Bill Text: IL HB5149 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: 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.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-03-27 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB5149 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HB5149-Introduced.html

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104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026HB5149 Introduced , 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
AN ACT concerning transportation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
changing Sections 15-111, 15-301, and 15-316 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/15-111) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-111)
(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-436)
Sec. 15-111. Wheel and axle loads and gross weights.
(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles with pneumatic
tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total
weight on the road surface exceeds the following: 20,000
pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no
axle within the tandem exceeding 20,000 pounds; 80,000 pounds
gross weight for vehicle combinations of 5 or more axles; or a
total weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles in
excess of that weight produced by the application of the
following formula: W = 500 times the sum of (LN divided by N-1)
+ 12N + 36, where "W" equals overall total weight on any group
of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds, "L"
equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between
extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and "N"
equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.
The above formula when expressed in tabular form results

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in allowable loads as follows:
Distance measured
to the nearest
foot between the
extremes of any Maximum weight in pounds
group of 2 or of any group of
more consecutive 2 or more consecutive axles
axles
feet 2 axles 3 axles 4 axles 5 axles 6 axles
4 34,000
5 34,000
6 34,000
7 34,000
8 34,000* 34,000
Between 8
and 9 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

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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

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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 34,000 pounds, notwithstanding the higher limit
resulting from the application of the formula.
**Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds
each if the overall distance between the first and last axles
of these tandems is 36 feet or more.
Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may
not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 4
axles measured between the extreme axles of the vehicle.
Vehicles in a combination having more than 6 axles may not
exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 6

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axles measured between the extreme axles of the combination.
Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
under their jurisdiction, without additional fees, may also by
ordinance or resolution allow the weight limitations of this
subsection, provided the maximum gross weight on any one axle
shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the maximum total weight on
any tandem axle shall not exceed 34,000 pounds, on designated
highways when appropriate regulatory signs giving notice are
erected upon the street or highway or portion of any street or
highway affected by the ordinance or resolution.
The following are exceptions to the above formula:
(1) Vehicles for which a different limit is
established and posted in accordance with Section 15-316
of this Code.
(2) Vehicles for which the Department of
Transportation and local authorities issue overweight
permits under authority of Section 15-301 of this Code.
These vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula.
(3) Cities having a population of more than 50,000 may
permit by ordinance axle loads on 2-axle motor vehicles 33
1/2% above those provided for herein, but the increase
shall not become effective until the city has officially
notified the Department of the passage of the ordinance
and shall not apply to those vehicles when outside of the
limits of the city, nor shall the gross weight of any
2-axle motor vehicle operating over any street of the city

HB5149 - 6 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
exceed 40,000 pounds.
(4) Weight limitations shall not apply to vehicles
(including loads) operated by a public utility when
transporting equipment required for emergency repair of
public utility facilities or properties or water wells.
(4.5) A 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle (including when
laden) operated or hired by a municipality within Cook,
Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will county being operated
for the purpose of performing emergency sewer repair that
would be subject to a weight limitation less than 66,000
pounds under the formula in this subsection (a) shall have
a weight limitation of 66,000 pounds or the vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating, whichever is less. This
paragraph (4.5) does not apply to vehicles being operated
on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
or to vehicles being operated on bridges or other elevated
structures constituting a part of a highway.
(5) Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a
total weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance
between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets
of tandem axles is 36 feet or more, notwithstanding the
lower limit resulting from the application of the above
formula.
(6) A truck, not in combination and used exclusively
for the collection of rendering materials, may, when
laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part

HB5149 - 7 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single
axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle.
(7) A truck not in combination, equipped with a self
compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off
container, used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or
recycling operations, may, when laden, transmit upon the
road surface, except when on part of the National System
of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on
a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle
vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle.
This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
(7.5) A 3-axle rear discharge truck mixer registered
as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the
mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic
state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
except when on part of the National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
22,000 pounds on single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
(8) Except as provided in paragraph (7.5) of this
subsection (a), tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered
as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in
the model year of 2024 and first registered in Illinois

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prior to January 1, 2025, with a distance greater than 72
inches but not more than 96 inches between any series of 2
axles, is allowed a combined weight on the series not to
exceed 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the series may
exceed 20,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type
manufactured after the model year of 2024 or first
registered in Illinois after December 31, 2024 may not
exceed a combined weight of 34,000 pounds through the
series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed
20,000 pounds.
A 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum
truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used
exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid
waste, manufactured before or in the model year of 2014,
first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2015, may,
when laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on
part of the National System of Interstate and Defense
Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on
a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle; 54,000
pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This vehicle is
not subject to the bridge formula.
(9) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special
Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and
transportation of concrete in the plastic state, and not
operated on a highway that is part of the National System
of Interstate Highways, is allowed the following maximum

HB5149 - 9 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds
on a series of axles greater than 72 inches but not more
than 96 inches; and 34,000 pounds on any series of 2 axles
greater than 40 inches but not more than 72 inches. The
gross weight of this vehicle may not exceed the weights
allowed by the bridge formula for 4 axles. The bridge
formula does not apply to any series of 3 axles while the
vehicle is transporting concrete in the plastic state, but
no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum
weight permitted under this paragraph (9) of subsection
(a).
(10) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special
Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured
prior to or in the model year of 2024, and registered in
Illinois prior to January 1, 2025, having 5 axles with a
distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles, may not
exceed the following maximum weights: 20,000 pounds on a
single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle; and 72,000
pounds gross weight. This combination of vehicles is not
subject to the bridge formula. For all those combinations
of vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured after
the effective date of P.A. 92-0417, the overall distance
between the first and last axles of the 2 sets of tandems
must be 18 feet 6 inches or more. Any combination of
vehicles that has had its cargo container replaced in its
entirety after December 31, 2024 may not exceed the

