Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of Public Act 094-0713

No LegislationDocumentId returned. Please try again.

No Bill Status inputs returned. Please try again.

Public Act 0713 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Public Act 094-0713

HB3814 Enrolled LRB094 11380 DRH 42261 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
Section 15-107 as follows:

    (625 ILCS 5/15-107)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-107)
    Sec. 15-107. Length of vehicles.
    (a) The maximum length of a single vehicle on any highway
of this State may not exceed 42 feet except the following:
        (1) Semitrailers.
        (2) Charter or regulated route buses may be up to 45
    feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers.
    (a-1) A motor home as defined in Section 1-145.01 may be up
to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers.
The length limitations described in this subsection (a-1) shall
be exclusive of energy-absorbing bumpers and rear view mirrors.
    (b) On all non-State highways, the maximum length of
vehicles in combinations is as follows:
        (1) A truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer
    may not exceed 55 feet overall dimension.
        (2) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer may not exceed
    60 feet overall dimension.
        (3) Combinations specially designed to transport motor
    vehicles or boats may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
    Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting
poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismembered are exempt from
length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet
in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including
the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply
to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal
holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the
following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day;
Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day;
and Christmas Day.
    Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en
route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or
properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that
during night operations every vehicle and its load must be
equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both
sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting
load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.
    A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or
combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)
of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length
limitations.
    All other combinations not listed in this subsection (b)
may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
    (c) Except as provided in subsections (c-1) and (c-2),
combinations~~Combinations~~ of vehicles may not exceed a total of
2 vehicles except the following:
        (1) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one trailer.
        (2) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one converter
    dolly.
        (3) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one vehicle
    that is defined in Chapter 1 as special mobile equipment,
    provided the overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.
        (4) A truck in transit may draw 3 trucks in transit
    coupled together by the triple saddlemount method.
        (5) Recreational vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,
    provided the following:
            (A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 60
        feet.
            (B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered
        vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a
        fifth-wheel type assembly.
            (C) The second vehicle in the combination of
        vehicles is a recreational vehicle that is towed by a
        fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle must be properly
        registered and must be equipped with brakes,
        regardless of weight.
            (D) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3
        vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or
        used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle,
        personal watercraft, or motorcycle.
            (E) The towed vehicles may be only for the use of
        the operator of the towing vehicle.
            (F) All vehicles must be properly equipped with
        operating brakes and safety equipment required by this
        Code, except the additional brake requirement in
        subdivision (C) of this subparagraph (5).
        (6) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle
    or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing
    vehicle:
            (A) Is specifically designed as a tow truck having
        a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000 pounds
        and equipped with air brakes, provided that air brakes
        are required only if the towing vehicle is towing a
        vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer combination
        that is equipped with air brakes. For the purpose of
        this subsection, gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR,
        means the value specified by the manufacturer as the
        loaded weight of the tow truck.
            (B) Is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
        oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet
        in all directions.
            (C) Is capable of utilizing the lighting and
        braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
        of vehicles.
            (D) Does not engage a tow exceeding 50 highway
        miles from the initial point of wreck or disablement to
        a place of repair. Any additional movement of the
        vehicles may occur only upon issuance of authorization
        for that movement under the provisions of Sections
        15-301 through 15-319 of this Code.
        The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
    additional requirements regarding length limitations for a
    tow truck towing another vehicle.
        For purposes of this Section, a tow-dolly that merely
    serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed
    vehicle is considered part of the licensed vehicle and not
    a separate vehicle.
        (7) Commercial vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,
    provided the following:
            (A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 65
        feet.
            (B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered
        vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a
        fifth-wheel type assembly or a goose-neck hitch ball.
            (C) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3
        vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer.
            (D) All vehicles must be properly equipped with
        operating brakes and safety equipment required by this
        Code.
            (E) The combination of vehicles must be operated by
        a person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL).
            (F) The combination of vehicles must be en route to
        a location where new or used trailers are sold by an
        Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer
        dealer.
    (c-1) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access to any
State designated highway if:
        (1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5
    feet;
        (2) the overall wheel base of the combination of
    vehicles does not exceed 62 feet; and
        (3) the combination of vehicles is en route to a
    location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois
    or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.
    (c-2) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access from
