I was wondering if someone knows the actual laws regarding tow limits/restrictions for Illinois roadways. We have an issue with the police department in Winthrop Harbor Illinois. There is a 2 block section of road that is the only way in and out of an Illinois State park that they have posted as 55' limit for combined vehicle and trailer length. The officer that patrols that area stops recreational boaters (non-commercial haulers) and measures length, weighs each trailer axle and each truck axle. Basically checking you out as an overweight commercial semi-truck.

I am trying to get some actual facts if this is valid for them to do this to private individual that is towing there own boat and it is not commercial for hire.

I called the Illinois State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section phone number and spoke with a person that indicate the length/width restriction and oversize permits are for commercial or haul for hire individuals. A personal boat in tow by a non commercial vehicle does not have these limits applied. Is this true???

Can there be a town road leading to a state park that has only town requirements that allows the Winthrop Harbor police to place special restrictions/permits for this?

By the way, Winthrop Harbors permit is $40 round trip on that 2 block section. That Illinois state oversize permit is $13 for 90 miles, go figure.

Rick

Thanks for the warning. I guess I'll put in at Waukegan and run up to Winthrop for the next fun run

Rick;

I've heard this before about Winthrop Harbor. The harbor was originaly put there to help stimulate an economy that was in dire staits. What a way for a community to show their gratitude.....

Rick did they just start this, I've never had an issue when I've come through there. But I don't want to start having one either. We may launch from Northpoint on Sat to run to Chicago so any info you can give me on what's going on would be appreciated.

Rick

This might answer your questions but I also think it may be ultimately up to whatever the local ordinance may be. Try calling the Village of Winthrop Harbor and have them send you the ordinance for the town.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

We have not had any problems. However, I have heard of a few situations over the last couple years. I don't know if they are getting worse lately but I don't want to get a ticket.

I spoke with several State Police about being stopped and each one was wondering why I had any concern at all. They just don't seem to be interested in stopping a privately owned/towed boat. This seems to be limited to this specific road.

The commador of our yacht club is going to talk with the police chief today to get a better understanding of why/what is going with this requirement.

I was asking the OSO bud's just to see if there is anything that can be dug up to show that this requirement is not correct and they are trying to make something out of nothing.

Smitty, I think I saw something like that printed in one of the boat magazines. However, it is wrong for Illinois. That article indicated combine length of 60' it is actual 65'. Below is the Illinois State info from their site.
http://www.dot.state.il.us/road/size_weight_bklt.pdf

Rick

Get a realistic sized boat!

Right after you get a realistic sized engine!

I should, mine isn't doing me any good...yet

That spreadsheet posted earlier is the same copy I have.

I think it is just a source of revenue for Winthrop Harbor.

Nice run Rick...thank you!

I need to find a 9ft long truck.