Illinois Trucking Laws and Regulations

The federal government restricts the size and weight of trucks that can travel on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Trucks are limited to:

• 80,000 pounds for the gross weight of a vehicle,

• 20,000 pounds for a single axle, or

• 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle.

However, states have the option of issuing permits allowing overweight or oversized vehicles to travel on these highways or any other roads.

In Illinois, the Department of Transportation will issue a superload permit if a truck is wider than 14 feet, longer than 145 feet or higher than 15 feet. A truck will also require a superload permit if the weight on any one axle exceeds 25,000 pounds. Some state roads restrict trucks height and weight further, and do not allow travel with superload permits; a list of temporary and permanent routes restricting superload travel is available on the Illinois Department of Transportation's website. Travel is also restricted on the following holidays and the days surrounding them: New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Trucks with superload permits in Illinois must maintain the insurance coverage required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: $750,000 for liability insurance, $500,000 for cargo insurance, and a $10,000 bond.

Has a Trucking Accident Occurred?

Munley, Munley & Cartwright, PC accepts and successfully resolves major trucking injury cases nationwide. Our lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals are specially trained to evaluate, develop, and negotiate these difficult cases to protect and benefit our clients. You do not pay any fee unless we win money damages for you. That means you can get the most experienced legal help and it won't cost one dime more than you would pay any other firm -- and we get RESULTS!

The goal of Munley, Munley & Cartwright is simple and direct: To Successfully Resolve the Legal Problems of our Clients.

If you have questions about an accident involving a tractor trailer, let us go to work for you.

You can contact the trucking attorneys of Munley, Munley & Cartwright for a free consultation by completing our online accident evaluation form -or- calling toll-free at 877-421-9175.