(625 ILCS 5/18a-101) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-101)

Sec. 18a-101. Declaration of policy and delegation of jurisdiction. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of Illinois to supervise and regulate the commercial removal of trespassing vehicles from private property, and the subsequent relocation and storage of such vehicles in such manner as to fairly distribute rights and responsibilities among vehicle owners, private property owners and commercial vehicle relocators, and for this purpose the power and authority to administer and to enforce the provisions of this Chapter shall be vested in the Illinois Commerce Commission.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-102) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-102)

Sec. 18a-102. Local regulation. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be construed to infringe upon the right of non-home rule units of local government to regulate the commercial relocation of vehicles in a manner consistent with, or in addition to, State or federal laws or regulations. Nothing in this Chapter shall constitute a limitation on the authority of any home rule unit; however, the provisions of this Chapter shall remain in full force and effect in home rule units notwithstanding any applicable ordinances of home rule units.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-103) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-103)

Sec. 18a-103. Review. A person aggrieved by an order of the Commission under this Chapter is entitled, in addition to any other remedy, to a review thereof by the Circuit Court in accordance with the Administrative Review Law, as amended.

(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-104) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-104)

Sec. 18a-104. Towing performed pursuant to police order. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be construed to regulate or otherwise affect towing performed by any relocator pursuant to the order of a law enforcement official or agency in accordance with Sections 4-201 through 4-214 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-105) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-105)

Sec. 18a-105. Exemptions. This Chapter shall not apply to the relocation of motorcycles.

Such relocation shall be governed by the provisions of Section 4-203 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 95-407, eff. 1-1-08; 95-562, eff. 7-1-08.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. II heading) ARTICLE II. DUTIES AND POWERS

(625 ILCS 5/18a-200) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-200)

Sec. 18a-200. General powers and duties of Commission. The Commission shall:

(1) Regulate commercial vehicle relocators and their employees or agents in accordance with this Chapter and to that end may establish reasonable requirements with respect to proper service and practices relating thereto;

(2) Require the maintenance of uniform systems of accounts, records and the preservation thereof;

(3) Require that all drivers and other personnel used in relocation be employees of a licensed relocator;

(4) Regulate equipment leasing to and by relocators;

(5) Adopt reasonable and proper rules covering the exercise of powers conferred upon it by this Chapter, and reasonable rules governing investigations, hearings and proceedings under this Chapter;

(6) Set reasonable rates for the commercial towing or removal of trespassing vehicles from private property. The rates shall not exceed the mean average of the 5 highest rates for police tows within the territory to which this Chapter applies that are performed under Sections 4-201 and 4-214 of this Code and that are of record at hearing; provided that the Commission shall not re-calculate the maximum specified herein if the order containing the previous calculation was entered within one calendar year of the date on which the new order is entered. Set reasonable rates for the storage, for periods in excess of 24 hours, of the vehicles in connection with the towing or removal; however, no relocator shall impose charges for storage for the first 24 hours after towing or removal. Set reasonable rates for other services provided by relocators, provided that the rates shall not be charged to the owner or operator of a relocated vehicle. Any fee charged by a relocator for the use of a credit card that is used to pay for any service rendered by the relocator shall be included in the total amount that shall not exceed the maximum reasonable rate established by the Commission. The Commission shall require a relocator to refund any amount charged in excess of the reasonable rate established by the Commission, including any fee for the use of a credit card;

(7) Investigate and maintain current files of the criminal records, if any, of all relocators and their employees and of all applicants for relocator's license, operator's licenses and dispatcher's licenses. If the Commission determines that an applicant for a license issued under this Chapter will be subjected to a criminal history records check, the applicant shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record information databases now and hereafter filed. The Illinois State Police shall charge the applicant a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish pursuant to positive identification, records of conviction to the Commission;

(8) Issue relocator's licenses, dispatcher's employment permits, and operator's employment permits in accordance with Article IV of this Chapter;

(9) Establish fitness standards for applicants seeking relocator licensees and holders of relocator licenses;

(10) Upon verified complaint in writing by any person, organization or body politic, or upon its own initiative may, investigate whether any commercial vehicle relocator, operator, dispatcher, or person otherwise required to comply with any provision of this Chapter or any rule promulgated hereunder, has failed to comply with any provision or rule;

(11) Whenever the Commission receives notice from the Secretary of State that any domestic or foreign corporation regulated under this Chapter has not paid a franchise tax, license fee or penalty required under the Business Corporation Act of 1983, institute proceedings for the revocation of the license or right to engage in any business required under this Chapter or the suspension thereof until such time as the delinquent franchise tax, license fee or penalty is paid.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-201) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-201)

