SB2558 Summary

• Amends the State Police Act to authorize civilian employees of the Department to serve as truck weighing inspectors and enforce provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code sections 15-102, 15-103, 15-107, 15-111, 15-301, and subsection (d) of Section 3-401.

• Modifies vehicle width requirements on Class I and Class II highways, allowing implements of husbandry exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width with mandatory safety measures including flags, "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs, and civilian escort vehicles when loads exceed 14 feet 6 inches in width.

• Increases maximum gross vehicle weight rating for civilian escort vehicles from 8,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds and establishes requirements for escort vehicle equipment, positioning, and driver qualifications.

• Permits recreational vehicles to exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width if extensions are 6 inches or less and roadway lanes are at least 11 feet wide, with allowances to travel on any roadway between permitted routes and support facilities.

• Revises penalties for permit violations, changing mandatory permit denial to discretionary denial after a third offense, and allowing discretionary permit denial for 180 days if a violation causes a motor vehicle accident with property damage, injury, or death.