Why should CDL violations be handled differently than regular driver’s license violations?
Drivers who have a commercial driver’s license are subject to more severe consequences than regular driver’s license holders. Hiring an attorney for your CDL ticket is strongly recommended, due to the traffic ticket needing to be handled delicately. Just mailing in a payment for your citation or requesting traffic school can be a costly mistake, as it will more than likely result in the entry of a conviction on your driving record which raises insurance rates, causes issues with future employment opportunities, and even jeopardizes your CDL privileges, which could result in temporary or even permanent license suspension.
Violations regarding a CDL license can include the following:
- Driving on a suspended CDL or having no valid CDL or having multiple CDLs
- Speeding through a construction zone and school zone
- Driving with an overweight vehicle
- Being involved in a truck accident
- Talking on a hand held cell phone without a headset while driving
- Driving while under the influence
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving in the incorrect lane
- Speeding 15 mph or more than the posted speed limit
Can a CDL driver receive court supervision?
As a CDL holder, court supervision is not an acceptable outcome, as the Secretary of State treats sentences of court supervision as if it were a conviction. Court supervision will not necessarily prevent the disqualification or suspension of your CDL, and it will not prevent the ticket from appearing on your public driving record, even if you were in a personal vehicle at the time of the offense. Under Illinois law, a CDL driver is disqualified from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle if they commit two serious traffic violations (e.g., speeding 15 mph or over, reckless driving, various lane changes, texting/using a communication device while driving, etc.) while driving said vehicle within a three-year period.
Can I do anything about prior violations?
Filing a motion and attempting to remove prior convictions and supervisions may be possible depending on a variety of factors including the age of the ticket, nature of offense, courthouse where the ticket is assigned, and whether you previously appeared in court on the violation.
Contact us as soon as possible so our office can review your case and provide the best possible guidance on your available options. Giannola Traffic Lawyers offer free, no time limit consultations over the phone or in person.
For more information, follow this link to the Illinois CDL Statute:
