Traffic Violations and Offenses That Could Result in the Suspension, Revocation or Cancellation of Your Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Drivers who hold a CDL are held to higher standards than normal drivers. A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is large and can cause considerably more damage to other vehicles and property when they are involved in a traffic accident. For this and other reasons, certain traffic violations can result in the loss of a CDL. Some are illegal regardless of the type of license that a person has, but many offenses are also unique to CMVs.
Most people drive for a living, and they cannot imagine having their driver’s license privileges being taken away. However – having your CDL disqualified can affect you differently than losing your personal driver’s license. If your career has been dependent on your operating a CMV, then your livelihood, work and finances could suffer tremendously if your CDL has been suspended, revoked or cancelled.
Major CDL Offenses
There are certain offenses that are more severe than others. Major offenses have much stricter penalties, where 1st time offenders can receive a 1 year CDL disqualification. Major offenses can include:
- Operating any motor vehicle (even your personal vehicle, not just a CMV) while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or intoxicating compounds
- Driving Under the Influence with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.04 or more while operating a CMV (as opposed to 0.08 or more for regular drivers)
- Refusal of the BAC test
- Leaving the scene of an accident (with or without injuries or fatalities)
- Committing a felony while using a CMV
- Causing death or serious injury to another individual because of illegal or negligent CMV operation
- Driving a CMV with a suspended, revoked or cancelled CDL
Serious Traffic Violations
Committing any serious traffic violation could result in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Serious traffic violations can include:
- Petty and excessive speeding (15 MPH over the limit or more)
- Reckless Driving
- Improper Lane Usage
- Accident offenses or violations that could lead to an accident (Failure to Reduce Speed, Driving Too Fast for Conditions, Following Too Closely)
- Using a cell phone or any electronic device while driving
- Driving a CMV without your CDL, or if you do not have a CDL in your physical possession
- Driving a CMV with incorrect or improper endorsements or classes on the CDL
Railroad and Highway Grade Crossing Offenses
Will County, along with other counties in Northern Illinois, are strict when it comes to any railroad crossing violations due to the amounts of people who die on railroads every year. Any violation that involves taking improper actions while crossing a railroad could result in a CDL suspension for no less than 60 days for the first offense. Railroad and highway grade crossing offense can include:
- Failure to slow down to see if tracks are clear before crossing
- Failure to stop before driving onto the crossing (if the tracks are not clear)
- Failure to stop and wait until enough space is available, to prevent stopping on the tracks
- Failure to obey a traffic control device
If you are facing a CDL Suspension, Revocation or Cancellation –
CONTACT US NOW and speak to one of Hirsch Law Groups’ skilled and experienced attorneys. If you are charged with any of these violations and/or offenses, you could be at risk of having increased insurance rates, losing your CDL, losing employment or possibly even being disqualified from holding a CDL for a long period of time, even life. Before that happens, please reach out to an experienced CDL violations law firm.