Illinois oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in Illinois.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ |
|---|---|
| Height | 13′6″ |
| Length | 53′ semitrailer · 65′ overall on non-designated highways · 42′ single vehicle |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross on 5 or more axles |
At a glance
| Escorts | 8 escort rules, starting at 14′6″ wide |
|---|---|
| Superload | 2 review triggers (height, width) |
| Travel | 4 restrictions (curfews, night, holidays) |
| Fees | 3 published fee lines |
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 8 width, height and length thresholds with the escort count for each
- Police escort triggers
- Overhang and route-type conditions
Travel restrictions
- 4 restrictions: curfews, night travel, weekends and holidays
- Which ones apply to a given load size
Superloads
- Exact thresholds and what the state requires past them
- Lead times, route surveys and police escort conditions
Permit fees
- 3 published fee lines with links to the fee schedule
- Validity periods and add-on charges
Common questions
When does a load need a pilot car in Illinois?
Later than most states: over 14′6″ wide, over 14′6″ high or over 110′ long. Two of those together need two escorts; over 16′ wide or 145′ long needs three.
Can oversize loads travel on Sundays in Illinois?
Only loads up to 12′ wide, 13′6″ high and 115′ long, which may run seven days a week in daylight. Larger loads run weekdays and Saturday morning only.
How tall can a load be in Illinois?
The practical maximum is 15′. From 16′ a route survey is required, and from 17′ every overhead utility owner must be contacted.
Sources
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.407, when escort vehicles are required
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.201, single trip movement times
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.505 and 554.508, width over 14′6″ and overheight
- 625 ILCS 5, Chapter 15 (legal size and weight)
- IDOT over-dimension fee categories, Table 1 (PDF)
- IDOT OSOW resources and fee estimator
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the Illinois DOT Permit Office before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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