Most people never think about Illinois trucking laws until a collision with a truck occurs. After a serious truck accident, injured individuals often face pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Marker Law, LLC has represented clients in trucking cases in the Naperville, IL area for 25 years. The firm handles the technical and legal aspects of a case so clients can focus on healing.
Here are some key Illinois trucking laws to know about. When a driver or a company violates these rules, those violations can be used to establish their negligence and strengthen a personal injury case.
Contact us today at 331-295-8005 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Key Takeaways
- Class II truck routes are designated roads in Illinois where larger trucks may operate, subject to width (< 8’6”), axle spacing, and weight restrictions.
- Class III routes are more limited and typically support smaller trucks, with stricter size constraints and rare designation in modern infrastructure.
- Illinois “bridge law” adopts the federal bridge formula to ensure truck weight is evenly distributed, preventing structural roadway damage.
- Mini trucks (kei trucks) are restricted to roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less and must meet Illinois registration and insurance standards.
- Federal and Illinois trucking laws overlap, but Illinois adds specific requirements for vehicle size, weight, and permissible routes.
- Common violations include route deviations, overweight vehicles, and failure to follow safety protocols, all of which may establish negligence in accident claims.
Class 2 Truck Routes in Illinois
One of the most important aspects of trucking law is the designation of Class 2 (Class II) truck routes in Illinois. These are state highways and local roads where larger trucks may operate, but with restrictions. Class II routes connect smaller towns, industrial areas, and highways without allowing full-size semis on every stretch of road. Under state law, local agencies designate which local streets or highways are Class II.
Failing to follow these route restrictions can result in penalties for trucking companies and unsafe conditions for local drivers. When trucks stray from approved Class II routes, they may end up on roads not designed to carry their weight, creating hazards for residents and potential liability for the trucking company.
According to state law, vehicles on Class II routes need to fit specific size criteria:
- Width. Vehicles must measure less than 8’6” wide.
- Length. There are no overall length limitations, but there are regulations on axle spacing and the length of trailers.
- Weight. Vehicles must not weigh more than 20,000 pounds for a single axle or 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle.
What Is a Class 3 Truck Route
In Illinois, a Class 3 (III) route is more restrictive than a Class II route. The roads are intended for smaller vehicles.
Vehicles on Class III routes need to fit these dimensions:
- Width. Vehicles must measure less than 8 feet wide.
- Length. The maximum length is 65 feet overall (bumper to bumper) and/or 55 feet from the front axle to the rear axle.
- Weight. The Class 3 truck route weight limit is the same as Class II: 20,000 pounds for a single axle or 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle.
Class III routes are rare in modern times. Most new or renovated roadways are now wider than roads were when Class III was first created. In other words, most undesignated roadways can generally handle Class III width and weight tolerances.
Illinois Bridge Law
“Illinois bridge law” does not refer to an Illinois statute about bridges. Instead, it relates to Illinois’ adoption of the federal bridge formula. This formula calculates the maximum truck weight allowed, based on:
- The spacing, in feet, between the outer axles of any two or more consecutive axles; and
- The number of axles the truck has.
The bridge formula helps ensure that weight is spread out across roadway spans, without causing too much stress on any one point. Truck weight is a major concern in Illinois. Heavy vehicles damage roadways, threaten structural integrity, and pose risks in accidents.
Illinois Mini Truck Laws
Mini trucks, sometimes called kei trucks, are small imported vehicles used in agriculture, landscaping, or local deliveries. They are not designed for use on highways or high-speed roadways. According to Illinois mini truck laws, they may only be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.
Operators must comply with specific registration, insurance, and roadway restrictions to avoid fines or liability if an accident occurs.
Federal Regulations and Illinois Law
Illinois trucking laws must also be viewed in relation to federal trucking regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets baseline rules for hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and cargo securement. Illinois adopts many of these standards but can impose its own regulations.
This overlap means truck drivers and companies must navigate both sets of rules. When violations occur, injury victims often face a maze of legal standards. Marker Law, LLC sorts through these regulations to establish accountability for clients.
FAQ: Illinois Trucking Laws
What Does Class 2 Truck Mean?
“Class 2 truck” refers to vehicles allowed on designated Class II routes in Illinois. These trucks are larger than those on Class III routes but still face size, weight, and roadway access restrictions.
Do Illinois Trucking Laws Differ From Federal Regulations?
Yes. Illinois trucking laws incorporate federal regulations while adding state-specific requirements.
What Are The Most Common Violations of Illinois Trucking Laws?
Frequent violations include exceeding weight limits, traveling on unauthorized routes, and failing to comply with state and federal safety standards.
Are Illinois Trucking Laws Different for Intrastate and Interstate Drivers?
Interstate drivers work across state lines and must follow US federal law. Intrastate drivers work within state lines and must comply with Illinois law. However, because Illinois trucking laws closely reflect federal trucking laws, there is little difference between them.
Call Marker Law, LLC Now
Illinois trucking laws protect communities like Naperville by regulating routes, weights, and vehicle types. These rules also provide a framework for holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable when accidents happen.
Marker Law, LLC uses trucking laws as tools for advocacy by:
- Investigating whether the truck followed the correct Class II or Class III route;
- Reviewing weight records and possible violations of the “Illinois bridge law”;
- Assessing mini truck usage and compliance with local restrictions;
- Analyzing whether federal and state regulations were followed correctly; and
- Advocating in negotiations and, if necessary, litigating.
With over 25 years of trial experience, recognition from Super Lawyers, and a strong reputation in Naperville’s legal community, Marker Law knows how to evaluate trucking law violations and build cases for accountability. The firm provides experienced advocacy to guide clients through complex claims and pursue fair outcomes. Contact Marker Law today.
Resources:
Operation of low-speed vehicles on streets, 625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/11-1426.2, link.Regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, link.