 or 3-818 of this Code.
13

As used in this Section, "agricultural commodities" means:
14

(1) cultivated plants or agricultural produce grown,
15

including, but not limited to, corn, soybeans, wheat,
16

oats, grain sorghum, canola, and rice;
17

(2) livestock, including, but not limited to, hogs,
18

equine, sheep, and poultry;
19

(3) ensilage; and
20

(4) fruits and vegetables.
21

Permits may be issued for a period not to exceed 40 days
22
and moves may be made of a distance not to exceed 50 miles from
23
a field, an on-farm grain storage facility, a warehouse as
24
defined in the Grain Code, or a livestock management facility
25
as defined in the Livestock Management Facilities Act over any
26
highway except the National System of Interstate and Defense

HB5149
- 36 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
Highways. The operator of the vehicle, however, must abide by
2
posted bridge and posted highway weight limits. All implements
3
of husbandry operating under this Section between sunset and
4
sunrise shall be equipped as prescribed in Section 12-205.1.
5

(e-1) A special permit shall be issued by the Department
6
under this Section and shall be required from September 1
7
through December 31 for a vehicle that exceeds the maximum
8
axle weight and gross weight limits under Section 15-111 of
9
this Code or exceeds the vehicle's registered gross weight,
10
provided that the vehicle's axle weight and gross weight do
11
not exceed 10% above the maximum limits under Section 15-111
12
of this Code and does not exceed the vehicle's registered
13
gross weight by 10%. All other restrictions that apply to
14
permits issued under this Section shall apply during the
15
declared time period and no fee shall be charged for the
16
issuance of those permits. Permits issued by the Department
17
under this subsection (e-1) are only valid on federal and
18
State highways under the jurisdiction of the Department,
19
except interstate highways. With respect to highways under the
20
jurisdiction of local authorities, the local authorities may,
21
at their discretion, waive special permit requirements and set
22
a divisible load weight limit not to exceed 10% above a
23
vehicle's registered gross weight, provided that the vehicle's
24
axle weight and gross weight do not exceed 10% above the
25
maximum limits specified in Section 15-111. Permits issued
26
under this subsection (e-1) shall apply to all registered

HB5149
- 37 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
vehicles eligible to obtain permits under this Section,
2
including vehicles used in private or for-hire movement of
3
divisible load agricultural commodities during the declared
4
time period.
5

(f) The form and content of the permit shall be determined
6
by the Department with respect to highways under its
7
jurisdiction and by local authorities with respect to highways
8
under their jurisdiction. Every permit shall be in written
9
form and carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to
10
which it refers and shall be open to inspection by any police
11
officer or authorized agent of any authority granting the
12
permit and no person shall violate any of the terms or
13
conditions of such special permit. Violation of the terms and
14
conditions of the permit shall not be deemed a revocation of
15
the permit; however, any vehicle and load found to be off the
16
route prescribed in the permit shall be held to be operating
17
without a permit. Any off-route vehicle and load shall be
18
required to obtain a new permit or permits, as necessary, to
19
authorize the movement back onto the original permit routing.
20
No rule or regulation, nor anything herein, shall be construed
21
to authorize any police officer, court, or authorized agent of
22
any authority granting the permit to remove the permit from
23
the possession of the permittee unless the permittee is
24
charged with a fraudulent permit violation as provided in
25
subsection (i). However, upon arrest for an offense of
26
violation of permit, operating without a permit when the

HB5149
- 38 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
vehicle is off route, or any size or weight offense under this
2
Chapter when the permittee plans to raise the issuance of the
3
permit as a defense, the permittee, or his agent, must produce
4
the permit at any court hearing concerning the alleged
5
offense.
6

If the permit designates and includes a routing to a
7
certified scale, the permittee, while en route to the
8
designated scale, shall be deemed in compliance with the
9
weight provisions of the permit provided the axle or gross
10
weights do not exceed any of the permitted limits by more than
11
the following amounts:
12

Single axle

2000 pounds

13

Tandem axle

3000 pounds

14

Gross

5000 pounds
15

(g) The Department is authorized to adopt, amend, and make
16
available to interested persons a policy concerning reasonable
17
rules, limitations and conditions
,
or provisions of operation
18
upon highways under its jurisdiction in addition to those
19
contained in this Section for the movement by special permit
20
of vehicles, combinations, or loads which cannot reasonably be
21
dismantled or disassembled, including manufactured and modular
22
home sections and portions thereof. All rules, limitations and
23
conditions
,
or provisions adopted in the policy shall have due
24
regard for the safety of the traveling public and the
25
protection of the highway system and shall have been
26
promulgated in conformity with the provisions of the Illinois

