Effective immediately, trucks in Illinois up to 65 feet in length can access local roads to points of delivery or for food, fuel, rest and repair
, according to the Mid-West Truckers Association.

The new law, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code; the access provision was accidentally deleted from the code last year.

The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Transportation Committee Chairman Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago). In the House, the bill was sponsored by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

If the truck measures less than 65 feet, vehicles are allowed access for five highway miles from a state designated highway onto any county, township or municipal highway, for the purposes of loading and unloading. For food, fuel, repairs and rest, vehicles have access from a designated state highway onto a county or township road for a distance of five miles or onto a municipal road for a distance of one mile.

If the truck measures over 65 feet, vehicles are allowed access from a Class I highway for one highway mile onto any street or highway for loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs and rest, provided there is no sign prohibiting that access. Vehicles are allowed access from a Class I or Class II highway onto any state highway or any locally-designated highway for a distance of five highway miles for the purposes of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs and rest.

If the truck is over 65 feet and is operated by a household goods carrier, vehicles have unlimited access to points of loading and unloading.