any State designated highway onto any county, township, or
municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the
purpose of delivery or collection of one or both of the towed
vehicles if:
        (1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5
    feet;
        (2) the combination of vehicles does not exceed 40,000
    pounds in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width;
        (3) there is no sign prohibiting that access;
        (4) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare
    between State designated highways; and
        (5) the combination of vehicles is en route to a
    location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois
    or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.
    (d) On Class I highways there are no overall length
limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations
provided:
        (1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,
    in combination with a truck tractor may not exceed 53 feet.
        (2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of
    the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in
    combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6
    inches.
        (3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or
    with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
    combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.
        (4) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,
    may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
        (5) Combinations of vehicles specifically designed to
    transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 65 feet
    overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of
    front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the
    transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this
    Section.
        (6) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles as defined in
    Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport motor
    vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 feet overall
    dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and
    rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the
    transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this
    Section.
        (7) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled
    together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 75
    feet overall dimension.
    Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting
poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismembered are exempt from
length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet
in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including
the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply
to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal
holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the
following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day;
Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day;
and Christmas Day.
    Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en
route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or
properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that
during night operations every vehicle and its load must be
equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both
sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting
load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.
    A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or
combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)
of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length
limitations.
    The length limitations described in this paragraph (d)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and
other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary
for safe and efficient operation; except that no device
excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use
the capability to carry cargo.
    Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act
relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the
designation of highways under this paragraph (d).
    (e) On Class II highways there are no overall length
limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations,
provided:
        (1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,
    in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 53 feet
    overall dimension.
        (2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of
    the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in
    combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6
    inches.
        (3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination
    may not exceed 65 feet in dimension from front axle to rear
    axle.
        (4) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or
    with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
    combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.
        (5) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,
    may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
        (6) A combination of vehicles, specifically designed
    to transport motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 65
    feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive
    of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of
    the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of
    this Section.
        (7) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles, as defined
    in Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport motor
    vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 feet overall
    dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and
    rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the
    transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this
    Section.
        (8) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled
    together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 75
    feet overall dimension.
    Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting
poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismembered are exempt from
length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet
in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including
the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply
to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal
holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the
following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day;
Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day;
and Christmas Day.
    Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en
route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or
properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that
during night operations every vehicle and its load must be
equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both
sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting
load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.
    A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or
combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)
of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length
limitations.
    Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
under their jurisdiction, may also by ordinance or resolution
allow length limitations of this subsection (e).
    The length limitations described in this paragraph (e)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and
other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary
for safe and efficient operation; except that no device
excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use
the capability to carry cargo.
    (e-1) Combinations of vehicles not exceeding 65 feet
overall length are allowed access as follows:
        (1) From any State designated highway onto any county,
    township, or municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway
