No person shall operate any vehicle in excess of 80,000 pounds in gross weight, including the load, without first obtaining a permit therefor under the provisions of this chapter. No person shall operate any vehicle with any axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds, or with any tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds without first obtaining a permit therefor under the provisions of this chapter. Additionally, no person shall operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles over a bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a village road, street or highway with a gross weight which is greater than the maximum weight permitted by the village, when such bridge or structure is posted with signage as contemplated by this section. The village, 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 safely withstand the weight of vehicles otherwise permissible under this chapter, the village shall determine and declare the maximum weight of vehicles which the structure can withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating the maximum weight to be erected and maintained before each end of the structure. The village shall also be permitted to request the Illinois Department of Transportation to conduct such an investigation and to render a determination and declaration of the maximum weight of the vehicles which the structure in question can withstand. Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum allowable weight by the village or the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the existence of the signs constitutes conclusive evidence of the maximum weight which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(Ord. 17-1385, passed 6-21-17)