Illinois

Illinois Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Illinois? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Illinois highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Illinois requires pilot cars. The following data is for informational purposes only. We are not a permit service, do not arrange permits for carriers, and do not answer permit and escort requirement questions.

Oversize Load Limits

Maximum load sizes before a permit is required:

• Length: 65′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3’ in the front; 3’ off the rear

Permits

Illinois oversize permits are valid for five days. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for loads up to 12′ wide, 200′ long, and 13’6″ high, with one civilian escort required when traveling after sunset.
• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, 7 days per week, for loads up to 14’6″ wide, 200′ long, and 15′ high.
• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday, and one-half hour before sunrise until noon on Saturday for load exceeding the above dimensions.
• No travel on major holidays. (New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.)

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Escort vehicle or pilot car required for heavy-haul or oversize loads if:

• The length is over 110′. (One required. Some routes require two at certain time of the year or in higher traffic density areas.)
• The length is over 140′ or 150′ in some rural areas. (Three required.)
• The length is over 175′. (Police escort required.)
• The width is between 14’6″ and 16′. (One required.)
• The width is between 16′ and 18′. (Two required.)
• The width is over 18′. (Police escort required.)
• The height is between 14’6″ and 16′. (One with height pole required.)
• The height is between 16′ and 18′. (Route survey and one required.)
• The height is over 18′. (One and police escort required.)

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles may be cars, vans, or trucks as long as the gross weight is rated less than 8,000 lbs. The pilot car driver must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs must be at least 5′ wide and 12″ tall with black lettering at least 8″ in height. An amber rotating or flashing light must be mounted on top of the vehicle. Red flags must be displayed at all four outermost points of the vehicle. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a radio, be in constant communication with the load driver and carry $500,000 per occurrence in combined property and body insurance.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on shipments over 10′ wide, 14′6″ high, and/or 75′ long. Flags are required on the extremities of all oversize loads and all protruding objects. All oversize/overweight permit loads must display an operable oscillating, rotating or flashing amber light on the cab. Size of the light must be visible from at least 500 feet in the daytime on both sides and the front. For loads over 80′ long or when visibility of the light is blocked from the rear, a second light mounted 10′ from the rear of the load and as high as possible is required.

The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.