    miles for the purpose of loading and unloading, provided:
            (A) The vehicle does not exceed 73,280 pounds in
        gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.
            (B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.
            (C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare
        between State designated highways.
        (2) From any State designated highway onto any county
    or township highway for a distance of 5 highway miles or
    onto any municipal highway for a distance of one highway
    mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and rest,
    provided:
            (A) The vehicle does not exceed 73,280 pounds in
        gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.
            (B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.
            (C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare
        between State designated highways.
    (e-2) Except as provided in subsection (e-3), combinations
of vehicles over 65 feet in length, with no overall length
limitation except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of
this Section, are allowed access as follows:
        (1) From a Class I highway onto any street or highway
    for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of
    loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest,
    provided there is no sign prohibiting that access.
        (2) From a Class I or Class II highway onto any State
    highway or any locally designated highway for a distance of
    5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading,
    food, fuel, repairs, and rest.
    (e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length
operated by household goods carriers, with no overall length
limitations except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of
this Section, have unlimited access to points of loading and
unloading.
    Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act
relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the
designation of highways under this paragraph (e).
    (f) On Class III and other non-designated State highways,
the length limitations for vehicles in combination are as
follows:
        (1) Truck tractor-semitrailer combinations, must
    comply with either a maximum 55 feet overall wheel base or
    a maximum 65 feet extreme overall dimension.
        (2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not exceed
    53 feet overall dimension.
        (3) No truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination
    may exceed 60 feet extreme overall dimension.
        (4) The distance between the kingpin and the center
    axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination
    with a truck tractor, may not exceed 42 feet 6 inches.
    (g) Length limitations in the preceding subsections of this
Section 15-107 do not apply to the following:
        (1) Vehicles operated in the daytime, except on
    Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, when transporting
    poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural
    nature that cannot readily be dismembered, provided the
    overall length of vehicle and load may not exceed 100 feet
    and no object exceeding 80 feet in length may be
    transported unless a permit has been obtained as authorized
    in Section 15-301.
        (2) Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility
    while en route to make emergency repairs to public service
    facilities or properties, but during night operation every
    vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient
    number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps
    upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly
    mark the dimensions of the load.
        (3) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle
    or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing
    vehicle meets the following conditions:
            (A) It is specifically designed as a tow truck
        having a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
        pounds and equipped with air brakes, provided that air
        brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is
        towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer
        combination that is equipped with air brakes.
            (B) It is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
        oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet
        in all directions.
            (C) It is capable of utilizing the lighting and
        braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
        of vehicles.
            (D) It does not engage in a tow exceeding 50 miles
        from the initial point of wreck or disablement.
    The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
additional requirements regarding length limitations for a tow
truck towing another vehicle. The towing vehicle, however, may
tow any disabled vehicle from the initial point of wreck or
disablement to a point where repairs are actually to occur.
This movement shall be valid only on State routes. The tower
must abide by posted bridge weight limits.
    For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
rating, or GVWR, shall mean the value specified by the
manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck. Legal
holidays referred to in this Section shall be specified as the
day on which the following traditional holidays are celebrated:
    New Year's Day;
    Memorial Day;
    Independence Day;
    Labor Day;
    Thanksgiving Day; and
    Christmas Day.
    (h) The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load
upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not
extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle
or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a
front bumper. The provisions of this subsection (h) shall not
apply to any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically
designed for the collection and transportation of waste,
garbage, or recyclable materials during the vehicle's
operation in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or
recyclable materials if the vehicle is traveling at a speed not
in excess of 15 miles per hour during the vehicle's operation
and in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or recyclable
materials. However, in no instance shall the load extend more
than 7 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front
bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a front bumper.
    (i) The load upon the front vehicle of a combination of
vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles
shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the foremost part of
the transporting vehicle and the load upon the rear
transporting vehicle shall not extend more than 4 feet beyond
the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle. This paragraph
shall only be applicable upon highways designated in paragraphs
(d) and (e) of this Section.
    (j) Articulated vehicles comprised of 2 sections, neither
of which exceeds a length of 42 feet, designed for the carrying
of more than 10 persons, may be up to 60 feet in length, not
including energy absorbing bumpers, provided that the vehicles
are:
        1. operated by or for any public body or motor carrier
    authorized by law to provide public transportation
    services; or
        2. operated in local public transportation service by
    any other person and the municipality in which the service
    is to be provided approved the operation of the vehicle.
    (j-1) (Blank).
    (k) Any person who is convicted of violating this Section
is subject to the penalty as provided in paragraph (b) of
Section 15-113.
    (l) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 92-417, eff. 1-1-02; 92-766, eff. 1-1-03; 92-883,
eff. 1-13-03; 93-177, eff. 7-11-03; 93-1023, eff. 8-25-04.)


