(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.
(B) A motor home as defined in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 1-145.01 may be up to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers. The length limitations described in this division shall be exclusive of energy-absorbing bumpers and rear view mirrors.
(C) (1) On all non-state highways, the maximum length of vehicles in combinations is as follows:
(a) A truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer may not exceed 55 feet overall dimension.
(b) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
(c) Combinations specially designed to transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in division (C)(6) of this section, is exempt from length limitations.
(5) All other combinations not listed in this division may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
(D) Combinations of vehicles may not exceed a total of two 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 ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 1-101 et seq. as special mobile equipment, provided the overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.
(4) A truck in transit may draw three trucks in transit coupled together by the triple saddlemount method.
(5) Recreational vehicles consisting of three 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 three vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle, personal water-craft, 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 division (C)(5).
(6) (a) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing vehicle:
1. 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 division, gross vehicle weight rating, or GWVR, means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
2. Is equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500 feet in all directions.
3. Is capable of utilizing the lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles.
4. 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 ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 15-301 through 15-319.
(b) The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe additional requirements regarding length limitations for a tow truck towing another vehicle.
(c) 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.
(E) 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 ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 1-101 et seq., 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 division (I) of this section.
(6) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles as defined in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 1-101 et seq., 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 division (I) of this section.
(7) (a) A truck in transit transporting three trucks coupled together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed 75 feet overall dimension.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in division (C)(6) of this section, is exempt from length limitations.
(e) The length limitations described in this division 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.
(f) Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (ILCS Ch. 5, Act 100, § 5-35), relating to procedures for rule-making shall not apply to the designation of highways under this division.
(F) (1) On Class II highways there are no overall length limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations, provided:
(a) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load, in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 53 feet overall dimension.
(b) 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.
(c) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension from front axle to rear axle.
(d) 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.
(e) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 1-10 et seq., may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
(f) 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 division (I) of this section.
(g) Stinger steered semitrailer vehicles, as defined in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 1-10 et seq., specifically designed to transport motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 75 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of front and rear burners but exclusive of the overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in division (I) of this section.
(h) A truck in transit transporting three trucks coupled together by the triple saddlemount method may, not exceed 75 feet overall dimension.
(2) 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 Days Independence Days Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
(3) 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.
(4) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in division (C)(6) of this section. is exempt from length limitations.
(5) Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may also by ordinance or resolution allow length limitations of this division (E).
(6) The length limitations described in this division 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 division shall have by its design or use the capability to carry cargo.
(7) Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (ILCS Ch. 5, Act 100, § 5-35), relating to procedures for rule-making shall not apply to the designation of highways under this division.
(G) (1) Combinations of vehicles not exceeding 65 feet overall length are allowed access as follows:
(a) From any state designated highway onto any county, township, or municipal highway for a distance of five highway miles for the purpose of loading and unloading; provided:
1. The vehicle does not exceed 80,000 pounds in gross weight and eight feet, six inches in width.
2. There is no sign prohibiting that access.
3. The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between state designated highways.
(b) From any state designated highway onto any county or township highway for a distance of five highway miles, or onto any municipal highway for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of food, fuel, repairs, and rest; provided:
1. The vehicle does not exceed 80,000 pounds in gross weight and eight feet, six inches in width.
2. There is no sign prohibiting that access.
3. The route is not being used as a thoroughfare between state designated highways.
(2) Except as provided in division (G)(3), combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length, with no overall length limitation, except as provided in divisions (E) and (F) of this section, are allowed access as follows:
(a) 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.
(b) From a Class I or Class II highway onto any state highway or any locally designated highway for a distance of five highway miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest.
(3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length operated by household goods carriers, with no overall length limitations, except as provided in divisions (E) and (F) of this section, have unlimited access to points of loading and unloading.
(H) 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.
(I) Length limitations in the preceding divisions of this section 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 ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 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 markers 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.
(4) 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.
(5) For the purpose of this division, 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:
(a) New Year's Day;
(b) Memorial Day;
(c) Independence Day;
(d) Labor Day;
(e) Thanksgiving Day; and
(f) Christmas Day.
(J) The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three 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 division 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 seven feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a front bumper.
(K) The load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles specifically designed to transport motor vehicles shall not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the transporting vehicle and the load upon the rear transporting vehicle shall not extend more than four feet beyond the, rear of the bed or body of the vehicle. This division shall only be applicable upon highways designated in divisions (D) and (E) of this section.
(L) Articulated vehicles comprised of two sections, neither of which exceeds a length of 42 feet, designed for the carrying of more than ten 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.
(M) Any person who is convicted of violating this section is subject to the penalty as provided in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 15-113(b).
(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 15-107)