HB5149 - 10 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
weights allowed by the bridge formula.
(11) The maximum weight allowed on a vehicle with
crawler type tracks is 40,000 pounds.
(12) A combination of vehicles, including a tow truck
and a disabled vehicle or disabled combination of
vehicles, that exceeds the weight restriction imposed by
this Code, may be operated on a public highway in this
State provided that neither the disabled vehicle nor any
vehicle being towed nor the tow truck itself shall exceed
the weight limitations permitted under this Chapter.
During the towing operation, neither the tow truck nor the
vehicle combination shall exceed 24,000 pounds on a single
rear axle and 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle,
provided the towing vehicle:
(i) is specifically designed as a tow truck having
a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
pounds and is equipped with air brakes, provided that
air brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is
towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer
combination that is equipped with air brakes;
(ii) is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500
feet in all directions;
(iii) is capable of utilizing the lighting and
braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
of vehicles; and

HB5149 - 11 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
(iv) does not engage in a tow exceeding 20 miles
from the initial point of wreck or disablement. Any
additional movement of the vehicles may occur only
upon issuance of authorization for that movement under
the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of
this Code. The towing vehicle, however, may tow any
disabled vehicle to a point where repairs are actually
to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State
routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight
limits.
(12.5) The vehicle weight limitations in this Section
do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery
vehicle. The covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle
license plate must cover the operating empty weight of the
covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle only.
(13) Upon and during a declaration of an emergency
propane supply disaster by the Governor under Section 7 of
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act:
(i) a truck not in combination, equipped with a
cargo tank, used exclusively for the transportation of
propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden,
transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of
the National System of Interstate and Defense
Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds
on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000

HB5149 - 12 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; and
(ii) a truck when in combination with a trailer
equipped with a cargo tank used exclusively for the
transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas
may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
except when on part of the National System of
Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds
on a tandem axle; 90,000 pounds gross weight on a
5-axle or 6-axle vehicle.
Vehicles operating under this paragraph (13) are not
subject to the bridge formula.
(14) A vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses
natural gas or propane gas as a motor fuel may exceed the
above weight limitations by up to 2,000 pounds, the total
allowance is calculated by an amount that is equal to the
difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable
to the natural gas or propane gas tank and fueling system
carried by the vehicle, and the weight of a comparable
diesel tank and fueling system. This paragraph (14) shall
not allow a vehicle to exceed any posted weight limit on a
highway or structure.
(15) An emergency vehicle or fire apparatus that is a
vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to
transport personnel and equipment, and used to support the
suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous

HB5149 - 13 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
situations on a Class I highway, may not exceed 86,000
pounds gross weight, or any of the following weight
allowances:
(i) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;
(ii) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;
(iii) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
(iv) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer
axle.
(16) A bus, motor coach, or recreational vehicle may
carry a total weight of 24,000 pounds on a single axle, but
may not exceed other weight provisions of this Section.
Gross weight limits shall not apply to the combination of
the tow truck and vehicles being towed. The tow truck license
plate must cover the operating empty weight of the tow truck
only. The weight of each vehicle being towed shall be covered
by a valid license plate issued to the owner or operator of the
vehicle being towed and displayed on that vehicle. If no valid
plate issued to the owner or operator of that vehicle is
displayed on that vehicle, or the plate displayed on that
vehicle does not cover the weight of the vehicle, the weight of
the vehicle shall be covered by the third tow truck plate
issued to the owner or operator of the tow truck and
temporarily affixed to the vehicle being towed. If a roll-back
carrier is registered and being used as a tow truck, however,
the license plate or plates for the tow truck must cover the
gross vehicle weight, including any load carried on the bed of

HB5149 - 14 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
the roll-back carrier.
The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
additional requirements. However, nothing in this Code shall
prohibit a tow truck under instructions of a police officer
from legally clearing a disabled vehicle, that may be in
violation of weight limitations of this Chapter, from the
roadway to the berm or shoulder of the highway. If in the
opinion of the police officer that location is unsafe, the
officer is authorized to have the disabled vehicle towed to
the nearest place of safety.
For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer
as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
(b) As used in this Section, "recycling haul" or
"recycling operation" means the hauling of non-hazardous,
non-special, non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass,
cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary
materials market.
(c) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
pneumatic tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon
the highways of this State in violation of the provisions of
any permit issued under the provisions of Sections 15-301
through 15-318 of this Chapter.
(d) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
other than pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with
load, upon the highways of this State when the gross weight on