`following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day;`
`Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day;`
`and Christmas Day.`
`Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en`
`route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or`
`properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that`
`during night operations every vehicle and its load must be`
`equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both`
`sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting`
`load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.`
`A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or`
`combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)`
`of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length`
`limitations.`
`All other combinations not listed in this subsection (b)`
`may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.`
`(c)` `Except as provided in subsections (c-1) and (c-2),`
`combinations`~~`Combinations`~~ `of vehicles may not exceed a total of`
`2 vehicles except the following:`
`(1) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one trailer.`
`(2) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one converter`
`dolly.`
`(3) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one vehicle`
`that is defined in Chapter 1 as special mobile equipment,`
`provided the overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.`
`(4) A truck in transit may draw 3 trucks in transit`
`coupled together by the triple saddlemount method.`
`(5) Recreational vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,`
`provided the following:`
`(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 60`
`feet.`
`(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered`
`vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a`
`fifth-wheel type assembly.`
`(C) The second vehicle in the combination of`
`vehicles is a recreational vehicle that is towed by a`


`fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle must be properly`
`registered and must be equipped with brakes,`
`regardless of weight.`
`(D) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3`
`vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or`
`used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle,`
`personal watercraft, or motorcycle.`
`(E) The towed vehicles may be only for the use of`
`the operator of the towing vehicle.`
`(F) All vehicles must be properly equipped with`
`operating brakes and safety equipment required by this`
`Code, except the additional brake requirement in`
`subdivision (C) of this subparagraph (5).`
`(6) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle`
`or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing`
`vehicle:`
`(A) Is specifically designed as a tow truck having`
`a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000 pounds`
`and equipped with air brakes, provided that air brakes`
`are required only if the towing vehicle is towing a`
`vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer combination`
`that is equipped with air brakes. For the purpose of`
`this subsection, gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR,`
`means the value specified by the manufacturer as the`
`loaded weight of the tow truck.`
`(B) Is equipped with flashing, rotating, or`
`oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet`
`in all directions.`
`(C) Is capable of utilizing the lighting and`
`braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination`
`of vehicles.`
`(D) Does not engage a tow exceeding 50 highway`
`miles from the initial point of wreck or disablement to`
`a place of repair. Any additional movement of the`
`vehicles may occur only upon issuance of authorization`
`for that movement under the provisions of Sections`


`15-301 through 15-319 of this Code.`
`The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe`
`additional requirements regarding length limitations for a`
`tow truck towing another vehicle.`
`For purposes of this Section, a tow-dolly that merely`
`serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed`
`vehicle is considered part of the licensed vehicle and not`
`a separate vehicle.`
`(7) Commercial vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,`
`provided the following:`
`(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 65`
`feet.`
`(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered`
`vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a`
`fifth-wheel type assembly or a goose-neck hitch ball.`
`(C) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3`
`vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer.`
`(D) All vehicles must be properly equipped with`
`operating brakes and safety equipment required by this`
`Code.`
`(E) The combination of vehicles must be operated by`
`a person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL).`
`(F) The combination of vehicles must be en route to`
`a location where new or used trailers are sold by an`
`Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer`
`dealer.`
`(c-1) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access to any`
`State designated highway if:`
`(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5`
`feet;`
`(2) the overall wheel base of the combination of`
`vehicles does not exceed 62 feet; and`
`(3) the combination of vehicles is en route to a`
`location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois`
`or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.`
`(c-2) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access from`


