Section 554.503  Exceptions to Legal Limitations

a)         The provisions of this Part governing size, weight and load do not apply to fire apparatus or equipment for snow and ice removal operations owned or operated by any governmental body, or to implements of husbandry, as defined in Section 1-130 of the Code, temporarily operated or towed in a combination upon a highway provided such combination does not consist of more than 3 vehicles or, in the case of hauling fresh, perishable fruits or vegetables from farm to the point of first processing, not more than 3 wagons being towed by an implement of husbandry, or to a vehicle operated under the terms of a special permit issued under this Part.  (Section 15-101(b) of the Code)

b)         Length limitations in Section 15-107(a) through (f) of the Code do not apply to the following:

1)         Vehicles operated in the daytime, except on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, when transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered, provided the overall length of vehicle and load may not exceed 100 feet and no object exceeding 80 feet in length may be transported unless a permit has been obtained as authorized in Section 15-301 of the Code. (Section 15-107(g)(1) of the Code)

2)         Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or properties, but during night operation every vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load. (Section 15-107(g)(2) of the Code)\

c)         The following vehicles may exceed the 8 feet 6 inches (width) limitation during the period between ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset:

1)         Loads of hay, straw or other similar farm products provided that the load is not more than 12 feet wide. (Section 15-102(b)(1) of the Code)

2)         Implements of husbandry being transported on another vehicle and the transporting vehicle while loaded. (Section 15-102(b)(2) of the Code)    Note, however, the requirements of Sections 554.313, 554.407, 554.413, 554.417, 554.419 and 554.503 continue to apply to a move under this subsection (c)(2).  See Form OPER 2279.

3)         Portable buildings designed and used for agricultural and livestock raising operations that are not more than 14 feet wide and with not more than a 1 foot overhang along the left side of the hauling vehicle.  However, the buildings shall not be transported more than 10 miles and not on any route that is part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.  All buildings when being transported shall display at least 2 red cloth flags, not less than 12 inches square, mounted as high as practicable on the left and right side of the building.  A State Police escort shall be required if it is necessary for this load to use part of the left lane when crossing any 2 lane State highway bridge.  (Section 15-102(b)(3) of the Code)

d)         Persons, teams, motor vehicles, and other equipment, while actually engaged in work upon the surface of the highway, also are exempt, but legal limitations do apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. (See Section 11-205(f) of the Code.)

e)         Often a question arises as to whether a piece of equipment is exempted or whether a permit must be obtained for its movement.  A guide is found in an Attorney General's Opinion, dated November 15, 1949, concerning an overwidth bulldozer used occasionally for farm conservation work.  The opinion reads in part:  

"It would seem that the bulldozer is used chiefly for a commercial operation and in view of such use would probably not be within the exemption.  There are many items which could be used for commercial purposes in aid of a farming operation or to conserve the soil, but of course, all such items do not fall within the exemption of the statute.  The character of their use must necessarily be a determining factor."

(Source:  Amended at 36 Ill. Reg. 13254, effective August 1, 2012)