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HB 3598

Relating to electric vehicles.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen

Prohibits operating on Illinois public roads with a corn head attached to animal-drawn vehicles, farm tractors, implements of husbandry, or special mobile equipment.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3598

Summary — HB 3598 (104th General Assembly, Rep. Jackie Haas)

Relating to electric vehicles (bill title inconsistent with content)

Status: In committee upon adjournment (as of 2025-06-28)
Introduced: 2/18/2025; Filed 3/03/2025
Primary sponsor: Rep. Jackie Haas
Statute amended: 625 ILCS 5/12-205.1 (Illinois Vehicle Code)

Purpose / Intent

HB 3598 amends Section 12‑205.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code to prohibit certain agricultural and slow‑moving vehicles from operating on public roadways while a corn head attachment is affixed. The stated intent is to address roadway safety and equipment standards for implements of husbandry and related vehicles.

(Note: The bill’s official short title references electric vehicles, but the bill text amends vehicle lighting/implement provisions and adds the corn‑head prohibition — the summary below reflects the bill’s actual text.)

Key provisions

  • Adds an explicit prohibition: no animal‑drawn vehicle, farm tractor, implement of husbandry, or special mobile equipment may operate on a public roadway in Illinois with a corn head attachment affixed.
  • Retains existing provisions in Section 12‑205.1 concerning:
    • Display of rear amber flashing lamps and visibility requirements (visible at least 500 feet in normal sunlight; only rearmost unit of a combination needs to display).
    • Operation of flashing amber lamps during daylight under certain conditions.
    • Lighting and marking requirements for implements of husbandry manufactured on or after January 1, 2003, to meet ASAE S279.11 APR01 design, performance, and mounting specifications when operated between sunset and sunrise.
    • Exception allowing certain equipment use on road construction/maintenance projects where traffic control devices comply with the applicable manual/specifications.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: farmers and agricultural operators who move combines/tractors/implements between fields and roads when a corn head is attached.
  • Secondary: commercial transporters who haul agricultural attachments, law enforcement (traffic enforcement), state/local road safety programs, and possibly insurers.
  • No monetary penalties or enforcement mechanisms are specified in the amendment text; enforcement would rely on existing Vehicle Code provisions and local enforcement practices.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Safety: Aims to reduce roadway hazards associated with wide, protruding, or otherwise unsafe corn head attachments.
  • Operational impact: Farmers may need to remove corn heads before road travel or use alternate transport (trailers/escort vehicles), increasing time/cost.
  • Enforcement and compliance: Practical details (how/when removal must occur, temporary exceptions for short moves) are not detailed; could prompt requests for clarifying amendments or administrative guidance.
  • No effective date or fiscal note included in the introduced text.

Procedural history and next steps

  • Read first time and referred to committees (Rules; Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; Human Services; Climate, Energy & Environment at various times).
  • Last recorded status: In committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025).
  • Next steps if revived: committee hearings, possible amendments, committee vote, second reading, floor votes in each chamber, and governor’s signature to become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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