All Roll Calls
Yes: 144 • No: 49
IllinoisHB2394104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House
VEH CD-WEIGHT LIMIT EXEMPTION
Sponsored By: Harry Benton (Democratic)
Became Law
transportation: vehicles & safetyassignmentstransportation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
State truck weight limits and formula
Illinois sets standard truck weight limits. A single axle is capped at 20,000 lb, a tandem at 34,000 lb, and 5 or more axles at 80,000 lb gross. For groups of axles, the bridge formula W = 500 × ((L × N)/(N − 1) + 12N + 36) applies. Axles 96 inches or less apart count as a tandem, and two tandems can each carry 34,000 lb if 36 feet or more apart overall. Vehicles with more than 4 axles (single) or more than 6 axles (combinations) use the 4‑axle or 6‑axle weight, measured between extreme axles. These rules apply on Illinois highways since July 23, 2021.
Older special-hauling rigs up to 72,000 lb
Special Hauling Vehicle combinations with a semitrailer from model year 2024 or earlier, registered in Illinois before January 1, 2025, and with 5 axles and 42 feet or less between extreme axles may run heavier off the formula. Limits are 20,000 lb on a single axle, 34,000 lb on a tandem, and 72,000 lb gross. They are not subject to the bridge formula. If the cargo container was fully replaced after December 31, 2024, the combination must follow the bridge formula. This rule has applied since July 23, 2021.
Heavier limits for emergency and utility work
Emergency vehicles may weigh up to 86,000 lb gross, with axle limits of 24,000 lb (steering), 33,500 lb (single drive), 62,000 lb (tandem), and 52,000 lb (tandem rear drive‑steer) on Class I highways. Public utility vehicles carrying gear for emergency repairs are exempt from these weight limits while carrying that equipment. During a Governor‑declared propane supply emergency and off the Interstate, propane trucks may run heavier, including up to 90,000 lb gross for 5‑ or 6‑axle combinations. In Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, or Will counties, municipal 3‑ or 4‑axle vehicles doing emergency sewer repair may use up to 66,000 lb or the vehicle’s GVWR, whichever is less, off the Interstate and not on bridges. Police can direct a tow to move an overweight disabled vehicle to the nearest safe place. These rules apply since July 23, 2021.
Posted bridge weight limits enforced
The Department must inspect bridges and post maximum safe weights when needed. Drivers must obey all posted bridge and structure limits. In court, the Department’s determination and the posted signs are conclusive proof of the maximum safe weight. These rules apply since July 23, 2021.
Overweight permits replace the formula
If you have an overweight permit, the permit’s terms control instead of the bridge formula and default limits. You must follow every permit condition. Vehicles with pneumatic tires may not operate in violation of any permit. This rule has applied since July 23, 2021.
Heavier loads for waste and mixers
Off the Interstate, certain trucks can run heavier. Rendering and garbage or recycling trucks (with a self‑compactor or roll‑off) may carry 22,000 lb on a single axle, 40,000 lb on a tandem, 40,000 lb gross on 2 axles, and 54,000 lb gross on 3 axles. A 3‑axle rear‑discharge concrete mixer (Special Hauling Vehicle) may carry 22,000 lb single, 40,000 lb tandem, and 54,000 lb gross. A 4‑axle mixer has 20,000 lb single‑axle and series limits (36,000 lb for >72 to 96 inches; 34,000 lb for >40 to 72 inches) and must meet the 4‑axle bridge‑formula gross. These allowances have applied since July 23, 2021.
Extra weight for alt-fuel, buses, RVs
Vehicles using natural gas, propane, batteries, or hydrogen may exceed limits by the extra weight of that system, up to 2,000 lb. The allowance equals the alternative system weight minus a comparable diesel system, and cannot exceed any posted limit. Buses, motor coaches, and RVs may carry up to 24,000 lb on a single axle. All other weight rules still apply. These changes took effect July 23, 2021.
Caps for track and solid-tire vehicles
Vehicles with crawler‑type tracks may not exceed 40,000 lb gross on Illinois highways. Vehicles with non‑pneumatic tires cannot exceed 800 lb per inch of tire tread per wheel or 16,000 lb per axle. These caps apply since July 23, 2021.
Local roads can set weight limits
Local governments may, by ordinance and with posted signs, allow state weight limits on designated local roads without extra fees. Even then, a single axle cannot exceed 20,000 lb and a tandem cannot exceed 34,000 lb. Cities over 50,000 people may allow up to 33.5% higher axle loads for 2‑axle trucks, but gross cannot exceed 40,000 lb and the city must notify the Department first. If a road has a different posted limit under Section 15‑316, that posted limit overrides the bridge formula. These authorities apply since July 23, 2021.
Special weight rules for tow trucks
Covered heavy‑duty tow and recovery vehicles are exempt from these weight limits. While towing a disabled vehicle, rear axle caps apply: 24,000 lb on a single rear axle and 44,000 lb on a tandem rear axle, and the tow may go up to 20 miles without special authorization. The tow truck must have at least an 18,000 lb GVWR, required air brakes and lighting, and be able to use the disabled vehicle’s lights and brakes. Plate rules apply: the tow truck’s plate covers its empty weight only; each towed vehicle needs its own valid plate, or the tow truck’s third plate may be used temporarily. These rules apply since July 23, 2021.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Harry Benton
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Abdelnasser Rashid
Democratic • House
Edgar González, Jr.
Democratic • House
Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez
Democratic • House
Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Democratic • House
Jay Hoffman
Democratic • House
La Shawn K. Ford
Democratic • House
Meg Loughran Cappel
Democratic • Senate
Michael Crawford
Democratic • House
Nicolle Grasse
Democratic • House
Rick Ryan
Democratic • House
Tracy Katz Muhl
Democratic • House
Yolonda Morris
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 10/15/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 44 • No: 8
Senate vote • 4/30/2025
Do Pass Transportation;
Yes: 17 • No: 1
House vote • 4/8/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 75 • No: 37
House vote • 3/12/2025
Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;
Yes: 8 • No: 3
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0436
11/21/2025HouseEffective Date June 1, 2026
11/21/2025HouseGovernor Approved
11/21/2025HouseSent to the Governor
11/13/2025HousePassed Both Houses
10/15/2025HouseThird Reading - Passed; 044-008-000
10/15/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading October 15, 2025
10/14/2025SenateApproved for Consideration Assignments
10/14/2025SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
6/2/2025SenateRule 2-10 Third Reading/Passage Deadline Established As June 1, 2025
5/23/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 14, 2025
5/13/2025SenateSecond Reading
5/13/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 1, 2025
4/30/2025SenateDo Pass Transportation; 017-001-000
4/30/2025SenateAssigned to Transportation
4/23/2025SenateAlternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel
4/21/2025SenateReferred to Assignments
4/9/2025SenateFirst Reading
4/9/2025SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes
4/9/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
4/9/2025SenateArrive in Senate
4/9/2025SenateAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez
4/8/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
4/8/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Jay Hoffman
4/8/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl
4/8/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Amendment 1
Introduced