HB5149 - 15 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
the road surface through any wheel exceeds 800 pounds per inch
width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road
surface through any axle exceeds 16,000 pounds.
(e) No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of
vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure
constituting part of a highway with a gross weight that is
greater than the maximum weight permitted by the Department,
when the structure is sign posted as provided in this Section.
(f) The Department upon request from any local authority
shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an
investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure
constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the
structure cannot with safety to itself withstand the weight of
vehicles otherwise permissible under this Code the Department
shall determine and declare the maximum weight of vehicles
that the structures can withstand, and shall cause or permit
suitable signs stating maximum weight to be erected and
maintained before each end of the structure. No person shall
operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over any
structure with a gross weight that is greater than the posted
maximum weight.
(g) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation
of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section, proof of the
determination of the maximum allowable weight by the
Department and the existence of the signs, constitutes
conclusive evidence of the maximum weight that can be

HB5149 - 16 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(Source: P.A. 102-124, eff. 7-23-21.)
(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-436)
Sec. 15-111. Wheel and axle loads and gross weights.
(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles with pneumatic
tires may be operated, unladen or with load, when the total
weight on the road surface exceeds the following: 20,000
pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle with no
axle within the tandem exceeding 20,000 pounds; 80,000 pounds
gross weight for vehicle combinations of 5 or more axles; or a
total weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles in
excess of that weight produced by the application of the
following formula: W = 500 times the sum of (LN divided by N-1)
+ 12N + 36, where "W" equals overall total weight on any group
of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds, "L"
equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between
extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and "N"
equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.
The above formula when expressed in tabular form results
in allowable loads as follows:
Distance measured
to the nearest
foot between the
extremes of any Maximum weight in pounds

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group of 2 or of 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 34,000* 34,000
Between 8
and 9 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

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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

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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 34,000 pounds, notwithstanding the higher limit
resulting from the application of the formula.
**Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds
each if the overall distance between the first and last axles
of these tandems is 36 feet or more.
Vehicles not in a combination having more than 4 axles may
not exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 4
axles measured between the extreme axles of the vehicle.
Vehicles in a combination having more than 6 axles may not
exceed the weight in the table in this subsection (a) for 6
axles measured between the extreme axles of the combination.
Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
under their jurisdiction, without additional fees, may also by
ordinance or resolution allow the weight limitations of this
subsection, provided the maximum gross weight on any one axle
shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the maximum total weight on

HB5149 - 20 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
any tandem axle shall not exceed 34,000 pounds, on designated
highways when appropriate regulatory signs giving notice are
erected upon the street or highway or portion of any street or
highway affected by the ordinance or resolution.
The following are exceptions to the above formula:
(1) Vehicles for which a different limit is
established and posted in accordance with Section 15-316
of this Code.
(2) Vehicles for which the Department of
Transportation and local authorities issue overweight
permits under authority of Section 15-301 of this Code.
These vehicles are not subject to the bridge formula.
(3) Cities having a population of more than 50,000 may
permit by ordinance axle loads on 2-axle motor vehicles 33
1/2% above those provided for herein, but the increase
shall not become effective until the city has officially
notified the Department of the passage of the ordinance
and shall not apply to those vehicles when outside of the
limits of the city, nor shall the gross weight of any
2-axle motor vehicle operating over any street of the city
exceed 40,000 pounds.
(4) Weight limitations shall not apply to vehicles
(including loads) operated by a public utility when
transporting equipment required for emergency repair of
public utility facilities or properties or water wells.
(4.5) A 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle (including when

HB5149 - 21 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
laden) operated or hired by a municipality within Cook,
Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will county being operated
for the purpose of performing emergency sewer repair that
would be subject to a weight limitation less than 66,000
pounds under the formula in this subsection (a) shall have
a weight limitation of 66,000 pounds or the vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating, whichever is less. This
paragraph (4.5) does not apply to vehicles being operated
on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
or to vehicles being operated on bridges or other elevated
structures constituting a part of a highway.
(5) Two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a
total weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance
between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets
of tandem axles is 36 feet or more, notwithstanding the
lower limit resulting from the application of the above
formula.
(6) A truck, not in combination and used exclusively
for the collection of rendering materials, may, when
laden, transmit upon the road surface, except when on part
of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways,
the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds on a single
axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle.
(7) A truck not in combination, equipped with a self
compactor or an industrial roll-off hoist and roll-off
container, used exclusively for garbage, refuse, or

HB5149 - 22 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
recycling operations, may, when laden, transmit upon the
road surface, except when on part of the National System
of Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on
a tandem axle; 40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle
vehicle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle.
This vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
(7.5) A 3-axle rear discharge truck mixer registered
as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the
mixing and transportation of concrete in the plastic
state, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
except when on part of the National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
22,000 pounds on single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
(8) Except as provided in paragraph (7.5) of this
subsection (a), tandem axles on a 3-axle truck registered
as a Special Hauling Vehicle, manufactured prior to or in
the model year of 2034 2024 and first registered in
Illinois prior to January 1, 2035 2025, with a distance
greater than 72 inches but not more than 96 inches between
any series of 2 axles, is allowed a combined weight on the
series not to exceed 36,000 pounds and neither axle of the
series may exceed 20,000 pounds. Any vehicle of this type
manufactured after the model year of 2034 2024 or first

