WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Illinois

Hauling oversize loads in Illinois involves several steps.

In Illinois, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Illinois.

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Illinois oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Illinois does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Illinois cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Illinois, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

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IL PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater 14’6
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 front pilot required
    • 2 rear pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 145’0
    • 1 front pilot required
    • 2 rear pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required with height pole
  • Greater than 18’0
    • 1 pilot required with height pole
    • 2 rear pilots required
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:

Over Dimensional Combinations:

  • Combination of 2 or more dimensions listed
    • Greater than 14’6 wide, 14’6 high and/or 110’0 long
      • 1 pilot required with height pole
      • 1 rear pilot required
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN IL
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Must display oscillating, flashing or rotating
    Amber light(s)
  • Located at rear of unit if not visible from the
    front
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD"
  •  Size
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 12″ x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • At bumper or roof-mounted on front
      and rear of transport vehicle
  •  
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Located on all four corners of the load or
    extremities

IL PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
IL
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Illinois pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped with a rotating, flashing or oscillating Amber light.
  • Must be visible from at least 500 ft.
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for Illinois pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12”
  • Lettering:
    • 8” x 1.41” brush stroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Illinois pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Height pole

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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