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HB 5226

VEH CD-TOW TRUCK REGISTRATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Andrade

Tow truck registration plates are tied to ICC-registered operators and specific vehicle equipment, with defined weight-based classifications and penalties for violations.

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Bill Summary · HB 5226

Bill Summary: HB 5226 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

  • Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to regulate registration and penalties related to tow trucks operating under licenses or exemptions issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
  • Establishes criteria for registering tow trucks and clarifies penalties for violations of the tow truck provisions.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Tow truck registration eligibility and plates (Section 3-810.1)

    • Tow truck operators with a valid ICC license/registration or exemption may obtain vehicle registration plates.
    • Eligibility is linked to the tow truck’s equipment type and the vehicle’s classification:
      • Light-duty tow trucks (designed to transport up to 8,000 pounds) must be equipped as a self-loader or a flatbed to qualify.
      • Medium-duty tow trucks (more than 8,000 pounds but less than 26,000 pounds) must be equipped as a wrecker, flatbed, self-loader, or a combination truck.
      • Heavy-duty tow trucks or tractors (more than 26,000 pounds) must be equipped as a wrecker truck.
    • Registration plates must be issued at the rate per set specified in Section 3-815(a) of the Code.
    • If ICC license/registration is revoked, the tow truck operator must immediately surrender the registration plates to the Secretary of State.
    • If a holder of a certificate of exemption engages in non-exempt transportation, the ICC may revoke the exemption.

  2. Definitions of tow truck classifications (Section 3-810.1, subsection (b))

    • Light-duty: designed to transport vehicles up to 8,000 pounds.
    • Medium-duty: designed to transport more than 8,000 pounds but less than 26,000 pounds.
    • Heavy-duty: designed to transport more than 26,000 pounds.

  3. Violations and penalties (Section 3-834)

    • It remains unlawful to violate provisions of Chapter 3, with certain exceptions.
    • Penalty framework (for misdemeanors not otherwise provided by another penalty):
      • First and second convictions: petty offenses.
      • Third or subsequent conviction within one year: Class C misdemeanor.
    • Compliance with registration during apprehension/arrest does not excuse penalties or affect conviction processes.

Who/what is affected

  • Tow truck operators and owners who hold ICC licenses, registrations, or exemptions.
  • ICC and the Secretary of State (SS) in terms of registration plate administration and enforcement.
  • Vehicle owners/operators using tow trucks that must meet specified equipment/classification criteria to qualify for registration plates.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The amendment references ongoing processes under the Illinois Vehicle Code and ICC authority for licensing, exemptions, and revocation.
  • Revocation of ICC credentials (license/registration or exemption) triggers immediate surrender of registration plates to the Secretary of State.
  • The penalties apply to violations of Chapter 3 rules, with a tiered structure based on the number of prior offenses within a year.

Notable details

  • The bill assigns registration plate eligibility and fees consistent with existing plate-rate provisions (Section 3-815(a)).
  • It creates a structured framework tying vehicle weight classifications to registration eligibility based on the tow truck’s equipment (self-loader, flatbed, wrecker, etc.).
  • It preserves a graduated penalty scheme for violations, emphasizing escalating penalties for repeat offenses within a year.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language one-page brief for stakeholders (operators, fleets, and ICC-SS) or compare these provisions to current law to highlight changes.

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

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