HB5149 - 23 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
registered in Illinois after December 31, 2035 2024 may
not exceed a combined weight of 34,000 pounds through the
series of 2 axles and neither axle of the series may exceed
20,000 pounds.
A 3-axle combination sewer cleaning jetting vacuum
truck registered as a Special Hauling Vehicle, used
exclusively for the transportation of non-hazardous solid
waste, manufactured before or in the model year of 2034
2014, first registered in Illinois before January 1, 2035
2015, may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
except when on part of the National System of Interstate
and Defense Highways, the following maximum weights:
22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem
axle; 54,000 pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle. This
vehicle is not subject to the bridge formula.
(9) A 4-axle truck mixer registered as a Special
Hauling Vehicle, used exclusively for the mixing and
transportation of concrete in the plastic state, and not
operated on a highway that is part of the National System
of Interstate Highways, is allowed the following maximum
weights: 20,000 pounds on any single axle; 36,000 pounds
on a series of axles greater than 72 inches but not more
than 96 inches; and 34,000 pounds on any series of 2 axles
greater than 40 inches but not more than 72 inches. The
gross weight of this vehicle may not exceed the weights
allowed by the bridge formula for 4 axles. The bridge

HB5149 - 24 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
formula does not apply to any series of 3 axles while the
vehicle is transporting concrete in the plastic state, but
no axle or tandem axle of the series may exceed the maximum
weight permitted under this paragraph (9) of subsection
(a).
(10) Combinations of vehicles, registered as Special
Hauling Vehicles that include a semitrailer manufactured
prior to or in the model year of 2034 2024, and registered
in Illinois prior to January 1, 2035 2025, having 5 axles
with a distance of 42 feet or less between extreme axles,
may not exceed the following maximum weights: 20,000
pounds on a single axle; 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
and 72,000 pounds gross weight. This combination of
vehicles is not subject to the bridge formula. For all
those combinations of vehicles that include a semitrailer
manufactured after the effective date of P.A. 92-0417, the
overall distance between the first and last axles of the 2
sets of tandems must be 18 feet 6 inches or more. Any
combination of vehicles that has had its cargo container
replaced in its entirety after December 31, 2024 may not
exceed the weights allowed by the bridge formula.
(11) The maximum weight allowed on a vehicle with
crawler type tracks is 40,000 pounds.
(12) A combination of vehicles, including a tow truck
and a disabled vehicle or disabled combination of
vehicles, that exceeds the weight restriction imposed by

HB5149 - 25 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
this Code, may be operated on a public highway in this
State provided that neither the disabled vehicle nor any
vehicle being towed nor the tow truck itself shall exceed
the weight limitations permitted under this Chapter.
During the towing operation, neither the tow truck nor the
vehicle combination shall exceed 24,000 pounds on a single
rear axle and 44,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle,
provided the towing vehicle:
(i) is specifically designed as a tow truck having
a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
pounds and is equipped with air brakes, provided that
air brakes are required to be used only if the towing
vehicle is towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or
tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with air
brakes;
(ii) is equipped with and utilizing flashing,
rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at
least 500 feet in all directions;
(iii) is capable of utilizing the lighting and
braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
of vehicles; and
(iv) does not engage in a tow exceeding 20 miles
from the initial point of wreck or disablement. Any
additional movement of the vehicles may occur only
upon issuance of authorization for that movement under
the provisions of Sections 15-301 through 15-318 of

HB5149 - 26 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
this Code. The towing vehicle, however, may tow any
disabled vehicle to a point where repairs are actually
to occur. This movement shall be valid only on State
routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge weight
limits.
(12.5) The vehicle weight limitations in this Section
do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery
vehicle that meet the criteria of subparagraphs (i)
through (iii) of paragraph (12). The covered heavy duty
tow and recovery vehicle license plate must cover the
operating empty weight of the covered heavy duty tow and
recovery vehicle only.
(13) Upon and during a declaration of an emergency
propane supply disaster by the Governor under Section 7 of
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act:
(i) a truck not in combination, equipped with a
cargo tank, used exclusively for the transportation of
propane or liquefied petroleum gas may, when laden,
transmit upon the road surface, except when on part of
the National System of Interstate and Defense
Highways, the following maximum weights: 22,000 pounds
on a single axle; 40,000 pounds on a tandem axle;
40,000 pounds gross weight on a 2-axle vehicle; 54,000
pounds gross weight on a 3-axle vehicle; and
(ii) a truck when in combination with a trailer
equipped with a cargo tank used exclusively for the

HB5149 - 27 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
transportation of propane or liquefied petroleum gas
may, when laden, transmit upon the road surface,
except when on part of the National System of
Interstate and Defense Highways, the following maximum
weights: 22,000 pounds on a single axle; 40,000 pounds
on a tandem axle; 90,000 pounds gross weight on a
5-axle or 6-axle vehicle.
Vehicles operating under this paragraph (13) are not
subject to the bridge formula.
(14) A vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses
either natural gas or propane gas as a motor fuel or is
operated by an engine fueled wholly or partially by an
electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric fueling
system may exceed the above weight limitations by up to
2,000 pounds, the total allowance is calculated by an
amount that is equal to the difference between the weight
of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas or propane
or hydrogen gas tank, batteries, and fueling system
carried by the vehicle, and the weight of a comparable
diesel tank and fueling system. This paragraph (14) shall
not allow a vehicle to exceed any posted weight limit on a
highway or structure.
(15) An emergency vehicle or fire apparatus that is a
vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to
transport personnel and equipment, and used to support the
suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous

