Traffic Violations That Can Impact Your Chicago CDL Status

For commercial drivers in Chicago, maintaining a clean driving record is essential. Traffic violations can have serious consequences for your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) status, affecting your ability to work and your livelihood. 

Understanding how traffic violations impact your CDL can help you protect your career and navigate the legal challenges. CDL holders are held to higher standards than regular drivers, making it crucial to be aware of the specific rules and penalties that apply. Even a violation committed in a non-commercial vehicle can negatively affect your license status and jeopardize your regular driving privileges. Call Ktenas at (312) 756-8652 today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago CDL ticket lawyer.

Common Traffic Violations That Affect a CDL

Traffic violations that might seem minor to a non-commercial driver can have major consequences for CDL holders. Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the posted limit is classified as a serious violation for CDL holders. This offense not only results in traffic tickets but can also lead to CDL suspension if repeated. For professional drivers, adhering to speed limits is critical due to the increased risks posed by larger vehicles, especially in high-traffic areas such as Lake County or DuPage County. Even seemingly minor infractions, such as a parking violation, can escalate if left unresolved or if combined with other offenses.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another serious offense that can lead to disqualification and loss of commercial driving privileges, effectively ending a driver’s career. Often categorized as negligent operation, this behavior is heavily penalized due to the potential for accidents. For CDL holders, reckless driving reflects poorly on their ability to safely operate a commercial or non-commercial vehicle, raising concerns for both law enforcement and employers.

Following Too Closely

Following too closely increases the likelihood of collisions. Maintaining proper following distance is essential, particularly when carrying heavy loads that require longer stopping distances. Repeated violations in separate incidents could lead to compounded penalties, putting a CDL holder’s career at risk with a license suspension. Additionally, trucking companies often monitor drivers for safe practices, and infractions like this can affect their employment.

Improper Lane Usage

Improper lane changes, often categorized as improper lane usage, can result in points on your license and signal unsafe driving habits. For CDL holders, these violations are taken more seriously due to the size and maneuverability of commercial vehicles. Driving without a CDL is also considered a major violation, even when committed in a personal vehicle. Such offenses demonstrate a disregard for the qualifications required to operate commercial vehicles safely.

DUI Convictions

DUI convictions for CDL drivers or refusals to submit to a chemical test, such as a blood alcohol content test, lead to automatic CDL suspension. Even violations that occur in a personal vehicle can impact a commercial driver’s CDL status. Additionally, overweight violations can result in hefty fines and penalties for CDL holders. These violations not only compromise safety but can also lead to the loss of regular driving privileges or CDL suspension, especially if repeated. Trucking companies may also terminate employment for drivers with multiple infractions.

Infractions That Can Lead to CDL Suspension or Disqualification

Certain traffic violations carry harsher penalties and can lead to CDL suspension or permanent disqualification. Examples of these infractions include:

• Two Serious Violations in Three Years: Committing two major traffic violations within a three-year period results in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Examples include reckless driving or improper lane usage.
• Three Serious Violations in Three Years: Committing three serious violations within the same timeframe leads to a 120-day disqualification. These penalties are often applied to traffic offenses that demonstrate repeated unsafe behaviors.
• Major Violations: Offenses such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony offense can result in a one-year suspension for first-time offenders and a lifetime disqualification for subsequent offenses. These violations frequently involve separate incidents, highlighting a pattern of unsafe driving. In cases of negligent operation, penalties can be even more severe, particularly if they involve criminal offenses such as hit-and-run or vehicular assault.

Out-of-state violations must be reported to the Illinois Secretary of State. These violations are treated the same as in-state offenses and can lead to penalties, including points on your commercial drivers license, suspension, or disqualification. For CDL holders in Cook County, Lake County, or DuPage County, failing to report such violations could compound legal issues. Police officers are vigilant in ensuring CDL compliance for both local and out-of-state drivers, and failure to comply can result in severe penalties.