Sec. 18a-201. Additional officers and employees. The Commission, for the purpose of more effectively carrying out the provisions of this Chapter, shall obtain pursuant to the provisions of the "Personnel Code" such officers and employees as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter or to perform the duties and exercise the powers conferred by law upon the Commission.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. III heading) ARTICLE III. REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS

(625 ILCS 5/18a-300) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-300)

Sec. 18a-300. Commercial vehicle relocators - Unlawful practices. It shall be unlawful for any commercial vehicle relocator:

(1) To operate in any county in which this Chapter is applicable without a valid, current relocator's license as provided in Article IV of this Chapter;

(2) To employ as an operator, or otherwise so use the services of, any person who does not have at the commencement of employment or service, or at any time during the course of employment or service, a valid, current operator's employment permit, or temporary operator's employment permit issued in accordance with Sections 18a-403 or 18a-405 of this Chapter; or to fail to notify the Commission, in writing, of any known criminal conviction of any employee occurring at any time before or during the course of employment or service;

(3) To employ as a dispatcher, or otherwise so use the services of, any person who does not have at the commencement of employment or service, or at any time during the course of employment or service, a valid, current dispatcher's or operator's employment permit or temporary dispatcher's or operator's employment permit issued in accordance with Sections 18a-403 or 18a-407 of this Chapter; or to fail to notify the Commission, in writing, of any known criminal conviction of any employee occurring at any time before or during the course of employment or service;

(4) To operate upon the highways of this State any vehicle used in connection with any commercial vehicle relocation service unless:

(A) There is painted or firmly affixed to the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle in a color or colors vividly contrasting to the color of the vehicle the name, address and telephone number of the relocator. The Commission shall prescribe reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to insignia to be painted or firmly affixed to vehicles and shall waive the requirements of the address on any vehicle in cases where the operator of a vehicle has painted or otherwise firmly affixed to the vehicle a seal or trade mark that clearly identifies the operator of the vehicle; and

(B) There is carried in the power unit of the vehicle a certified copy of the currently effective relocator's license and operator's employment permit. Copies may be photographed, photocopied, or reproduced or printed by any other legible and durable process. Any person guilty of not causing to be displayed a copy of his relocator's license and operator's employment permit may in any hearing concerning the violation be excused from the payment of the penalty hereinafter provided upon a showing that the license was issued by the Commission, but was subsequently lost or destroyed;

(5) To operate upon the highways of this State any vehicle used in connection with any commercial vehicle relocation service that bears the name or address and telephone number of any person or entity other than the relocator by which it is owned or to which it is leased;

(6) To advertise in any newspaper, book, list, classified directory or other publication unless there is contained in the advertisement the license number of the relocator;

(7) To remove any vehicle from private property without having first obtained the written authorization of the property owner or other person in lawful possession or control of the property, his authorized agent, or an authorized law enforcement officer. The authorization may be on a contractual basis covering a period of time or limited to a specific removal;

(8) To charge the private property owner, who requested that an unauthorized vehicle be removed from his property, with the costs of removing the vehicle contrary to any terms that may be a part of the contract between the property owner and the commercial relocator. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a relocator from assessing, collecting, or receiving from the property owner, lessee, or their agents any fee prescribed by the Commission;

(9) To remove a vehicle when the owner or operator of the vehicle is present or arrives at the vehicle location at any time prior to the completion of removal, and is willing and able to remove the vehicle immediately, except for vehicles that require a commercial driver's license to operate. Vehicles that require a commercial driver's license to operate shall be disconnected from the tow truck and the owner or operator shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without interference upon the payment of a reasonable service fee of not more than one-half of the posted rate of the towing service per tow vehicle on the scene and up to a maximum of 2 tow vehicles as provided in paragraph 6 of subsection (f) of Section 4-203 of this Code, for which a receipt shall be given;

(10) To remove any vehicle from property on which signs are required and on which there are not posted appropriate signs under Section 18a-302;

(11) To fail to notify law enforcement authorities in the jurisdiction in which the trespassing vehicle was removed within one hour of the removal. Notification shall include a complete description of the vehicle, registration numbers if possible, the locations from which and to which the vehicle was removed, the time of removal, and any other information required by regulation, statute or ordinance;

(12) To impose any charge other than in accordance with the rates set by the Commission as provided in paragraph (6) of Section 18a-200 of this Chapter;

(13) To fail, in the office or location at which relocated vehicles are routinely returned to their owners, to prominently post the name, address and telephone number of the nearest office of the Commission to which inquiries or complaints may be sent;

(13.1) To fail to distribute to each owner or operator of a relocated vehicle, in written form as prescribed by Commission rule or regulation, the relevant statutes, regulations and ordinances governing commercial vehicle relocators, including, in at least 12 point boldface type, the name, address and telephone number of the nearest office of the Commission to which inquiries or complaints may be sent;

