Public roads in Illinois are classified by the size and weight of vehicles that are allowed to travel upon them without a permit from the highway authority. The size classification and the maximum legal vehicle weight limit that can operate upon a road or segment of road may be established by the highway authority having jurisdiction over the road or segment of road in accordance with state statutes. Signs erected on the road or segment of road display the classification and/or weight limits that have been established. A permit from the proper highway authority is required to operate a vehicle in excess of the size or weight limits posted.
In addition to establishing the size and weight of vehicles that are allowed to travel upon roads or segments of roads year-round without a permit, a highway authority may also prohibit vehicles or establish vehicle weight restrictions for a period not to exceed 90 days to reduce the potential for damage or deterioration due to climatic conditions. This seasonal posting is widely used throughout Illinois during late winter and early spring when the frozen ground is thawing leaving roads soft and prone to damage.
The size classification and the maximum legal vehicle weight limit that can operate upon any road that is not posted otherwise is governed by state statute. For decades, the statute spelled out a state formula for vehicle gross weight that consisted of combinations of number of axles, axle weights, and axle spacings which culminated in the heaviest allowable vehicle load being 73,280 pounds for a 5-axle semi-tractor trailer combination. The state statute was changed in 2009 and effective January 1, 2010 the state formula was replaced with a federal formula that consists of combinations of axles, axle weights, and axle spacings which culminate in the heaviest allowable vehicle load being 80,000 pounds for either a 5-axle or 6-axle semi-tractor trailer combination. A permit from the proper highway authority is required to operate a vehicle in excess of the statutory size or statutory gross vehicle weight limits for specified combinations of axle weights and axle spacings on roads that are not otherwise posted. Here is the link to the Statutory Vehicle Maximum Sizes and Weights for the Various Classifications of Public Roads.
Nearly all Tazewell County Highways are posted not to exceed 25 Tons year-round. Here is a Map of Tazewell County Highways (County Highways are in Red).
A permit issued by the Tazewell County Engineer is required for any vehicle in excess of the maximum posted and established by statute.
The information required in the permit application is necessary in order for the County Engineer to determine whether it is appropriate to issue a permit and, if so, which type of permit may be issued (i.e. annual, round-trip, one-way) and when the permitted travel may be valid. In addition, the County Engineer will need to determine which county highways and county highway structures may be part of the permitted route. The permit will not allow the permitted vehicle to cross a structure that is posted at less than the permitted weight of the vehicle and load, or that is posted for a width or height limitation which is less than the permitted dimensions of the vehicle and load. Click here for details of posting restrictions on structures as well as a map of structures with restrictions. Although we make every effort to keep this web-site updated, it may not reflect currently available information that will be used at the discretion of the County Engineer in making the determination regarding issuance of permits.
The fee structure for our overweight/over dimension permits is as follows:
| Type | Limits | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (Year-Round) | Up to 80,000 Pounds | $25 |
| Annual (Year-Round) | 80,001 to 120,000 Pounds | $120 |
| Annual (Year-Round) | Over 120,000 Pounds | $160 |
| Limited (Round-Trip or 1-Way Trip) | Over 80,000 Pounds | $25 |
Overweight and/or Over Dimension Permit Application Form for Tazewell County Highways
General Provisions for all Overweight and/or Over Dimension Permits