HB5149 - 28 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
situations on a Class I highway, may not exceed 86,000
pounds gross weight, or any of the following weight
allowances:
(i) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;
(ii) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;
(iii) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
(iv) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer
axle.
(16) A bus, motor coach, or recreational vehicle may
carry a total weight of 24,000 pounds on a single axle, but
may not exceed other weight provisions of this Section.
Gross weight limits shall not apply to the combination of
the tow truck and vehicles being towed. The tow truck license
plate must cover the operating empty weight of the tow truck
only. The weight of each vehicle being towed shall be covered
by a valid license plate issued to the owner or operator of the
vehicle being towed and displayed on that vehicle. If no valid
plate issued to the owner or operator of that vehicle is
displayed on that vehicle, or the plate displayed on that
vehicle does not cover the weight of the vehicle, the weight of
the vehicle shall be covered by the third tow truck plate
issued to the owner or operator of the tow truck and
temporarily affixed to the vehicle being towed. If a roll-back
carrier is registered and being used as a tow truck, however,
the license plate or plates for the tow truck must cover the
gross vehicle weight, including any load carried on the bed of

HB5149 - 29 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
the roll-back carrier.
The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
additional requirements. However, nothing in this Code shall
prohibit a tow truck under instructions of a police officer
from legally clearing a disabled vehicle, that may be in
violation of weight limitations of this Chapter, from the
roadway to the berm or shoulder of the highway. If in the
opinion of the police officer that location is unsafe, the
officer is authorized to have the disabled vehicle towed to
the nearest place of safety.
For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the manufacturer
as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
(b) As used in this Section, "recycling haul" or
"recycling operation" means the hauling of non-hazardous,
non-special, non-putrescible materials, such as paper, glass,
cans, or plastic, for subsequent use in the secondary
materials market.
(c) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
pneumatic tires shall be operated, unladen or with load, upon
the highways of this State in violation of the provisions of
any permit issued under the provisions of Sections 15-301
through 15-318 of this Chapter.
(d) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
other than pneumatic tires may be operated, unladen or with
load, upon the highways of this State when the gross weight on

HB5149 - 30 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
the road surface through any wheel exceeds 800 pounds per inch
width of tire tread or when the gross weight on the road
surface through any axle exceeds 16,000 pounds.
(e) No person shall operate a vehicle or combination of
vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure
constituting part of a highway with a gross weight that is
greater than the maximum gross weight permitted by the
Department, when the structure is sign posted as provided in
this Section.
(f) The Department upon request from any local authority
shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an
investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure
constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the
structure cannot with safety to itself withstand the weight of
vehicles otherwise permissible under this Code the Department
shall determine and declare the maximum gross weight of
vehicles that the structures can withstand, and shall cause or
permit suitable signs stating maximum gross weight to be
erected and maintained before each end of the structure. No
person shall operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over
any structure with a gross weight that is greater than the
posted maximum weight.
(g) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation
of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section, proof of the
determination of the maximum allowable gross weight by the
Department and the existence of the signs, constitutes

HB5149 - 31 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
conclusive evidence of the maximum gross weight that can be
maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(Source: P.A. 104-436, eff. 6-1-26.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-301) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-301)
Sec. 15-301. Permits for excess size and weight.
(a) The Department with respect to highways under its
jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways
under their jurisdiction may, in their discretion, upon
application and good cause being shown therefor, issue a
special permit authorizing the applicant to operate or move a
vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of
vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this Code
or otherwise not in conformity with this Code upon any highway
under the jurisdiction of the party granting such permit and
for the maintenance of which the party is responsible.
Applications and permits other than those in written or
printed form may only be accepted from and issued to the
company or individual making the movement. Except for an
application to move directly across a highway, it shall be the
duty of the applicant to establish in the application that the
load to be moved by such vehicle or combination cannot
reasonably be dismantled or disassembled, the reasonableness
of which shall be determined by the Secretary of the
Department. For the purpose of over length movements, more
than one object may be carried side by side as long as the

HB5149 - 32 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
height, width, and weight laws are not exceeded and the cause
for the over length is not due to multiple objects. For the
purpose of over height movements, more than one object may be
carried as long as the cause for the over height is not due to
multiple objects and the length, width, and weight laws are
not exceeded. For the purpose of an over width movement, more
than one object may be carried as long as the cause for the
over width is not due to multiple objects and length, height,
and weight laws are not exceeded. Except for transporting
fluid milk products, no State or local agency shall authorize
the issuance of excess size or weight permits for vehicles and
loads that are divisible and that can be carried, when
divided, within the existing size or weight maximums specified
in this Chapter. Any excess size or weight permit issued in
violation of the provisions of this Section shall be void at
issue and any movement made thereunder shall not be authorized
under the terms of the void permit. In any prosecution for a
violation of this Chapter when the authorization of an excess
size or weight permit is at issue, it is the burden of the
defendant to establish that the permit was valid because the
load to be moved could not reasonably be dismantled or
disassembled, or was otherwise nondivisible.
(a-1) As used in this Section, "extreme heavy duty tow and
recovery vehicle" means a tow truck manufactured as a unit
having a lifting capacity of not less than 50 tons, and having
either 4 axles and an unladen weight of not more than 80,000