(13.2) To fail, in the office or location at which relocated vehicles are routinely returned to their owners, to ensure that the relocator's representative provides suitable evidence of his or her identity to the owners of relocated vehicles upon request;

(14) To remove any vehicle, otherwise in accordance with this Chapter, more than 15 air miles from its location when towed from a location in an unincorporated area of a county or more than 10 air miles from its location when towed from any other location;

(15) To fail to make a telephone number available to the police department of any municipality in which a relocator operates at which the relocator or an employee of the relocator may be contacted at any time during the hours in which the relocator is engaged in the towing of vehicles, or advertised as engaged in the towing of vehicles, for the purpose of effectuating the release of a towed vehicle; or to fail to include the telephone number in any advertisement of the relocator's services published or otherwise appearing on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act; or to fail to have an employee available at any time on the premises owned or controlled by the relocator for the purposes of arranging for the immediate release of the vehicle.

Apart from any other penalty or liability authorized under this Act, if after a reasonable effort, the owner of the vehicle is unable to make telephone contact with the relocator for a period of one hour from his initial attempt during any time period in which the relocator is required to respond at the number, all fees for towing, storage, or otherwise are to be waived. Proof of 3 attempted phone calls to the number provided to the police department by an officer or employee of the department on behalf of the vehicle owner within the space of one hour, at least 2 of which are separated by 45 minutes, shall be deemed sufficient proof of the owner's reasonable effort to make contact with the vehicle relocator. Failure of the relocator to respond to the phone calls is not a criminal violation of this Chapter;

(16) To use equipment which the relocator does not own, except in compliance with Section 18a-306 of this Chapter and Commission regulations. No equipment can be leased to more than one relocator at any time. Equipment leases shall be filed with the Commission. If equipment is leased to one relocator, it cannot thereafter be leased to another relocator until a written cancellation of lease is properly filed with the Commission;

(17) To use drivers or other personnel who are not employees or contractors of the relocator;

(18) To fail to refund any amount charged in excess of the reasonable rate established by the Commission;

(19) To violate any other provision of this Chapter, or of Commission regulations or orders adopted under this Chapter;

(20) To engage in the removal of a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license to operate by operating the vehicle under its own power on a highway without authorization by a law enforcement officer.

(Source: P.A. 99-438, eff. 1-1-16.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-301) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-301)

Sec. 18a-301. Commercial vehicle relocators - Security requirements. Every commercial vehicle relocator shall file with the Commission and have in effect an indemnity bond or insurance policy or certificates of bonds or insurance in lieu thereof which shall indemnify or insure the relocator for its liability: (1) for injury to person, in an amount not less than $100,000 to any one person and $300,000 for any one crash; (2) in case of damage to property other than a vehicle being removed, in an amount not less than $50,000 for any one crash; and (3) in case of damage to any vehicle relocated or stored by the relocator, in an amount not less than $15,000 per vehicle. Any such bond or policy shall be issued by a bonding or insurance firm authorized to do business as such in the State of Illinois. All certificates or indemnity bonds or insurance filed with the Commission must show the coverage effective continuously until cancelled, and the Commission may require such evidence of continued validity as it deems necessary.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-302) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-302)

Sec. 18a-302. Owner or other person in lawful possession or control of private property - Right to employ relocation service. It shall be unlawful for an owner or other person in lawful possession or control of private property to remove or employ a commercial relocator to remove an unauthorized vehicle from such property unless written notice is provided to the effect that such vehicles will be removed, including the name, address and telephone number of the appropriate commercial vehicle relocator, if any. Such notice shall consist of a sign, posted in a conspicuous place in the affected area, of a size at least 24 inches in height by 36 inches in width. Such sign shall be at least 4 feet from the ground but less than 8 feet from the ground and shall be either illuminated or painted with reflective paint, or both. Such sign shall state the amount of towing charges to which the person parking may be subject. This provision shall not be construed as prohibiting any unit of local government from imposing additional or greater notice requirements.

No express notice shall be required under this Section upon residential property which, paying due regard to the circumstances and the surrounding area, is clearly reserved or intended exclusively for the use or occupation of residents or their vehicles.

(Source: P.A. 81-332.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-303) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-303)

Sec. 18a-303. Civil and Criminal liability. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to limit or alter the vehicle owner's civil or criminal liability for trespass. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to limit or alter the civil or criminal liability of any person or entity for any act or omission. All penalties accruing under this Law shall be cumulative of each other and a suit for recovery of one penalty shall not bar or affect the recovery of another penalty.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-304) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-304)

Sec. 18a-304. Operators - Unlawful Practices. It shall be unlawful for any operator:

(1) To act as an operator without a valid, current operator's employment permit.