HB5149
- 39 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
Administrative Procedure Act. The requirements of the policy
2
for flagmen and escort vehicles shall be the same for all moves
3
of comparable size and weight. When escort vehicles are
4
required, they shall meet the following requirements:
5

(1) All operators shall be 18 years of age or over and
6

properly licensed to operate the vehicle.
7

(2) Vehicles escorting
oversize

oversized
loads more
8

than 12 feet wide must be equipped with a rotating or
9

flashing amber light mounted on top as specified under
10

Section 12-215.
11

The Department shall establish reasonable rules and
12
regulations regarding liability insurance or self insurance
13
for vehicles with
oversize

oversized
loads promulgated under
14
the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Police vehicles may
15
be required for escort under circumstances as required by
16
rules and regulations of the Department.
17

(h) Violation of any rule, limitation or condition
,
or
18
provision of any permit issued in accordance with the
19
provisions of this Section shall not render the entire permit
20
null and void but the violator shall be deemed guilty of
21
violation of permit and guilty of exceeding any size, weight,
22
or load limitations in excess of those authorized by the
23
permit. The prescribed route or routes on the permit are not
24
mere rules, limitations, conditions, or provisions of the
25
permit, but are also the sole extent of the authorization
26
granted by the permit. If a vehicle and load are found to be

HB5149
- 40 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
off the route or routes prescribed by any permit authorizing
2
movement, the vehicle and load are operating without a permit.
3
Any off-route movement shall be subject to the size and weight
4
maximums, under the applicable provisions of this Chapter, as
5
determined by the type or class highway upon which the vehicle
6
and load are being operated.
7

(i) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made
8
under a fraudulent permit, the permit shall be void, and the
9
person, firm, or corporation to whom such permit was granted,
10
the driver of such vehicle in addition to the person who issued
11
such permit and any accessory, shall be guilty of fraud and
12
either one or all persons may be prosecuted for such
13
violation. Any person, firm, or corporation committing such
14
violation shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and the
15
Department shall not issue permits to the person, firm, or
16
corporation convicted of such violation for a period of one
17
year after the date of conviction. Penalties for violations of
18
this Section shall be in addition to any penalties imposed for
19
violation of other Sections of this Code.
20

(j) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made in
21
violation of a permit issued in accordance with this Section,
22
the person to whom such permit was granted, or the driver of
23
such vehicle, is guilty of such violation and either, but not
24
both, persons may be prosecuted for such violation as stated
25
in this subsection (j). Any person, firm, or corporation
26
convicted of such violation shall be guilty of a petty offense

HB5149
- 41 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
and shall be fined, for the first offense, not less than $50
2
nor more than $200 and, for the second offense by the same
3
person, firm, or corporation within a period of one year, not
4
less than $200 nor more than $300 and, for the third offense by
5
the same person, firm, or corporation within a period of one
6
year after the date of the first offense, not less than $300
7
nor more than $500 and the Department may, in its discretion,
8
not issue permits to the person, firm, or corporation
9
convicted of a third offense during a period of one year after
10
the date of conviction or supervision for such third offense.
11
If any violation is the cause or contributing cause in a motor
12
vehicle crash causing damage to property, injury, or death to
13
a person, the Department may, in its discretion, not issue a
14
permit to the person, firm, or corporation for a period of one
15
year after the date of conviction or supervision for the
16
offense.
17

(k) Whenever any vehicle is operated on local roads under
18
permits for excess width or length issued by local
19
authorities, such vehicle may be moved upon a State highway
20
for a distance not to exceed one-half mile without a permit for
21
the purpose of crossing the State highway.
22

(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section,
23
the Department, with respect to highways under its
24
jurisdiction, and local authorities, with respect to highways
25
under their jurisdiction, may at their discretion authorize
26
the movement of a vehicle in violation of any size or weight

HB5149
- 42 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
requirement, or both, that would not ordinarily be eligible
2
for a permit, when there is a showing of extreme necessity that
3
the vehicle and load should be moved without unnecessary
4
delay.
5

