New Ill. laws favor truckers

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law three changes truckers will likely welcome, including the end of split speeds outside Chicago.

Beginning Jan. 1, truckers and four-wheelers will share a 65 mph speed limit on four-lane highways outside the Chicago area. 

Also on Jan. 1, Illinois will begin allowing a maximum truck weight of 80,400 pounds if an auxiliary power unit is used. Also, when a truck’s registered gross weight is 77,000 pounds or exceeds certain weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds, the owner or operator must remove the excess weight.

The third law, which became effective July 28, allows dual semi-trailer hitching using a single pivot point.