(2) To violate any other provision of this Chapter, or of Commission regulations or orders adopted under this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-305) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-305)

Sec. 18a-305. Aiding and abetting. It shall be unlawful for any person to aid or abet in any violation of this Chapter, or of Commission regulations or orders adopted under this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-306) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-306)

Sec. 18a-306. Equipment Leasing. Provisions in Section 18c-4103 of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law, as amended, shall likewise govern equipment leasing by relocators except to the extent as otherwise provided in this Law.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-307) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-307)

Sec. 18a-307. Enforcement. Provisions in Article VII of subchapter 1 of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law, governing enforcement of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law, shall likewise govern the enforcement of this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. IV heading) ARTICLE IV. LICENSES

(625 ILCS 5/18a-400) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-400)

Sec. 18a-400. Relocator's licenses - Applications, original determinations. (a) Each application for a license to operate as a commercial vehicle relocator shall be made in writing to the Commission, shall be verified under oath, shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission may by regulation require, and shall be accompanied by the required application fee and proof of security.

(b) Upon the filing of such application, the Commission shall, within a reasonable time, fix a time and place for public hearing thereon. At least 10 days before the hearing, the Commission shall notify the applicant and all parties of record to such proceeding of the time and place of such hearing, by mailing a notice thereof to each such party to the address of such party shown in the records of such proceeding. Any person having an interest in the subject matter may appear at the hearing in support of or in objection to the application.

(c) The applicant shall publish a notice on a form prescribed by the Commission covering the filing of such application at least 10 days prior to the time of the initial hearing in (i) the official newspaper selected by the Department of Finance of the State of Illinois pursuant to Section 4 of the Illinois Purchasing Act, and (ii) a secular newspaper of general circulation and published in the county in the State of Illinois, wherein the applicant or applicants propose to maintain their principal office and place of business within the State of Illinois. The Commission may by regulation or otherwise order applicants to give such further notice as it deems required. The Commission may give additional notice of the filing of such application as it may deem reasonable and proper as prescribed in its rules. The Director of the Department of Finance of the State of Illinois for the purposes hereof shall over his or her signature as such Director annually and immediately upon selecting the official newspaper certify to the Illinois Commerce Commission the name and address of said newspaper, together with the date of expiration of the period of one year for which said newspaper was so selected and the Commission shall filemark each such certification as of the date it receives the same and shall keep an official file of said certifications of said Director conveniently available at its office in Springfield, Illinois; provided, however, that in any and all events and for all purposes of this Section and this Chapter, should the aforesaid Director for any reason fail to make said certification annually, the newspaper set forth in the certification aforesaid of said Director filemarked by the Commission as of the most recent date shall be the official newspaper in which publication is required hereby. In case publication is required hereby in a newspaper published in a particular county and no newspaper is so published, then and in that case publication shall be made in a newspaper published in the closest county thereto which meets the circulation requirements of this Section.

(d) The Commission shall issue a relocator's license to any qualified applicant therefor after hearing, pursuant to an application filed, if it is found that the applicant is fit, willing and able properly to perform the service proposed and to conform to provisions of this Chapter and the requirements, rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; otherwise such application shall be denied. The order of the Commission granting or denying a relocator's license shall set forth the specific findings of fact on which such order is based. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter no such license shall be issued to any person who has failed to pay any registration fee or any tax due from such person to the State of Illinois for the privilege of operating any motor vehicle on the public highways in the State of Illinois.

(e) Operation over the public highways of this State conducted pursuant to a relocator's license shall be in conformity with all of the laws of this State pertaining to motor vehicle operation over such public highways.

(f) No relocator's license shall confer any proprietary or property rights in the use of the public highways.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-401) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-401)

Sec. 18a-401. Relocator's licenses - Expiration and renewal. All relocator's licenses shall expire 2 years from the date of issuance by the Commission. The Commission may temporarily extend the duration of a license for the pendency of a renewal application until formally approved or denied. Upon filing, no earlier than 90 days nor later than 45 days prior to such expiration, of written application for renewal, verified under oath, in such form and containing such information as the Commission shall by regulation require, and accompanied by the required application fee and proof of security, the Commission shall, unless it has received information of cause not to do so, renew the license. If the Commission has information of cause not to renew such license, it shall so notify the applicant, and shall hold a hearing as provided for in Section 18a-400. The Commission may at any time during the term of the license make inquiry into the management, conduct of business, or otherwise to determine that the provisions of this Chapter 18A and the regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder are being observed.

(Source: P.A. 82-616.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-402) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-402)

Sec. 18a-402. Relocator's license - Transfer. A relocator's license is not transferable.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-403) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-403)

Sec. 18a-403. Operator's or dispatcher's employment permits - Applications, original determinations. (1) Each application for an operator's or dispatcher's employment permit shall be made in writing to the Commission, shall be acknowledged before a notary public, shall be in such form and shall contain such information as the Commission may by regulation require, and shall be accompanied by the required application fee and proof, in a form prescribed by the Commission, that the operator applicant has a valid driver's license issued by the Secretary of State.