HB5149 - 33 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
pounds or 5 axles and an unladen weight not more than 90,000
pounds. Notwithstanding otherwise applicable gross and axle
weight limits, an extreme heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle
may lawfully travel to and from the scene of a disablement and
clear a disabled vehicle if the towing service has obtained an
extreme heavy duty tow and recovery permit for the vehicle.
The form and content of the permit shall be determined by the
Department with respect to highways under its jurisdiction and
by local authorities with respect to highways under their
jurisdiction. For purposes of this Section, clearing a vehicle
does not include towing the vehicle from the scene of
disablement.
(b) The application for any such permit shall: (1) state
whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for
limited continuous operation; (2) (blank); (3) specifically
describe and identify the vehicle or vehicles and load to be
operated or moved; (4) state the routing requested, including
the points of origin and destination, and may identify and
include a request for routing to the nearest certified scale
in accordance with the Department's rules and regulations,
provided the applicant has approval to travel on local roads;
and (5) (blank).
(c) The Department or local authority when not
inconsistent with traffic safety is authorized to issue or
withhold such permit at its discretion; or, if such permit is
issued at its discretion to prescribe the route or routes to be

HB5149 - 34 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
traveled, to limit the number of trips, to establish seasonal
or other time limitations within which the vehicles described
may be operated on the highways indicated, or otherwise to
limit or prescribe conditions of operations of such vehicle or
vehicles, when necessary to assure against undue damage to the
road foundations, surfaces or structures, and may require such
undertaking or other security as may be deemed necessary to
compensate for any injury to any roadway or road structure.
The Department shall maintain a daily record of each permit
issued along with the fee and the stipulated dimensions,
weights, conditions, and restrictions authorized and this
record shall be presumed correct in any case of questions or
dispute. The Department shall install an automatic device for
recording telephone conversations involving permit
applications. The Department and applicant waive all
objections to the recording of the conversation.
(d) The Department shall, upon application in writing from
any local authority, issue an annual permit authorizing the
local authority to move oversize highway construction,
transportation, utility, and maintenance equipment over roads
under the jurisdiction of the Department. The permit shall be
applicable only to equipment and vehicles owned by or
registered in the name of the local authority, and no fee shall
be charged for the issuance of such permits.
(e) As an exception to subsection (a) of this Section, the
Department and local authorities, with respect to highways

HB5149 - 35 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
under their respective jurisdictions, in their discretion and
upon application in writing, may issue a special permit for
limited continuous operation, authorizing the applicant to
move loads of agricultural commodities on a 2-axle single
vehicle registered by the Secretary of State with axle loads
not to exceed 35%, on a 3-axle or 4-axle vehicle registered by
the Secretary of State with axle loads not to exceed 20%, and
on a 5-axle vehicle registered by the Secretary of State not to
exceed 10% above those provided in Section 15-111. The total
gross weight of the vehicle, however, may not exceed the
maximum gross weight of the registration class of the vehicle
allowed under Section 3-815 or 3-818 of this Code.
As used in this Section, "agricultural commodities" means:
(1) cultivated plants or agricultural produce grown,
including, but not limited to, corn, soybeans, wheat,
oats, grain sorghum, canola, and rice;
(2) livestock, including, but not limited to, hogs,
equine, sheep, and poultry;
(3) ensilage; and
(4) fruits and vegetables.
Permits may be issued for a period not to exceed 40 days
and moves may be made of a distance not to exceed 50 miles from
a field, an on-farm grain storage facility, a warehouse as
defined in the Grain Code, or a livestock management facility
as defined in the Livestock Management Facilities Act over any
highway except the National System of Interstate and Defense

HB5149 - 36 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
Highways. The operator of the vehicle, however, must abide by
posted bridge and posted highway weight limits. All implements
of husbandry operating under this Section between sunset and
sunrise shall be equipped as prescribed in Section 12-205.1.
(e-1) A special permit shall be issued by the Department
under this Section and shall be required from September 1
through December 31 for a vehicle that exceeds the maximum
axle weight and gross weight limits under Section 15-111 of
this Code or exceeds the vehicle's registered gross weight,
provided that the vehicle's axle weight and gross weight do
not exceed 10% above the maximum limits under Section 15-111
of this Code and does not exceed the vehicle's registered
gross weight by 10%. All other restrictions that apply to
permits issued under this Section shall apply during the
declared time period and no fee shall be charged for the
issuance of those permits. Permits issued by the Department
under this subsection (e-1) are only valid on federal and
State highways under the jurisdiction of the Department,
except interstate highways. With respect to highways under the
jurisdiction of local authorities, the local authorities may,
at their discretion, waive special permit requirements and set
a divisible load weight limit not to exceed 10% above a
vehicle's registered gross weight, provided that the vehicle's
axle weight and gross weight do not exceed 10% above the
maximum limits specified in Section 15-111. Permits issued
under this subsection (e-1) shall apply to all registered

