625 ILCS 5/15-107
2021 Illinois Compiled Statutes|Chapter 625 - VEHICLES|625 ILCS 5/ - Illinois Vehicle Code.|Chapter 15 - Size, Weight, Load And Permits

   (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) (Blank).(c) Except as provided in subsections (c-1) and (c-2), 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 or one semitrailer.(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 15-318 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. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.(3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen     or with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer 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 specifically     designed to transport motor vehicles or boats and automobile transporters, as defined in Chapter 1, may not exceed 80 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 97 feet overall dimension.(8) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not     exceed 82 feet overall dimension.Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting poles, pipes,  machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled   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. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck     tractor semitrailer-semitrailer 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 or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer 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 specifically     designed to transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 80 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 97 feet overall dimension.(9) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not     exceed 82 feet overall dimension.Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting poles, pipes,  machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled   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.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).(e-1) (Blank).(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     non-designated highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest if:(A) there is no sign prohibiting that access; and(B) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare         between Class I or Class II highways.(e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length operated by household  goods carriers or towaway trailer transporter combinations, with no overall length limitations except as provided in  subsections (d) and (e) of this Section, have unlimited access to points of  loading,   unloading, or delivery to or from a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.(f) On non-designated highways, the maximum length  limitations  for vehicles in combination are as follows:(1) A truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer     may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension. An agency or instrumentality of the State of Illinois or any unit of local government shall not be required to widen or otherwise alter a non-designated highway constructed before January 1, 2018 to accommodate truck tractor-semitrailer combinations under this paragraph (1).(2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not     exceed 53 feet overall dimension.(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck     tractor semitrailer-semitrailer may not exceed 60 feet 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. The limit contained in this paragraph (4) shall not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.(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 dismantled or disassembled, 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. As used in this Section, "legal holiday" means any of the following days: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.(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, as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length limitations.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.All other combinations not listed in this subsection (f) may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.(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 an automobile transporter or a stinger-steered vehicle  specifically designed to transport motor vehicles shall not extend more  than 4 feet beyond the foremost part of the transporting vehicle and the  load upon the rear transporting vehicle shall not extend more than 6 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; or2. 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. 101-328, eff. 1-1-20; 102-124, eff. 7-23-21.)