New Trucking Laws for 2010

Posted on 12/18/2009

Mid-West Truckers Association

New Trucking Laws for 2010

Uniform 80,000# Truck Access (Effective 1/1/10)

(HB 2424 and HB 255 / PA 96-0037 and PA 96-0034)

On January 1, 2010, Illinois will join the other 49 states that use the Federal Bridge Formula and a corresponding 80,000-pound weight limit for commercial vehicles as the default weight limit on nearly all roads.

Illinois’ outdated 73,280-pound limit will be eliminated as of the first of the year.  In addition, the 18,000-pound axle and 32,000-pound tandem limits will be eliminated.

The default axle and tandem weight limit for all roads in Illinois as of January 1 will be 20,000-pounds and 34,000-pounds, respectively, unless a road is posted for a lower limit.

It is important to note that state and local jurisdictions will still have the authority to post roads and bridges with a lower limit in certain circumstances.  A raised structure (bridge, culvert, etc.) that has been inspected and rated to a lower weight limit may be posted for a lower weight limit and local jurisdictions will also have the ability to post roads for up to 90 days for freeze-thaw cycles.

Also, the cost for overweight fines will be doubled as of 1/1/10.

Uniform 80,000# truck access was included in the $29-billion Capital Bill for road, bridge, and school construction.  The capital construction plan is funded by increases in automobile registration fees, non-CDL driver’s license fees, and title transfer fees.  Funds will also come from applying the state’s 6.25% sales tax to candy, non-carbonated beverages, and beauty products.  The Capital Bill also relies on increased taxes on beer, wine, and liquor as well as selling lotto tickets over the internet and legalizing video poker throughout the state.

UNIFORM 65 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON RURAL INTERSTATES (Effective 1/1/10)

(HB 3956 / PA 96-0524)

On January 1, the maximum speed limit on rural interstates outside of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties for trucks and other combination vehicles will be 65 mph, the same as for automobiles.

Drivers should be aware that speed limits will change only on rural interstates and only in areas outside of the 6-county Chicago-area.  There will be several areas particularly in Will and Kane Counties, where the speed limit will remain split 65/55 for cars and trucks.  The new limit also does not affect four-lane divided highways that are not classified as a rural interstate.

UNIFORM 8’ 6” TRUCK WIDTH (Effective 1/1/10)

(SB 1450 / PA 96-0220)

As of January 1, Illinois’ legal vehicle width limit will be 102” on all vehicles for all roads.  Prior to the passage of this legislation, 102” wide vehicles were restricted to Class I and Class II highways only and the limit for Class III roads and local roads was 96”.

ANTI-INDEMNIFICATION FOR MOTOR CARRIER CONTRACTS (Effective 8/26/09)

(HB 3832 / PA 96-0697)

Effective upon Governor Quinn’s signature on August 26, 2009, certain provisions in motor carrier contracts are void.  The new law voids any contract provision that a company, such as a manufacturer, asks a motor carrier to sign that attempts to indemnify or hold the company harmless, against any liability for loss or damage resulting from the negligence of the company.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN (Effective 1/1/10)

(HB 71 / PA 96-0130)

As of January 1, texting while driving will be a violation of state law and the offense will be considered a moving violation.

The new law prohibits a person from “operating a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message.”

Motorists may use an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-activated mode, to report an emergency, while parked on the shoulder of a roadway, or if the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

Truck drivers are permitted to read only a message that is displayed on a permanently installed communication device.

CELL PHONES BANNED IN SCHOOL ZONES/CONSTRUCTION ZONES (Effective 1/1/10)

(HB 72 / PA 96-0131)

Beginning January 1, the use of a wireless telephone will be prohibited at any time in a school speed zone or in a highway construction zone.  Wireless phones can be used in the school zone or work zone in the event of an emergency or if the phone is used in a voice-activated mode.

Engine Idling Fines Increase in Chicago-Area and Metro-East St. Louis-Area

(HB 2664 / PA 96-0576)

The fine for violating the state’s 10-minute diesel idling limit increases from $50 for a first offense and $150 for a second offense to $90 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense.

Diesel engine idling limits are in affect only in the Chicago-area and in the Metro-East St. Louis-area.  The engine idling limit remains 10-minutes per hour and the list of exemptions from the idling limit still remain in effect, including when the outdoor temperature is above 80-degrees or below 32-degrees.

LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFORMATION

MTA urges its members to continually communicate with lawmakers about trucking industry issues that are vital to the success of the industry in this state.

To see who your Legislators are go to:

            http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx

For the contact information of your legislator, go to:

http://www.ilga.gov