`any State designated highway onto any county, township, or`
`municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the`
`purpose of delivery or collection of one or both of the towed`
`vehicles if:`
`(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5`
`feet;`
`(2) the combination of vehicles does not exceed 40,000`
`pounds in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width;`
`(3) there is no sign prohibiting that access;`
`(4) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare`
`between State designated highways; and`
`(5) the combination of vehicles is en route to a`
`location where new or used trailers are sold by an Illinois`
`or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer dealer.`
`(d) On Class I highways there are no overall length`
`limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations`
`provided:`
`(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,`
`in combination with a truck tractor may not exceed 53 feet.`
`(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of`
`the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in`
`combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6`
`inches.`
`(3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or`
`with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer`
`combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.`
`(4) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,`
`may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.`
`(5) Combinations of vehicles specifically designed to`
`transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 65 feet`
`overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of`
`front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the`
`transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this`
`Section.`
`(6) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles as defined in`
`Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport motor`


`vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 feet overall`
`dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and`
`rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the`
`transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this`
`Section.`
`(7) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled`
`together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 75`
`feet overall dimension.`
`Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting`
`poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural`
`nature that cannot readily be dismembered are exempt from`
`length limitations, provided that no object may exceed 80 feet`
`in length and the overall dimension of the vehicle including`
`the load may not exceed 100 feet. This exemption does not apply`
`to operation on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Legal`
`holidays referred to in this Section are the days on which the`
`following traditional holidays are celebrated: New Year's Day;`
`Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day;`
`and Christmas Day.`
`Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en`
`route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities or`
`properties are exempt from length limitations, provided that`
`during night operations every vehicle and its load must be`
`equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both`
`sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any projecting`
`load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.`
`A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or`
`combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)`
`of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length`
`limitations.`
`The length limitations described in this paragraph (d)`
`shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,`
`such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and`
`other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary`
`for safe and efficient operation; except that no device`
`excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use`


`the capability to carry cargo.`
`Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act`
`relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the`
`designation of highways under this paragraph (d).`
`(e) On Class II highways there are no overall length`
`limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations,`
`provided:`
`(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,`
`in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 53 feet`
`overall dimension.`
`(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of`
`the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in`
`combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6`
`inches.`
`(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination`
`may not exceed 65 feet in dimension from front axle to rear`
`axle.`
`(4) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or`
`with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer`
`combination, may not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.`
`(5) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,`
`may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.`
`(6) A combination of vehicles, specifically designed`
`to transport motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 65`
`feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive`
`of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of`
`the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of`
`this Section.`
`(7) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles, as defined`
`in Chapter 1, specifically designed to transport motor`
`vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 feet overall`
`dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and`
`rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of the`
`transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of this`
`Section.`
`(8) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled`


`(1) From any State designated highway onto any county,`
`township, or municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway`
`miles for the purpose of loading and unloading, provided:`
`(A) The vehicle does not exceed 73,280 pounds in`
`gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.`
`(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.`
`(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare`
`between State designated highways.`
`(2) From any State designated highway onto any county`
`or township highway for a distance of 5 highway miles or`
`onto any municipal highway for a distance of one highway`
`mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and rest,`
`provided:`
`(A) The vehicle does not exceed 73,280 pounds in`
`gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width.`
`(B) There is no sign prohibiting that access.`
`(C) The route is not being used as a thoroughfare`
`between State designated highways.`
`(e-2) Except as provided in subsection (e-3), combinations`
`of vehicles over 65 feet in length, with no overall length`
`limitation except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of`
`this Section, are allowed access as follows:`
`(1) From a Class I highway onto any street or highway`
`for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of`
`loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest,`
`provided there is no sign prohibiting that access.`
`(2) From a Class I or Class II highway onto any State`
`highway or any locally designated highway for a distance of`
`5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading,`
`food, fuel, repairs, and rest.`
`(e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length`
`operated by household goods carriers, with no overall length`
`limitations except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of`
`this Section, have unlimited access to points of loading and`
`unloading.`
`Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act`


`relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the`
`designation of highways under this paragraph (e).`
`(f) On Class III and other non-designated State highways,`
`the length limitations for vehicles in combination are as`
`follows:`
`(1) Truck tractor-semitrailer combinations, must`
`comply with either a maximum 55 feet overall wheel base or`
`a maximum 65 feet extreme overall dimension.`
`(2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not exceed`
`53 feet overall dimension.`
`(3) No truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination`
`may exceed 60 feet extreme overall dimension.`
`(4) The distance between the kingpin and the center`
`axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination`
`with a truck tractor, may not exceed 42 feet 6 inches.`
`(g) Length limitations in the preceding subsections of this`
`Section 15-107 do not apply to the following:`
`(1) Vehicles operated in the daytime, except on`
`Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, when transporting`
`poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural`
`nature that cannot readily be dismembered, provided the`
`overall length of vehicle and load may not exceed 100 feet`
`and no object exceeding 80 feet in length may be`
`transported unless a permit has been obtained as authorized`
`in Section 15-301.`
`(2) Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility`
`while en route to make emergency repairs to public service`
`facilities or properties, but during night operation every`
`vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient`
`number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps`
`upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly`
`mark the dimensions of the load.`
`(3) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle`
`or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing`
`vehicle meets the following conditions:`
`(A) It is specifically designed as a tow truck`


`having a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000`
`pounds and equipped with air brakes, provided that air`
`brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is`
`towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer`
`combination that is equipped with air brakes.`
`(B) It is equipped with flashing, rotating, or`
`oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet`
`in all directions.`
`(C) It is capable of utilizing the lighting and`
`braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination`
`of vehicles.`
`(D) It does not engage in a tow exceeding 50 miles`
`from the initial point of wreck or disablement.`
`The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe`
`additional requirements regarding length limitations for a tow`
`truck towing another vehicle. The towing vehicle, however, may`
`tow any disabled vehicle from the initial point of wreck or`
`disablement to a point where repairs are actually to occur.`
`This movement shall be valid only on State routes. The tower`
`must abide by posted bridge weight limits.`
`For the purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight`
`rating, or GVWR, shall mean the value specified by the`
`manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck. Legal`
`holidays referred to in this Section shall be specified as the`
`day on which the following traditional holidays are celebrated:`
`New Year's Day;`
`Memorial Day;`
`Independence Day;`
`Labor Day;`
`Thanksgiving Day; and`
`Christmas Day.`
`(h) The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load`
`upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not`
`extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle`
`or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a`
`front bumper. The provisions of this subsection (h) shall not`


`apply to any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically`
`designed for the collection and transportation of waste,`
`garbage, or recyclable materials during the vehicle's`
`operation in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or`
`recyclable materials if the vehicle is traveling at a speed not`
`in excess of 15 miles per hour during the vehicle's operation`
`and in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or recyclable`
`materials. However, in no instance shall the load extend more`
`than 7 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front`
`bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a front bumper.`
`(i) The load upon the front vehicle of a combination of`
`vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles`
`shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the foremost part of`
`the transporting vehicle and the load upon the rear`
`transporting vehicle shall not extend more than 4 feet beyond`
`the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle. This paragraph`
`shall only be applicable upon highways designated in paragraphs`
`(d) and (e) of this Section.`
`(j) Articulated vehicles comprised of 2 sections, neither`
`of which exceeds a length of 42 feet, designed for the carrying`
`of more than 10 persons, may be up to 60 feet in length, not`
`including energy absorbing bumpers, provided that the vehicles`
`are:`
`1. operated by or for any public body or motor carrier`
`authorized by law to provide public transportation`
`services; or`
`2. operated in local public transportation service by`
`any other person and the municipality in which the service`
`is to be provided approved the operation of the vehicle.`
`(j-1) (Blank).`
`(k) Any person who is convicted of violating this Section`
`is subject to the penalty as provided in paragraph (b) of`
`Section 15-113.`
`(l) (Blank).`
`(Source: P.A. 92-417, eff. 1-1-02; 92-766, eff. 1-1-03; 92-883,`
`eff. 1-13-03; 93-177, eff. 7-11-03; 93-1023, eff. 8-25-04.)`