Illinois Interstate Authority

Intrastate authority is required for businesses that operate commercial vehicles within the state of Illinois but do not cross state lines (i.e., intrastate commerce). If your business transports goods, passengers, or other commodities solely within the state, you need to register with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and obtain intrastate authority. This registration ensures your business complies with Illinois regulations for commercial vehicle operations within the state.

Why Do You Need Illinois Intrastate Authority?

  1. Legal Requirement for Intrastate Operations:
    • If your business operates commercial vehicles within Illinois, you are required to register for intrastate authority. This includes businesses involved in transporting goods, passengers, or hazardous materials solely within the state.
  2. Compliance with State Regulations:
    • Illinois requires all motor carriers conducting intrastate transportation to comply with state-level regulations to ensure safe and lawful operations. Intrastate authority registration provides you with an official certification that your business meets these standards.
  3. Avoid Fines and Penalties:
    • Failure to obtain intrastate authority when required can result in fines, penalties, or even suspension of operations. Registration ensures that your business stays in compliance with Illinois laws, avoiding potential enforcement actions.
  4. Insurance and Safety Requirements:
    • To maintain intrastate authority, your business must meet specific insurance requirements and adhere to safety standards, such as proper vehicle maintenance and driver qualifications.

Who Needs Illinois Intrastate Authority?

You must apply for Illinois Intrastate Authority if your business:

  • Operates commercial vehicles in intrastate commerce within Illinois (meaning you do not cross state lines).
  • Transports property or passengers within Illinois for compensation (including businesses like freight carriers, movers, or transportation companies).
  • Transports hazardous materials within the state.
  • Operates for-hire transportation or as a private carrier.

How to Apply for Illinois Intrastate Authority

  1. Determine the Type of Authority Needed:
    • Identify whether you need authority for transporting property, passengers, or hazardous materials.
      • Motor Carrier of Property: For businesses transporting goods within Illinois.
      • Motor Carrier of Passengers: For businesses providing passenger transportation (e.g., buses or shuttles).
      • Hazardous Materials: If transporting hazardous materials within Illinois, you will need specific permits.
  2. Complete the Application:
    • To apply for intrastate authority in Illinois, you must fill out the appropriate application.
    • The application will request basic business information, such as the business name, address, and type of operations.
  3. Provide Insurance Information:
    • Illinois law requires that you maintain certain levels of liability insurance and cargo insurance to operate as a motor carrier. You must provide proof of insurance when applying for intrastate authority.
    • The required insurance coverage varies based on the type of business and the type of transportation being conducted.
  4. Pay Application Fees:
    • There are application fees for obtaining intrastate authority, which vary depending on the type of authority you need (e.g., property, passenger, or hazardous materials). The fees are typically $50 to $200.
  5. Obtain a USDOT Number:
    • While intrastate authority is specific to Illinois, you may also be required to obtain a USDOT number if you meet the requirements for interstate commerce or if you operate vehicles over a certain weight.
  6. Compliance with Safety Regulations:
    • Ensure that your vehicles comply with the FMCSA safety regulations, including proper maintenance and inspection standards. You will also need to meet specific driver qualification and licensing requirements.

Intrastate Authority Fees and Costs

  • Application Fees:
    • Application fees for Illinois intrastate authority typically range from $50 to $200 depending on the type of authority (property, passenger, hazardous materials).
  • Insurance Fees:
    • Your business will need to maintain specific liability and cargo insurance, which will incur costs. These costs vary depending on the size of your fleet, the types of goods being transported, and the nature of the business.
  • Additional Costs:
    • Depending on the nature of your operations, you may also need to pay for other permits, such as fuel tax permits or hazardous materials permits, as well as registration for your vehicles (e.g., plates or title fees).

Types of Intrastate Authority in Illinois

  • Motor Carrier of Property Authority:
    • If your business transports goods for compensation within Illinois, you need this authority. This applies to companies that move freight for shippers or manufacturers within the state.
  • Motor Carrier of Passengers Authority:
    • For businesses that provide transportation for passengers within Illinois, such as buses, taxis, or shuttles. This authority is required if you operate passenger vehicles for hire.
  • Hazardous Materials Authority:
    • Businesses involved in the transportation of hazardous materials within Illinois are required to obtain a special hazardous materials permit. This is in addition to regular intrastate authority and may involve additional safety and compliance requirements.

Maintaining Illinois Intrastate Authority

  1. Annual Updates:
    • You must update your registration information annually to maintain your intrastate authority in Illinois if there are any changes to be reported. This includes updating your insurance information and ensuring that your vehicles comply with Illinois safety standards.
  2. Insurance Compliance:
    • Your business must maintain the required liability insurance and cargo insurance for the duration of your intrastate authority registration. If your insurance coverage changes, you must notify the ICC and update your records.
  3. Compliance with Safety Regulations:
    • Your vehicles and drivers must remain in compliance with state and federal safety regulations, including inspections, driver qualifications, and operating standards.
  4. Reporting Changes:
    • If there are any changes to your business, such as a change in business structure or the addition of vehicles, you must notify the ICC within 30 days and update your intrastate authority registration.

Obtaining Illinois Intrastate Authority is essential for businesses operating commercial vehicles within the state of Illinois. It ensures that your business complies with state regulations, provides the necessary insurance and safety protections, and allows you to legally transport goods or passengers within the state. The process includes applying with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), maintaining appropriate insurance, and following safety guidelines. By keeping your authority registration up-to-date, you can avoid fines and penalties while operating legally within Illinois.