For the purpose of this subsection, showing of extreme
6
necessity shall be limited to the following: shipments of
7
livestock, hazardous materials, liquid concrete being hauled
8
in a mobile cement mixer, or hot asphalt.
9

(m) Penalties for violations of this Section shall be in
10
addition to any penalties imposed for violating any other
11
Section of this Code.
12

(n) The Department with respect to highways under its
13
jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways
14
under their jurisdiction, in their discretion and upon
15
application in writing, may issue a special permit for
16
continuous limited operation, authorizing the applicant to
17
operate a tow truck that exceeds the weight limits provided
18
for in subsection (a) of Section 15-111, provided:
19

(1) no rear single axle of the tow truck exceeds
20

26,000 pounds;
21

(2) no rear tandem axle of the tow truck exceeds
22

50,000 pounds;
23

(2.1) no triple rear axle on a manufactured recovery
24

unit exceeds 60,000 pounds;
25

(3) neither the disabled vehicle nor the disabled
26

combination of vehicles exceed the weight restrictions

HB5149
- 43 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

imposed by this Chapter 15, or the weight limits imposed
2

under a permit issued by the Department prior to hookup;
3

(4) the tow truck prior to hookup does not exceed the
4

weight restrictions imposed by this Chapter 15;
5

(5) during the tow operation the tow truck does not
6

violate any weight restriction sign;
7

(6) the tow truck is equipped with
and utilizing

8

flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible
9

for at least 500 feet in all directions;
10

(7) the tow truck is specifically designed and
11

licensed as a tow truck;
12

(8) the tow truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of
13

sufficient capacity to safely handle the load;
14

(9) the tow truck is equipped with air brakes;
15

(10) the tow truck is capable of
and
utilizing the
16

lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or
17

combination of vehicles;
18

(11) the tow commences at the initial point of wreck
19

or disablement and terminates at a point where the repairs
20

are actually to occur;
21

(12) the permit issued to the tow truck is carried in
22

the tow truck and exhibited on demand by a police officer;
23

and
24

(13) the movement shall be valid only on State routes
25

approved by the Department.
26

Any excess size or weight movement conducted under a

HB5149
- 44 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
permit issued under this subsection that does not meet the
2
requirements of paragraphs (1) through (13) shall be
3
considered void and movement unpermitted.

4

(o) (Blank).
5

(p) In determining whether a load may be reasonably
6
dismantled or disassembled for the purpose of subsection (a),
7
the Department shall consider whether there is a significant
8
negative impact on the condition of the pavement and
9
structures along the proposed route, whether the load or
10
vehicle as proposed causes a safety hazard to the traveling
11
public, whether dismantling or disassembling the load promotes
12
or stifles economic development, and whether the proposed
13
route travels less than 5 miles. A load is not required to be
14
dismantled or disassembled for the purposes of subsection (a)
15
if the Secretary of the Department determines there will be no
16
significant negative impact to pavement or structures along
17
the proposed route, the proposed load or vehicle causes no
18
safety hazard to the traveling public, dismantling or
19
disassembling the load does not promote economic development,
20
and the proposed route travels less than 5 miles. The
21
Department may promulgate rules for the purpose of
22
establishing the divisibility of a load pursuant to subsection
23
(a). Any load determined by the Secretary to be nondivisible
24
shall otherwise comply with the existing size or weight
25
maximums specified in this Chapter.
26
(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-547, eff. 1-1-20;

HB5149
- 45 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
102-124, eff. 7-23-21; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; revised 6-27-25.)

2

(625 ILCS 5/15-316)

(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-316)
3

Sec. 15-316.
When the Department or local authority may
4
restrict right to use highways.
5

(a) Except as provided in subsection (g), local
6
authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction
7
may by ordinance or resolution prohibit the operation of
8
vehicles upon any such highway or impose restrictions as to
9
the weight of vehicles to be operated upon any such highway,
10
for a total period of not to exceed 90 days, measured in either
11
consecutive or nonconsecutive days at the discretion of local
12
authorities, in any one calendar year, whenever any said
13
highway by reason of deterioration, rain, snow, or other
14
climate conditions will be seriously damaged or destroyed
15
unless the use of vehicles thereon is prohibited or the
16
permissible weights thereof reduced.
17

(b) The local authority enacting any such ordinance or
18
resolution shall erect or cause to be erected and maintained
19
signs designating the provision of the ordinance or resolution
20
at each end of that portion of any highway affected thereby,
21
and the ordinance or resolution shall not be effective unless
22
and until such signs are erected and maintained. To be
23
effective, an ordinance or resolution passed to designate a
24
Class II roadway need not require that signs be erected, but
25
the designation shall be reported to the Department.

