Illinois Trucking Laws and Regulations

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Illinois Trucking Laws and Regulations

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

In Illinois, interstate commerce is essential to support the economy. Commercial trucks are key to transporting goods across state lines.

Commercial truck drivers must adhere to both federal and state regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and other motorists. The truck accident attorneys at Malman Law would like to provide you with an overview of what laws and regulations truck drivers must follow.

Looking For A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Free consultation.

Contact us now Call us now

Contact us now Call us now

Federal Regulations

Commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce must adhere to federal regulations, which helps avoid truck accidents. These laws restrict how many consecutive hours a truck driver can travel, the weight and length of a commercial truck, and how much liability insurance must be purchased.

Hours of Service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) places a cap on how many hours a commercial vehicle driver can be behind the wheel, known as the hours of service (HOS) regulations.

Commercial truck drivers must maintain a logbook that documents their driving time and rest periods. By tracking their hours, drivers are documenting when they are “off-duty,” “on-duty” but not driving, when they are driving, and when they are sleeping (known as the “sleeper berth” in the log book). “On-duty” time would include any secondary tasks that the driver has completed that are not driving time.

The number of allowable hours will depend on whether the truck driver is transporting passengers or cargo. Property-carrying drivers will need to follow the 11-hour rule, only permitting them to drive a maximum of 11 hours after being off-duty for 10 consecutive hours.

Additionally, drivers must adhere to the 14-hour rule, which prohibits them from driving more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. Weekly limits are also enforced. Drivers are not allowed to drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.

Please read: Is Being a Truck Driver Dangerous?

What Are Hours-of-Service Regulations?

Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations are strict federal guidelines established to prevent driver fatigue, a common cause of truck accidents. These rules, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), limit how long drivers can operate their trucks within a certain period. Specifically, they can be on duty for a maximum of 14 hours in a single day, but they can only drive for up to 11 of those hours, with mandatory breaks in between. After 70 hours of work within an eight-day period, they must take a minimum of 34 hours off duty to ensure they are well-rested before hitting the road again. These rules apply to both interstate and intrastate trucking operations, including those specific to Illinois.

In Illinois, these HOS laws are especially important due to the state’s extensive trucking routes. Rockford, for example, is a crucial hub connecting significant interstates. Trucks passing through Rockford are legally obligated to adhere to HOS standards, reducing the likelihood of incidents in this busy area and increasing the accountability of drivers operating in the state. Additionally, violations of these rules can lead to serious penalties under the Illinois fine for truck overweight truck regulation violations code, further emphasizing the importance of compliance for both safety and legal accountability.

Electronic Logging Devices

While truck drivers used to keep manual logbooks, commercial trucks now have electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their driving and rest time. An ELD is a computerized device that attaches to a vehicle that records when the engine is running, driving hours, and miles traveled.

As of December 2017, drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) must use an ELD. Some exceptions do exist, notably if the truck was manufactured prior to the year 2000 and drivers use paper RODS no more than eight days out of the month.

Size and Weight Regulations

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established size regulations for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). In 1956, Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act (FAHA), which authorized 41,000 miles of interstate highways to be built in a 13-year time frame. The act also established federal regulations for truck drivers participating in interstate commerce.

In 1982, Congress enacted the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA), which allowed larger and heavier trucks to use federal highways.

STAA made the following revisions for commercial trucks:

• Commercial trucks could have a maximum width of 102 inches
• Commercial trucks can have a maximum weight limit of 80,000 pounds
• A tractor-trailer must have a semi-trailer that is at least 48 feet long (no maximum established)

The STAA extended these commercial truck provisions from interstate highways to the national network of highways.

Finally, in 1991, the federal government passed the Intermodal Service Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). This act established that a semi-trailer carrying two trailers must not be longer than 65 feet when one trailer is longer than 28.5 feet.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

A CMV must carry the following liability insurance:

• $300,000 for non-hazardous freight in vehicles less than 10,001 pounds
• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight in vehicles more than 10,001 pounds
• $1 million for oil transported by for-hire and private carriers
• $5 million for other hazardous materials transported by for-hire or private carriers

These regulations depend on the weight of the truck and what type of cargo it is transporting.

Illinois Laws and Regulations

Every state has its own laws and regulations in relation to driving a commercial vehicle. Illinois law sets restrictions on the dimensions and weight of commercial trucks and requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Dimension and Weight Restrictions

Different classes of trucks will have different requirements pertaining to weight and dimensions. Weight limits in Illinois are determined by using the Federal Bridge Formula.

The Federal Bridge Formula permits the following weight and dimensions for a CMV:

• 20,000 pounds per single axle and 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds
• Maximum trailer length of 53 feet
• Width of 102 inches unless a road lists a narrower restriction
• A vehicle cannot be taller than 13 feet, 6 inches (measured from the side of the tire to the top of the vehicle, inclusive of load)

Commercial Driver’s License Requirements

Anyone operating a CMV is required to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A CMV is classified as any vehicle that:

• Weighs 10,001 pounds or more;
• Designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver
• Required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials (post a notice regarding the danger the type of hazardous material poses)

In Illinois, you must be 18 years old to apply for a CDL. However, you will only be able to operate your vehicle intrastate, only carrying cargo. Drivers who are 21 years old will be able to partake in interstate commerce and transport passengers.

The CDL test will consist of three sections: a Pre-trip inspection, a Basic Controls Test, and an On-Road Driving Test. If you fail three times, you will have to wait 30 days before you can retake the test.

The CDL test is not meant to stress out prospective drivers but rather serves to assess what the test taker would do in challenging conditions.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

Why Does It Matter if a Truck Driver Violated the Law?