(2) Upon the filing of such application, the Commission shall conduct an investigation of the criminal record, if any, of the applicant. The Commission shall, within 3 working days, issue to any new applicant for an employment permit a provisional operator's or dispatcher's employment permit unless the Commission finds that the applicant has committed an offense for which the permit could be revoked under Section 18a-404 of this Chapter. This provisional employment permit shall be valid for a period of 1 year unless suspended or revoked by order of the Commission. At the end of 1 year, the provisional permit shall automatically become permanent unless the permit was revoked by order of the Commission during the preceding year. The permanent permit shall remain valid unless suspended or revoked by order of the Commission under this law.

(3) The permit shall identify the operator or dispatcher by name and address, and shall identify the relocator by which the operator or dispatcher will be employed by name, address and relocator's permit number. The permit shall be valid only when the operator or dispatcher is employed by the relocator identified thereon.

Operation over the public highways of this State conducted pursuant to an operator's license issued under the provisions of this Section shall be in conformity with all the laws of this State pertaining to motor vehicle operation over such public highways.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-404) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-404)

Sec. 18a-404. Operator's and dispatcher's employment permits - Revocation.

(1) The Commission shall suspend or revoke the permit of an operator if it finds that:

(a) The operator or dispatcher made a false statement on the application for an operator's or dispatcher's employment permit;

(b) The operator's or dispatcher's driver's license issued by the Secretary of State has been suspended or revoked;

(c) The operator or dispatcher has been convicted, during the preceding 5 years, of any criminal offense of the State of Illinois or any other jurisdiction involving any of the following, and the holder does not make a compelling showing that he is nevertheless fit to hold an operator's license:

(i) Bodily injury or attempt to inflict bodily injury to another;

(ii) Theft of property or attempted theft of property; or

(iii) Sexual assault or attempted sexual assault of any kind; or

(d) The operator or dispatcher has, during the preceding 5 years, violated this Chapter, Commission regulations or orders, or any other law affecting public safety, and the holder does not make a compelling showing that he or she is nevertheless fit to hold an operator's license.

(2) The Commission, upon notification and verification of any conviction described in this Section, of any person to whom license has been issued, occurring within the 5 years prior to such issuance or any time thereafter, shall immediately suspend the employment permit of such person, and issue an order setting forth the grounds for revocation. The person and his employer shall be notified of such suspension. Such person shall not thereafter be employed by a relocator until a final order is issued by the Commission either reinstating the employment permit, upon a finding that the reinstatement of an employment permit to the person constitutes no threat to the public safety, or revoking the employment permit.

(3) If the employment permit is revoked, the person shall not thereafter be employed by a relocator until he obtains an employment permit license under Article IV of this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 94-895, eff. 1-1-07; 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-405) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-405)

Sec. 18a-405. Operator's employment permits - Expiration and renewal. All operator's employment permits shall expire 2 years from the date of issuance by the Commission. The Commission may temporarily extend the duration of an employment permit for the pendency of a renewal application until formally approved or denied. Upon filing, no earlier than 90 nor later than 45 days prior to such expiration, of written application for renewal, acknowledged before a notary public, in such form and containing such information as the Commission shall by regulation require, and accompanied by the required fee and proof of possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Secretary of State, the Commission shall, unless it has received information of cause not to do so, renew the applicant's operator's employment permit. If the Commission does not renew such employment permit, it shall issue an order setting forth the grounds for denial. The Commission may at any time during the term of the employment permit make inquiry into the conduct of the permittee to determine that the provisions of this Chapter 18A and the regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder are being adhered to.

(Source: P.A. 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-406) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-406)

Sec. 18a-406. Operator's employment permits - Transfer. An operator's employment permit is not transferrable to another operator or to another relocator.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-407) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-407)

Sec. 18a-407. Dispatcher's employment permits, expiration and renewal. All dispatcher's employment permits shall expire 2 years from the date of issuance by the Commission. The Commission may temporarily extend the duration of an employment permit for the pendency of a renewal application until formally approved or denied. Upon filing, no earlier than 90 nor later than 45 days prior to such expiration, of written application for renewal, acknowledged before a notary public, in such form and containing such information as the Commission shall by regulation require, and accompanied by the required fee, the Commission shall, unless it has received information of cause not to do so, renew the applicant's dispatcher's employment permit. If the Commission does not renew such employment permit, it shall issue an order setting forth the grounds for denial. The Commission may at any time during the term of the employment permit make inquiry into the conduct of the permittee to determine that the provisions of this Chapter 18A and the regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder are being observed.