HB5149
- 46 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1

(c) Local authorities with respect to highways under their
2
jurisdiction may also, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit
3
the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles, or may
4
impose limitations as the weight thereof, on
designated

5
highways
under their jurisdiction
, which prohibitions and
6
limitations shall be designated by appropriate signs placed on
7
such highways.
8

(c-1) (Blank).
9

(c-5) Highway commissioners, with respect to roads under
10
their authority, may not permanently post a road or portion
11
thereof at a reduced weight limit unless the decision to do so
12
is made in accordance with Section 6-201.22 of the Illinois
13
Highway Code.
14

(d) The Department shall likewise have authority as
15
hereinbefore granted to local authorities to determine by
16
resolution and to impose restrictions as to the weight of
17
vehicles operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of
18
said department, and such restrictions shall be effective when
19
signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the highway or
20
portion of any highway affected by such resolution.
21

(d-1) (Blank).
22

(d-2) (Blank).
23

(e) When any vehicle is operated in violation of this
24
Section, the owner or driver of the vehicle shall be deemed
25
guilty of a violation and either the owner or the driver of the
26
vehicle may be prosecuted for the violation. Any person, firm,

HB5149
- 47 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
or corporation convicted of violating this Section shall be
2
fined $50 for any weight exceeding the posted
weight
limit up
3
to the axle or gross weight limit allowed a vehicle as provided
4
for in subsections (a)
or (b)
of Section 15-111 and
$150

$75

5
per every 500 pounds or fraction thereof for any weight
6
exceeding that which is provided for in subsections (a)
or (b)

7
of Section 15-111.
8

(f) A municipality is authorized to enforce a county
9
weight limit ordinance applying to county highways within its
10
corporate limits and is entitled to the proceeds of any fines
11
collected from the enforcement.
12

(g) An ordinance or resolution enacted by a county or
13
township pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section shall not
14
apply to cargo tank vehicles with two or three permanent axles
15
when delivering propane for emergency heating purposes if the
16
cargo tank is loaded at no more than 50 percent capacity, the
17
gross vehicle weight of the vehicle does not exceed 32,000
18
pounds, and the driver of the cargo tank vehicle notifies the
19
appropriate agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the
20
highway before driving the vehicle on the highway pursuant to
21
this subsection. The cargo tank vehicle must have an operating
22
gauge on the cargo tank which indicates the amount of propane
23
as a percent of capacity of the cargo tank. The cargo tank must
24
have the capacity displayed on the cargo tank, or
25
documentation of the capacity of the cargo tank must be
26
available in the vehicle. For the purposes of this subsection,

HB5149
- 48 -
LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
1
propane weighs 4.2 pounds per gallon. This subsection does not
2
apply to municipalities. Nothing in this subsection shall
3
allow cargo tank vehicles to cross bridges with posted weight
4
restrictions if the vehicle exceeds the posted weight limit.
5
(Source: P.A. 101-328, eff. 1-1-20
.)

6

Section 95.
No acceleration or delay.
Where this Act makes
7
changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text
8
that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section
9
represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does
10
not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes
11
made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other
12
Public Act.

Footer

Disclaimer

This site is maintained for the Illinois General Assembly by the
Legislative Information System, 705 Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706.

Contact ILGA Webmaster

ILGA.gov uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse ILGA.gov you consent to our use of cookies.
Read About Cookies

ILGA.GOV

2026 ILGA.gov | All Rights Reserved |
ADA

|
Disclaimers
|
Learn

This site is maintained for the Illinois General Assembly by the
Legislative Information System, 705 Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706.
Contact ILGA Webmaster

ILGA.gov uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse ILGA.gov you consent to our use of cookies.
Read About Cookies

ILGA.GOV

2026 ILGA.gov | All Rights Reserved |
ADA

|
Disclaimers
|
Learn