HB5149 - 37 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
vehicles eligible to obtain permits under this Section,
including vehicles used in private or for-hire movement of
divisible load agricultural commodities during the declared
time period.
(f) The form and content of the permit shall be determined
by the Department with respect to highways under its
jurisdiction and by local authorities with respect to highways
under their jurisdiction. Every permit shall be in written
form and carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to
which it refers and shall be open to inspection by any police
officer or authorized agent of any authority granting the
permit and no person shall violate any of the terms or
conditions of such special permit. Violation of the terms and
conditions of the permit shall not be deemed a revocation of
the permit; however, any vehicle and load found to be off the
route prescribed in the permit shall be held to be operating
without a permit. Any off-route vehicle and load shall be
required to obtain a new permit or permits, as necessary, to
authorize the movement back onto the original permit routing.
No rule or regulation, nor anything herein, shall be construed
to authorize any police officer, court, or authorized agent of
any authority granting the permit to remove the permit from
the possession of the permittee unless the permittee is
charged with a fraudulent permit violation as provided in
subsection (i). However, upon arrest for an offense of
violation of permit, operating without a permit when the

HB5149 - 38 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
vehicle is off route, or any size or weight offense under this
Chapter when the permittee plans to raise the issuance of the
permit as a defense, the permittee, or his agent, must produce
the permit at any court hearing concerning the alleged
offense.
If the permit designates and includes a routing to a
certified scale, the permittee, while en route to the
designated scale, shall be deemed in compliance with the
weight provisions of the permit provided the axle or gross
weights do not exceed any of the permitted limits by more than
the following amounts:
Single axle 2000 pounds
Tandem axle 3000 pounds
Gross 5000 pounds
(g) The Department is authorized to adopt, amend, and make
available to interested persons a policy concerning reasonable
rules, limitations and conditions, or provisions of operation
upon highways under its jurisdiction in addition to those
contained in this Section for the movement by special permit
of vehicles, combinations, or loads which cannot reasonably be
dismantled or disassembled, including manufactured and modular
home sections and portions thereof. All rules, limitations and
conditions, or provisions adopted in the policy shall have due
regard for the safety of the traveling public and the
protection of the highway system and shall have been
promulgated in conformity with the provisions of the Illinois

HB5149 - 39 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
Administrative Procedure Act. The requirements of the policy
for flagmen and escort vehicles shall be the same for all moves
of comparable size and weight. When escort vehicles are
required, they shall meet the following requirements:
(1) All operators shall be 18 years of age or over and
properly licensed to operate the vehicle.
(2) Vehicles escorting oversize oversized loads more
than 12 feet wide must be equipped with a rotating or
flashing amber light mounted on top as specified under
Section 12-215.
The Department shall establish reasonable rules and
regulations regarding liability insurance or self insurance
for vehicles with oversize oversized loads promulgated under
the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Police vehicles may
be required for escort under circumstances as required by
rules and regulations of the Department.
(h) Violation of any rule, limitation or condition, or
provision of any permit issued in accordance with the
provisions of this Section shall not render the entire permit
null and void but the violator shall be deemed guilty of
violation of permit and guilty of exceeding any size, weight,
or load limitations in excess of those authorized by the
permit. The prescribed route or routes on the permit are not
mere rules, limitations, conditions, or provisions of the
permit, but are also the sole extent of the authorization
granted by the permit. If a vehicle and load are found to be

HB5149 - 40 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
off the route or routes prescribed by any permit authorizing
movement, the vehicle and load are operating without a permit.
Any off-route movement shall be subject to the size and weight
maximums, under the applicable provisions of this Chapter, as
determined by the type or class highway upon which the vehicle
and load are being operated.
(i) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made
under a fraudulent permit, the permit shall be void, and the
person, firm, or corporation to whom such permit was granted,
the driver of such vehicle in addition to the person who issued
such permit and any accessory, shall be guilty of fraud and
either one or all persons may be prosecuted for such
violation. Any person, firm, or corporation committing such
violation shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and the
Department shall not issue permits to the person, firm, or
corporation convicted of such violation for a period of one
year after the date of conviction. Penalties for violations of
this Section shall be in addition to any penalties imposed for
violation of other Sections of this Code.
(j) Whenever any vehicle is operated or movement made in
violation of a permit issued in accordance with this Section,
the person to whom such permit was granted, or the driver of
such vehicle, is guilty of such violation and either, but not
both, persons may be prosecuted for such violation as stated
in this subsection (j). Any person, firm, or corporation
convicted of such violation shall be guilty of a petty offense

HB5149 - 41 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
and shall be fined, for the first offense, not less than $50
nor more than $200 and, for the second offense by the same
person, firm, or corporation within a period of one year, not
less than $200 nor more than $300 and, for the third offense by
the same person, firm, or corporation within a period of one
year after the date of the first offense, not less than $300
nor more than $500 and the Department may, in its discretion,
not issue permits to the person, firm, or corporation
convicted of a third offense during a period of one year after
the date of conviction or supervision for such third offense.
If any violation is the cause or contributing cause in a motor
vehicle crash causing damage to property, injury, or death to
a person, the Department may, in its discretion, not issue a
permit to the person, firm, or corporation for a period of one
year after the date of conviction or supervision for the
offense.
(k) Whenever any vehicle is operated on local roads under
permits for excess width or length issued by local
authorities, such vehicle may be moved upon a State highway
for a distance not to exceed one-half mile without a permit for
the purpose of crossing the State highway.
(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section,
the Department, with respect to highways under its
jurisdiction, and local authorities, with respect to highways
under their jurisdiction, may at their discretion authorize
the movement of a vehicle in violation of any size or weight