(Source: P.A. 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-408) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-408)

Sec. 18a-408. Dispatcher's employment permit - Transfer. A dispatcher's employment permit is not transferable to another dispatcher or to another relocator.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. V heading) ARTICLE V. RATES AND CHARGES - LIENS

(625 ILCS 5/18a-500) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-500)

Sec. 18a-500. Posting of rates. Every commercial vehicle relocator shall print and keep open to the public, all authorized rates and charges for towing, otherwise moving, and storing vehicles in connection with removal of unauthorized vehicles from private property. Such rates and charges shall be clearly stated in terms of lawful money of the United States, and shall be posted in such form and manner, and shall contain such information as the Commission shall by regulation prescribe.

(Source: P.A. 80-1459.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-501) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-501)

Sec. 18a-501. Liens against relocated vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles removed and stored by a commercial vehicle relocator in compliance with this Chapter shall be subject to a possessory lien for services pursuant to the Labor and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act, and the provisions of Section 1 of that Act relating to notice and implied consent shall be deemed satisfied by compliance with Section 18a-302 and item (10) of Section 18a-300. In no event shall such lien be greater than the rate or rates established in accordance with item (6) of Section 18a-200. In no event shall such lien be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Act. Every such lien shall be payable by use of any major credit card, in addition to being payable in cash. Upon receipt of a properly signed credit card receipt, a relocator shall become a holder in due course, and neither the holder of the credit card nor the company which issued the credit card may thereafter refuse to remit payment in the amount shown on the credit card receipt minus the ordinary charge assessed by the credit card company for processing the charge. The Commission may adopt regulations governing acceptance of credit cards by a relocator.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. VI heading) ARTICLE VI. FEES

(625 ILCS 5/18a-600) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-600)

Sec. 18a-600. Relocator's license. Each application for a license to operate as a commercial vehicle relocator, or for a renewal of such license, shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount provided or prescribed by the Commission.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-601) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-601)

Sec. 18a-601. Operator's or dispatcher's employment permit. Each application for dispatcher's or an operator's employment permit shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount provided or prescribed by the Commission. Each application for renewal of an operator's or dispatcher's employment permit shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount provided herein or prescribed by the Commission.

(Source: P.A. 85-1209.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-602) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-602)

Sec. 18a-602. Establishment and Adjustment of Fees.

(1) General Provisions. The Commission may exercise any and all powers with respect to establishment and adjustment of fees with respect to commercial vehicle relocators which it may exercise with respect to motor carriers under subsections (2), (3) and (4) of Section 18c-1501 of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law.

(2) Initial fees. The Commission shall set initial fees by rulemaking in accordance with Section 5-50 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Initial fees shall be set and take effect within 60 days after December 1, 1987. Such fees shall remain in effect until adjusted by the Commission in accordance with subsection (1) of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 88-45.)

(625 ILCS 5/18a-603) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-603)

Sec. 18a-603. Disposition of funds. All fees and fines collected by the Commission under this Chapter shall be paid into the Transportation Regulatory Fund in the State Treasury. The money in that fund shall be used to defray the expenses of the administration of this Chapter and for the purposes specified in Section 18c-1601 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 85-923.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18a Art. VII heading) ARTICLE VII. COUNTIES COVERED

(625 ILCS 5/18a-700) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18a-700)

Sec. 18a-700. Counties covered. (a) The provisions of this Chapter apply to all the activities of relocators and operators in any counties of 1,000,000 or more and in any county of less than 1,000,000 which adopts regulation under this Chapter as provided in this Section.

(b) Any operation of a relocator or operator involving the removal or storage of a given vehicle which takes place in any part in a regulated county shall subject all the activities of the relocator and operator involving that vehicle to regulation under this Chapter, except operations which take place entirely within the territory of a city, village or incorporated town excluded from this Chapter under paragraph (d).

(c) Any county of under 1,000,000 may elect to be covered under this Chapter by the adoption of a resolution by the County Board, approved by a majority of its members, providing that the county shall be subject to this Chapter. The county clerk shall certify to the Commission that the County Board has adopted the resolution. The Commission shall certify to such County Board an effective date for the applicability of this Chapter in such county. Such effective date shall be no earlier than 30 days from certification to the County Board nor later than 6 months from such certification or the beginning of the next fiscal year, whichever is last.

(d) Cities, villages and incorporated towns in counties to which the provisions of this Chapter apply may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the corporate authorities and filed with the County Clerk of such county and with the Illinois Commerce Commission, choose to be excluded from the provisions of this Chapter. Upon the filing of such resolution, the provisions of this Chapter shall not be applicable to operations of relocators or operators which take place entirely within the territory of such city, village or incorporated town.

