Handling the regulations surrounding commercial truck license plates can be a challenge, especially when trying to understand the fees and taxes that apply to large vehicles. As a commercial truck owner or operator, staying compliant with state laws ensures you avoid penalties while operating efficiently. At Walton Telken, we help trucking companies and independent operators manage these legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—running your business.
In this blog, we’ll break down the essential details of Illinois commercial truck license plates fees and related costs.
Illinois Trucking License Fees on Large Trucks
Commercial trucking in Illinois comes with specific licensing fees based on vehicle weight and usage. But are these fees mandatory for large trucks? Yes. Whether you’re running a fleet or just one truck, you’ll need to register your vehicle and pay the appropriate license plate fees. The state assigns a charge based on the truck’s gross vehicle weight (GVW), and the heavier the truck, the more costly it is.
For instance, large trucks—those with a GVW over 8,000 pounds—require commercial truck plates, which differ from standard vehicle registration. These fees can vary greatly depending on whether your truck is used for intrastate or interstate commerce.
According to the Illinois Trucking Association, heavy trucks often face increased charges due to their impact on infrastructure. Why do fees increase for large trucks? This is largely because heavier vehicles cause more wear and tear on roads and bridges, leading to additional maintenance costs for the state. These regulations and payments are crucial for avoiding unexpected costs down the line.
Truck License Plates & CDF
The Commercial Distribution Fee (CDF) is an additional expense that trucking companies in Illinois need to be aware of. So, what is the CDF? This amount applies to trucks registered with a weight of 8,001 pounds or more, and it’s designed to supplement the vehicle registration fees. It can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the truck’s size and weight.
The CDF is an additional cost not included in regular registration, typically surprising new operators. The Illinois Trucking Association fought to cap the CDF and prevent charge hikes, which was a significant win for the trucking industry. The amount is based on a percentage of the registration cost and contributes to state infrastructure projects.
Diesel Fuel Tax
Trucking companies must also factor in diesel fuel taxes, separate from license plate fees but equally important. Diesel-powered vehicles are taxed to offset their environmental and infrastructure impact. As of 2023, Illinois raised its diesel fuel tax to 52.6 cents per gallon, one of the highest rates in the U.S., to fund road repairs.
Operators must track fuel purchases for tax filing and audits, especially for long-haul trucks where fuel costs are significant. Compliance with both state and federal fuel tax regulations is crucial to avoid fines or penalties, particularly for interstate operations.
Illinois Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedules
For more details on the charges for truck registration in the state, here’s a look at the Illinois Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule for commercial trucks. This table outlines these payments based on gross vehicle weight, ensuring you know exactly how much your registration will cost.
| Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs) | Registration Fee | Typical Truck Type | Additional Notes |
| 8,001-10,000 | $158 | Light-duty Pickup Trucks (e.g., Ford F-250, Ram 2500) | Applies to light commercial vehicles and service trucks. |
| 10,001-12,000 | $180 | Medium-duty Pickup Trucks (e.g., Ford F-350, GMC 3500) | Includes small utility or contractor trucks. |
| 12,001-16,000 | $258 | Box Trucks (e.g., Ford E-350, Isuzu NPR) | Typically used for small deliveries or moving services. |
| 16,001-26,000 | $590 | Large Box Trucks (e.g., Freightliner M2 106, International MV607) | Often used for local delivery or medium-distance transportation. |
| 26,001-28,000 | $790 | Single-axle Day Cab Tractor | May require a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). |
| 28,001-32,000 | $1,090 | Heavy-duty Box Trucks (e.g., Hino 338, Peterbilt 337) | Common in regional logistics or construction. |
| 32,001-36,000 | $1,290 | Tandem-axle Day Cab Tractor (e.g., Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNR) | Suitable for heavier regional loads. |
| 36,001-40,000 | $1,490 | Medium-duty Dump Trucks (e.g., Kenworth T370) | Used in construction and roadwork. |
| 40,001-45,000 | $1,690 | Heavy-duty Dump Trucks (e.g., Mack Granite) | Used for large construction and municipal jobs. |
| 45,001-50,000 | $1,890 | Tandem-axle Dump Trucks or Heavy-duty Crane Trucks | Designed for high-load capacity construction vehicles. |
| 50,001-54,999 | $2,090 | Logging Trucks, Tanker Trucks | Frequently used for specialized transport, including liquids or timber. |
| 55,000-59,500 | $2,290 | Multi-axle Semi-Tractors (e.g., Peterbilt 579, Kenworth T680) | Designed for long-haul transport with multi-trailer setups. |
| 59,501-64,000 | $2,490 | Large Tow Trucks, Heavy Haul Trucks | Used for transporting oversized or industrial equipment. |
| 64,001-73,280 | $2,790 | 18-Wheeler Semi-Trucks (e.g., Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNL) | Maximum weight for most long-haul semi-trucks under federal law. |
This table gives you a clear picture of what you’ll need to budget for depending on the size and weight of your vehicle. The larger the truck, the higher the fee, and these costs can quickly add up if you’re managing a fleet.
Save Money, Avoid Penalties: Your Complete Guide to Illinois Truck Licensing
Complying with Illinois commercial truck license charges, CDFs, and diesel fuel taxes can be challenging for trucking businesses. With rising costs and evolving regulations, staying informed is crucial. At Walton Telken, we specialize in transportation law and can help you manage the intricacies of registration fees and taxes. Contact us today to guarantee your business stays compliant with Illinois laws.
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