Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation allowing the state Department of Transportation to issue permits for loads that previously exceeded size and weight restrictions for travel on state highways if specific conditions are met.


"This law will significantly cut transportation costs for companies throughout Illinois," Quinn said. "Common sense laws like this will help us continue to strengthen Illinois' position as the nation's inland port."

Sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), Senate Bill 42 applies to "divisible" loads that previously had to be broken down into separate shipments to meet the standard truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds. Examples include sand, dirt, gravel, stone, logs, scrap metal, fuel, milk and garbage.

The new law means IDOT can issue the necessary permits for a truck hauling a load in excess of 80,000 pounds if it is traveling less than 5 miles and will not negatively impact pavement conditions along its route. In evaluating whether a load must be split in to another load, IDOT also must consider the safety of other motorists and the effects on economic development in the surrounding community.

Any vehicle load found by IDOT to be non-divisible still must comply with the state's established size and weight requirements.

The new law goes into effect immediately.