Given the stringency of trucking laws, you may think that truck accidents have declined in recent years. This could not be further from the truth. In a recent year, Illinois had over 12,000 collisions involving tractor-trailers.

Although regulations may not prevent accidents, if a truck driver violates FMCSA regulations or Illinois law, this may indicate the truck driver’s liability. You probably won’t know what laws a truck driver violated; that’s why we work with specialized experts who understand trucking regulations.

If a truck driver violated HOS regulations, it is likely that the driver was fatigued, causing the accident. If we discover that the truck driver did not follow FMCSA regulations or did not receive adequate training, we may also seek compensation from the trucking company.

Truck Regulation Violations

Truck drivers and companies must comply with numerous regulations, including HOS rules, load limits, licensing requirements, and vehicle maintenance standards. Violating these regulations can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and increased liability. Illinois strictly enforces these rules to promote road safety. Common types of violations include:

Moving Violations
Operators must follow stricter traffic regulations, with moving violations covering offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, improper lane changes, and failing to yield or follow traffic signals.

Wrong License Violations
Commercial drivers are required to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and some cargo types require additional endorsements, such as hazardous materials. Driving without the appropriate license is a violation.

Substance Abuse Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates random drug and alcohol testing to prevent impaired driving. Substance abuse violations are taken seriously and can result in driver disqualification or suspension.

Overloading Violations
Overloading a truck is both illegal and dangerous, as it increases braking distances and the risk of accidents. Illinois enforces strict weight limits with fines that escalate based on the amount by which the truck exceeds the limit.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Routine vehicle maintenance is critical to safety. Violations include failing to address known mechanical issues, neglecting safety equipment, or improperly securing loads.

Reckless Driving
It includes behaviors like aggressive or erratic maneuvers. Drivers accumulating multiple reckless driving offenses may face disqualification.

According to the FMCSA, HOS regulations limit commercial drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour shift to reduce fatigue-related risks on the road. Violating HOS rules can lead to fines and other penalties (FMCSA, Hours of Service Regulations).

Illinois enforces these regulations through weigh stations, inspections, and random stops. Regular compliance checks help prevent accidents by identifying issues before they become road hazards. Trucking companies must prioritize adherence to these laws to avoid penalties and protect public safety.

Illinois Fine for Truck Overweight

In the state, truck overweight violations are fined according to a graduated scale based on the excess weight. Under the guidelines set by the Illinois Vehicle Code, the fines increase significantly, with each additional 500 pounds being over the legal limit.

For example, an overweight truck exceeding the limit by 2,000 pounds may incur a fine starting around $100, but the fines can reach thousands of dollars as the excess weight grows. Heavier violations can lead to penalties exceeding $10,000, depending on the exact overage and location of the infraction. Trucks that are significantly over the weight limit in urban areas or near critical infrastructure like bridges may face even steeper fines due to the potential damage and safety risks involved.

Illinois actively enforces these fines through highway weigh stations, mobile enforcement units, and surprise inspections. Trucking companies operating within Illinois or passing through cities like Rockford need to be particularly mindful of these weight limits. Roads in this region generally experience high traffic volumes, and overweight trucks can cause more wear and tear on the infrastructure, posing additional risks to other drivers and pedestrians. Ensuring compliance with weight regulations not only helps trucking companies avoid costly fines but also supports safer and more sustainable roadways for all Illinois residents.

How Many Truck Accidents Are Caused by Truck Regulation Violations?

Truck regulation violations significantly contribute to accidents on Illinois roads, particularly those involving commercial vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigue, excessive speed, improper loading, and overweight trucks are among the top factors contributing to truck-related accidents. Many of these accidents result from drivers or companies violating HOS regulations, failing to secure loads correctly, or exceeding weight limits.

Overloaded or improperly maintained trucks are more prone to collisions because they are harder to control, especially during sudden stops or turns. These trucks can also increase the risk of tire blowouts, brake failures, and rollovers, all of which can lead to devastating accidents. The repercussions of such violations are harsh, not only in terms of physical damage and personal injury but also for the financial liability of the trucking companies involved.

This issue is particularly relevant for residents of Rockford, given the area’s high volume of commercial traffic. Local highways like I-90 and U.S. 20 serve as key routes for trucks transporting goods across the state and beyond. These heavily trafficked routes are prone to accidents, especially if drivers are violating regulations or if trucks are overloaded. Compliance with these regulations is fundamental in reducing the frequency of truck-related accidents, safeguarding Rockford residents, and minimizing the risks on Illinois highways.

Why Trucking Companies in Illinois Must Prioritize Compliance

Illinois law strictly enforces truck weight limits, HOS rules, and vehicle maintenance standards, not just to prevent accidents but also to maintain infrastructure integrity and reduce road maintenance costs. Trucking companies operating in the area or transiting through cities like Rockford have a responsibility to guarantee that their drivers and vehicles meet these standards.

For companies, compliance costs are far outweighed by the potential legal and financial repercussions of violations. An accident involving a non-compliant truck can lead to lawsuits, hefty fines, and damage to a company’s reputation. With its strategic position on major trucking routes in Rockford, enforcement agencies remain vigilant, frequently monitoring commercial trucks for adherence to Illinois transportation regulations.

By complying with state regulations, trucking companies contribute to safer roads for everyone and help mitigate the environmental and infrastructural impact of commercial trucking. Ultimately, prioritizing compliance can also improve operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with fines, repairs, and potential legal actions.

A Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Fighting for You

Truck accidents are more complicated than car accidents. There are far more pieces to the puzzle. Trucking regulations are confusing, and it may be difficult to determine if a truck driver broke the law. If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, we are here to assist you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.