If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) you are subject to more severe driver's license penalties than average drivers in Illinois. Traffic tickets issued to CDL holders must be handled carefully. It is highly recommended a qualified Illinois traffic attorney examine your violation. Paying your traffic citation without contesting it can cost you down the road, as it will typically result in a conviction on your driving record. Certain driving offenses can jeopardize your CDL, resulting in temporary or even permanent disqualification.

Did you know Court Supervision it is considered to be a conviction for CDL and not acceptable for a CDL holder? For most traffic violations for a CDL holders, the Illinois Secretary of State will treat a sentence of Court Supervision the same as a conviction. This means Court Supervision will not necessarily prevent the disqualification of your CDL.

Under Illinois law, a driver is disqualified from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) if while driving a CMV they:

• commit two “serious traffic violations” within a three-year period,
• commit three such violations within a three-year period,
• commit two serious traffic violations within a three-year period while driving a non-CMV,
• commit three such violations within a three-year period IF the convictions would result in the suspension or revocation of the CDL holder’s non-CMV privileges.

Examples of Serious traffic violations include:

• exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more,
• reckless driving,
• various lane change violations (i.e. improper lane usage and improper passing),
• texting while driving/using a cell phone while driving, and
• following too closely.

Major disqualifying offenses include:

• DUI or the refusal to submit to a breath-alcohol test in either a CMV or non-commercial vehicle,
• driving a CMV with a BAC of .04 or greater,
• leaving the scene of an accident in any vehicle,
• driving a CMV with a revoked or canceled CDL,
• or while otherwise disqualified from driving a CMV.

In fact, a second conviction of a major disqualifying offense will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification.

The Attorneys at Hanna & Ruud, LLC also represents CDL drivers who wish to clear traffic or Criminal offenses from their record. While traffic offenses do not qualify for expungement or sealing, there may be other options. Vacating prior convictions and supervisions may be possible depending on a variety of factors. Our office can review your driving history and provide guidance on your available options.

Hanna & Ruud, LLC represents CDL holders from across the country on traffic violations throughout Rock Island County, Henry County, Mercer County, and many other Illinois Counties. We understand the complicated Judicial of Illinois traffic and CDL regulations and our office will aggressively defend your CDL. Oftentimes, we will work to have your violations amended or take your case to trial where appropriate. Regardless of the circumstances, it is extremely important for CDL drivers to consult an experienced traffic attorney for assistance. Feel free to contact our office for a free and confidential consultation.