(Source: P.A. 86-492.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18B heading) CHAPTER 18B. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 18B Art. I heading) ARTICLE I. FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS

(625 ILCS 5/18b-100) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-100)

Sec. 18b-100. Short Title. This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Illinois Motor Carrier Safety Law".

(Source: P.A. 86-611.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-101) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-101)

Sec. 18b-101. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, as used in this Chapter:

"Agricultural commodities" means any agricultural commodity, non-processed food, feed, fiber, or livestock, including insects.

"Agricultural operations" means the operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting agricultural commodities or farm supplies for agricultural purposes.

"Air mile" means a nautical mile, which is equivalent to 6,076 feet or 1,852 meters. Accordingly, 100 air miles are equivalent to 115.08 statute miles or 185.2 kilometers.

"Commercial motor vehicle" means any self propelled or towed vehicle used on public highways in interstate and intrastate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight, a gross vehicle weight rating, a gross combination weight, or a gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds; or the vehicle is used or designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or the vehicle is designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers and is operated by a contract carrier transporting employees in the course of their employment on a highway of this State; or the vehicle is used or designed to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, including the driver, for direct compensation; or the vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. This definition shall not include farm machinery, fertilizer spreaders, and other special agricultural movement equipment described in Section 3-809 nor implements of husbandry as defined in Section 1-130.

"Covered farm vehicle", for purposes of this Chapter and rule-making under this Chapter, means a straight truck or articulated vehicle, excluding vehicles transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be placarded in accordance with the Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, registered in this State or another state and equipped with a special license plate or other designation by the state in which the vehicle is registered identifying the vehicle as a covered farm vehicle for law enforcement personnel and:

(1) is operated by a farm or ranch owner or operator, or an employee or family member of the farm or ranch owner or operator; and

(2) is being used to transport the following to or from a farm or ranch:

(A) agricultural commodities;

(B) livestock; or

(C) machinery or supplies; and

(3) if registered in this State, is:

(A) registered as a farm truck under subsection (c) of Section 3-815 of this Code; or

(B) operated in combination as an articulated vehicle when the truck in the combination is registered for 12,000 lbs. or less as a covered farm vehicle under subsections (a) and (a-5) of Section 3-815 of this Code or subsection (a) of Section 3-818 of this Code and contains in the cab of the motor vehicle a registration designating the vehicle as a covered farm vehicle under subsections (a) and (a-5) of Section 3-815 of this Code and the trailer in the combination is registered as a farm trailer under subsection (a) of Section 3-819 of this Code and displays a farm registration license plate; or

(C) a truck registered for 12,000 lbs. or less as a covered farm vehicle under subsections (a) and (a-5) of Section 3-815 of this Code or subsection (a) of Section 3-818 of this Code containing in the cab of the motor vehicle a registration designating the vehicle as a covered farm vehicle under subsections (a) and (a-5) of Section 3-815 of this Code that is towing an implement of husbandry as part of a farming operation; and

(4) is not used in for-hire motor carrier operations; however, for-hire motor carrier operations do not include the operation of a vehicle meeting the definition of a covered farm vehicle by a tenant pursuant to a crop share farm lease agreement to transport the landlord's portion of the crops under that agreement; and

(5) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), a gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle combination weight, whichever is greater, that is:

(A) 26,001 lbs. or less, for vehicles operating in interstate commerce; or

(B) greater than 26,001 lbs., operating in interstate commerce and registered in this State; or

(C) greater than 26,001 lbs. and traveling interstate within 150 air miles of the farm or ranch for which the vehicle is being operated, regardless of whether it is registered in this State; or

(D) greater than 10,000 lbs. and traveling intrastate.

"Direct compensation" means payment made to the motor carrier by the passengers or a person acting on behalf of the passengers for the transportation services provided, and not included in a total package charge or other assessment for highway transportation services.

"Farm supplies for agricultural purposes" means products directly related to the growing or harvesting of agricultural commodities and livestock feed at any time of the year.

"Livestock" means cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry (including egg-producing poultry), fish used for food, and other animals designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (at his or her sole discretion) that are part of a foundation herd (including producing dairy cattle) or offspring.

"Officer" means Illinois State Police Officer.

"Person" means any natural person or individual, governmental body, firm, association, partnership, copartnership, joint venture, company, corporation, joint stock company, trust, estate or any other legal entity or their legal representative, agent or assigns.

(Source: P.A. 97-795, eff. 1-1-13; 98-882, eff. 8-13-14.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-102) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-102)

Sec. 18b-102. Authority of Department. To the extent necessary to administer this Chapter, the Department is authorized to:

(a) Adopt by reference all or any portion of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, as they are now or hereafter amended.

(b) Conduct investigations; make reports; issue subpoenas; conduct hearings; require the production of relevant documents, records and property; take depositions; and, in conjunction with the Illinois State Police, conduct directly or indirectly research, development, demonstrations and training activities.

