A new Illinois law requires tow truck operators to register and obtain special plates for each vehicle—a compliance step many in the industry are still unaware of.
Most tow truck and wrecker operators in Illinois don't yet realize that a new state registration requirement is now in effect. Buried in HB4843 is a provision that fundamentally changes how you must register and plate your tow vehicles. Understanding it now will save you from compliance violations and unexpected fees.
Under Section 5-202 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/5-202), as amended by HB4843, any person or business operating a tow truck or wrecker vehicle must obtain three distinctive plates for each vehicle before it can legally operate. These are not standard commercial plates—they are tow-truck-specific registration plates issued by the state.
This is a direct licensing and registration compliance obligation. You cannot legally operate a tow or wrecker vehicle without completing this registration process and displaying these plates. Failure to do so is a violation.
This rule applies to any small or large transportation business that operates tow trucks or wreckers in Illinois. Whether you run a single vehicle or a fleet of twenty, each vehicle must be registered separately and issued its own set of three distinctive plates. This includes independent operators, roadside assistance companies, auto repair shops with tow capability, and dedicated towing services.
Before operating any tow or wrecker vehicle, you must:
1. Register the vehicle with the state as a tow truck or wrecker
2. Obtain the three distinctive plates required under the new rule
3. Ensure the plates are properly displayed on the vehicle
Each vehicle in your fleet requires its own registration and its own set of plates. This creates both a compliance obligation and associated registration fees for every tow or wrecker vehicle you operate.
The provision became effective upon the bill becoming law. There is no grace period or delayed implementation date. If you are currently operating tow or wrecker vehicles without these distinctive plates, you are operating in violation of state law.
If you have recently acquired a tow truck or wrecker vehicle, or if you have not yet completed this registration process, you should contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or your local vehicle registration authority immediately to understand the specific application process and fee structure in your county.
Review your current fleet to identify any tow or wrecker vehicles that may not yet be registered under this new requirement. Contact your state registration office to confirm the application process and timeline for compliance. Budget for the registration fees associated with each vehicle in your fleet.
Source: HB4843, Section 5-202 (625 ILCS 5/5-202), Page 18; Section 99 (effective date).