HB5149 - 42 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
requirement, or both, that would not ordinarily be eligible
for a permit, when there is a showing of extreme necessity that
the vehicle and load should be moved without unnecessary
delay.
For the purpose of this subsection, showing of extreme
necessity shall be limited to the following: shipments of
livestock, hazardous materials, liquid concrete being hauled
in a mobile cement mixer, or hot asphalt.
(m) Penalties for violations of this Section shall be in
addition to any penalties imposed for violating any other
Section of this Code.
(n) The Department with respect to highways under its
jurisdiction and local authorities with respect to highways
under their jurisdiction, in their discretion and upon
application in writing, may issue a special permit for
continuous limited operation, authorizing the applicant to
operate a tow truck that exceeds the weight limits provided
for in subsection (a) of Section 15-111, provided:
(1) no rear single axle of the tow truck exceeds
26,000 pounds;
(2) no rear tandem axle of the tow truck exceeds
50,000 pounds;
(2.1) no triple rear axle on a manufactured recovery
unit exceeds 60,000 pounds;
(3) neither the disabled vehicle nor the disabled
combination of vehicles exceed the weight restrictions

HB5149 - 43 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
imposed by this Chapter 15, or the weight limits imposed
under a permit issued by the Department prior to hookup;
(4) the tow truck prior to hookup does not exceed the
weight restrictions imposed by this Chapter 15;
(5) during the tow operation the tow truck does not
violate any weight restriction sign;
(6) the tow truck is equipped with and utilizing
flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible
for at least 500 feet in all directions;
(7) the tow truck is specifically designed and
licensed as a tow truck;
(8) the tow truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of
sufficient capacity to safely handle the load;
(9) the tow truck is equipped with air brakes;
(10) the tow truck is capable of and utilizing the
lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or
combination of vehicles;
(11) the tow commences at the initial point of wreck
or disablement and terminates at a point where the repairs
are actually to occur;
(12) the permit issued to the tow truck is carried in
the tow truck and exhibited on demand by a police officer;
and
(13) the movement shall be valid only on State routes
approved by the Department.
Any excess size or weight movement conducted under a

HB5149 - 44 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
permit issued under this subsection that does not meet the
requirements of paragraphs (1) through (13) shall be
considered void and movement unpermitted.
(o) (Blank).
(p) In determining whether a load may be reasonably
dismantled or disassembled for the purpose of subsection (a),
the Department shall consider whether there is a significant
negative impact on the condition of the pavement and
structures along the proposed route, whether the load or
vehicle as proposed causes a safety hazard to the traveling
public, whether dismantling or disassembling the load promotes
or stifles economic development, and whether the proposed
route travels less than 5 miles. A load is not required to be
dismantled or disassembled for the purposes of subsection (a)
if the Secretary of the Department determines there will be no
significant negative impact to pavement or structures along
the proposed route, the proposed load or vehicle causes no
safety hazard to the traveling public, dismantling or
disassembling the load does not promote economic development,
and the proposed route travels less than 5 miles. The
Department may promulgate rules for the purpose of
establishing the divisibility of a load pursuant to subsection
(a). Any load determined by the Secretary to be nondivisible
shall otherwise comply with the existing size or weight
maximums specified in this Chapter.
(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-547, eff. 1-1-20;

HB5149 - 45 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
102-124, eff. 7-23-21; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; revised 6-27-25.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-316) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-316)
Sec. 15-316. When the Department or local authority may
restrict right to use highways.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (g), local
authorities 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, measured in either
consecutive or nonconsecutive days at the discretion of local
authorities, 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 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. To be
effective, an ordinance or resolution passed to designate a
Class II roadway need not require that signs be erected, but
the designation shall be reported to the Department.

HB5149 - 46 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
(c) Local authorities 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 under their jurisdiction, which prohibitions and
limitations shall be designated by appropriate signs placed on
such highways.
(c-1) (Blank).
(c-5) Highway commissioners, with respect to roads under
their authority, may not permanently post a road or portion
thereof at a reduced weight limit unless the decision to do so
is made in accordance with Section 6-201.22 of the Illinois
Highway Code.
(d) The Department shall likewise have authority as
hereinbefore granted to local authorities 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).
(d-2) (Blank).
(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,

HB5149 - 47 - LRB104 18709 LNS 32152 b
or corporation convicted of violating this Section shall be
fined $50 for any weight exceeding the posted weight 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 $150 $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.
(g) An ordinance or resolution enacted by a county or
township pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section shall not
apply to cargo tank vehicles with two or three permanent axles
when delivering propane for emergency heating purposes if the
cargo tank is loaded at no more than 50 percent capacity, the
gross vehicle weight of the vehicle does not exceed 32,000
pounds, and the driver of the cargo tank vehicle notifies the
appropriate agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the
highway before driving the vehicle on the highway pursuant to
this subsection. The cargo tank vehicle must have an operating
gauge on the cargo tank which indicates the amount of propane
as a percent of capacity of the cargo tank. The cargo tank must
have the capacity displayed on the cargo tank, or
documentation of the capacity of the cargo tank must be
available in the vehicle. For the purposes of this subsection,

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propane weighs 4.2 pounds per gallon. This subsection does not
apply to municipalities. Nothing in this subsection shall
allow cargo tank vehicles to cross bridges with posted weight
restrictions if the vehicle exceeds the posted weight limit.
(Source: P.A. 101-328, eff. 1-1-20.)
Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes
changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text
that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section
represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does
not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes
made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other
Public Act.