(c) Authorize any officer or Department employee to enter upon, inspect and examine at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, the records and properties of persons to the extent such records and properties relate to the transportation by motor vehicle of persons or property.

(d) Conduct a continuing review of all aspects of the transportation of persons and property by motor vehicle in order to determine and recommend appropriate steps to assure safe transportation by motor vehicle in Illinois.

(e) Administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter and any rules and regulations issued under this Chapter. Only the Illinois State Police shall be authorized to stop and inspect any commercial motor vehicle or driver at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this Chapter or rules and regulations issued under this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-103) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-103)

Sec. 18b-103. Compliance with this Chapter. Transportation by motor vehicle of persons or property in commerce that is not in compliance with this Chapter or any rules and regulations issued under this Act is prohibited.

(Source: P.A. 86-611.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-103.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-103.1)

Sec. 18b-103.1. Obedience to Police Officer.

(a) No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any officer authorized by law to enforce this Chapter and to perform vehicle and driver motor carrier safety inspections under this Chapter. Lawful orders or directions shall include providing documentation and answering questions necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. The driver or owner shall assist the officer, as needed, during the course of any such inspection.

(b) Any person who violates this Section shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor offense.

(Source: P.A. 87-768; 88-476.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-104) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-104)

Sec. 18b-104. Cooperation with State Agencies - Records and Data - Availability. The Department shall cooperate with other State agencies regulating transportation by motor vehicles and may enter into interagency agreements for the purpose of sharing data. The Department shall enter into an interagency agreement with the Illinois State Police for the purpose of enforcing any provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations issued under this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 86-611.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-105) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-105)

Sec. 18b-105. Rules and regulations.

(a) The Department is authorized to make and adopt reasonable rules and regulations and orders consistent with law necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.

(b) The following parts of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as now in effect, are hereby adopted by reference as though they were set out in full:

Part 40 - Procedures For Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs;

Part 380 - Special Training Requirements;

Part 382 - Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing;

Part 383 - Commercial Driver's License Standards, Requirements, and Penalties;

Part 385 - Safety Fitness Procedures;

Part 386 Appendix B - Penalty Schedule; Violations and Maximum Monetary Penalties;

Part 387 - Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers;

Part 390 - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: General;

Part 391 - Qualifications of Drivers;

Part 392 - Driving of Motor Vehicles;

Part 393 - Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation;

Part 395 - Hours of Service of Drivers, except as provided in Section 18b-106.1;

Part 396 - Inspection, Repair and Maintenance; and

Part 397 - Transportation of hazardous materials; Driving and Parking Rules.

(b-5) Individuals who meet the requirements set forth in the definition of "medical examiner" in Section 390.5 of Part 390 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations may act as medical examiners in accordance with Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) The following parts and Sections of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations shall not apply to those intrastate carriers, drivers or vehicles subject to subsection (b).

(1) Section 393.93 of Part 393 for those vehicles manufactured before June 30, 1972.

(2) Section 393.86 of Part 393 for those vehicles registered as farm trucks under subsection (c) of Section 3-815 of this Code.

(3) (Blank).

(4) (Blank).

(5) Paragraph (b)(1) of Section 391.11 of Part 391.

(6) All of Part 395 for all agricultural operations as defined in Section 18b-101 of this Chapter at any time of the year and all farm to market agricultural transportation as defined in Chapter 1 and for grain hauling operations within a radius of 200 air miles of the normal work reporting location.

(7) Paragraphs (b)(3) (insulin dependent diabetic) and (b)(10) (minimum visual acuity) of Section 391.41 of part 391, but only for any driver who immediately prior to July 29, 1986 was eligible and licensed to operate a motor vehicle subject to this Section and was engaged in operating such vehicles, and who was disqualified on July 29, 1986 by the adoption of Part 391 by reason of the application of paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(10) of Section 391.41 with respect to a physical condition existing at that time unless such driver has a record of crashes which would indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.

(d) Intrastate carriers subject to the recording provisions of Section 395.8 of Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations shall be exempt as established under paragraph (1) of Section 395.8; provided, however, for the purpose of this Code, drivers shall operate within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location to qualify for exempt status.

(e) Regulations adopted by the Department subsequent to those adopted under subsection (b) hereof shall be identical in substance to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation and adopted in accordance with the procedures for rulemaking in Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(Source: P.A. eff. 1-1-02; eff. 1-1-02; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/18b-106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 18b-106)

Sec. 18b-106. Application of Chapter and Regulations. Except as expressly specified within this Chapter, this Chapter and the rules and regulations issued under this Chapter shall be applicable to all persons employing drivers, drivers and commercial motor vehicles which transport property or passengers in interstate or intrastate commerce.

(Source: P.A. 86-611; 87-829.)