HB2741 Summary

• Amends Illinois Vehicle Code Section 15-301 to increase weight limits for tow trucks with triple rear axles from 60,000 pounds to 70,000 pounds on manufactured recovery units.

• Establishes criteria for tow truck permits including equipment requirements (air brakes, flashing amber lights visible 500 feet), safety standards, and restrictions to state-approved routes only.

• Clarifies that disabled vehicles being towed must comply with existing weight restrictions prior to hookup, and tow operations are valid only from initial wreck point to repair location.

• Adds provisions allowing the Department to issue special permits for agricultural commodity transport with specified axle weight tolerances (35% for 2-axle vehicles, 20% for 3-4 axle vehicles, 10% for 5-axle vehicles) during harvest season.

• Expands emergency harvest exemptions allowing vehicles to exceed weight limits by up to 20% from September 1 through December 31 when Governor declares emergency harvest situation exists.