Certain traffic violations carry harsher penalties and can lead to CDL suspension or permanent disqualification. Committing two major traffic violations within a three-year period results in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Examples include reckless driving or improper lane usage. Three serious violations within the same timeframe lead to a 120-day disqualification. These penalties are often applied to traffic offenses that demonstrate repeated unsafe behaviors.

Major Offenses

Major violations such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) to commit a felony can result in a one-year suspension for first-time offenders and a lifetime disqualification for subsequent offenses. These violations frequently involve separate incidents, highlighting a pattern of unsafe driving. In cases of negligent operation, penalties can be even more severe, particularly if they involve criminal offenses such as hit-and-run or vehicular assault.

Out-of-state violations must be reported to the Illinois Secretary of State. These violations are treated the same as in-state offenses and can lead to penalties, including points on your license, suspension, or disqualification. For CDL holders in Cook County, Lake County, or DuPage County, failing to report such violations could compound legal issues. Police officers are vigilant in ensuring CDL compliance for both local and out-of-state drivers, and failure to comply can result in severe penalties and automatic disqualification. 

Can I Reinstate My CDL After Suspension?

Reinstating your CDL after suspension depends on the nature of the violation. In most cases, the process includes:

• Attending a hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State to discuss the circumstances of your suspension. This hearing may take place in Cook County, Lake County, or DuPage County, depending on where the offense occurred.
• Paying reinstatement fees, which vary depending on the offense. These fees often cover administrative costs and help ensure compliance with reinstatement procedures.
• Completing additional training or courses, such as traffic safety programs, to meet reinstatement requirements. These programs emphasize safe driving practices for commercial truck drivers, particularly those handling large loads.

Reinstating a CDL after suspension for overweight violations or similar infractions may also require proof that the driver has addressed the underlying issues. Understanding the importance of compliance is key to regaining commercial driving privileges. CDL holders may also need to demonstrate an improved driving record and adherence to the rules of operating a commercial or non-commercial vehicle.

Do Out-of-State Violations Affect My Illinois CDL?

Yes, CDL holders are required to report all out-of-state violations to the Illinois Secretary of State. These violations are treated the same as in-state offenses and can result in penalties, including points on your license, suspension, or disqualification. For example, a traffic offense committed in another state, such as speeding over 15 miles per hour, will count against your CDL status in Illinois. Commercial driving privileges are monitored on a national level, ensuring that drivers adhere to consistent safety standards. 

Even minor offenses in another state can have significant repercussions on your driving record back home. Overweight violations committed out of state are particularly concerning for CDL holders, as they indicate a pattern of non-compliance. These infractions can result in disciplinary actions by both state agencies and employers, such as trucking companies.

Steps to Protect Your CDL After a Violation

Fighting a traffic ticket in court can prevent points from being added to your license and may help you avoid penalties. In Cook County, working with a knowledgeable attorney can increase your chances of success. If your CDL is at risk of suspension, requesting a hearing allows you to present your case and potentially reduce the penalties. These hearings, often conducted in areas like Lake County or DuPage County, require thorough preparation and knowledge of state laws.

Consulting a lawyer is one of the most effective steps you can take. Hiring an experienced traffic attorney can make a significant difference in reducing or dismissing charges. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected and improves your chances of a favorable outcome. 

A skilled attorney can also guide commercial truck drivers through the reinstatement process if their commercial driving privileges are suspended. Additionally, they can assist in addressing overweight violations or other compliance issues. If your violation involves negligent operation or other serious offenses, a criminal defense lawyer may be necessary to address potential criminal offenses in addition to traffic penalties. These actions can help mitigate the severe penalties often associated with CDL violations.

Defend Your CDL Status and Keep Your Career on Track

Traffic violations can severely impact your CDL status, affecting your ability to work and maintain your livelihood. Understanding the consequences and taking proactive steps can help you protect your driving privileges. If you’re facing traffic violations that jeopardize your CDL, contact Ktenas Law for skilled legal assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your career by keeping your public driving record clean.