For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, the rules of the road carry significantly higher stakes. Unlike standard drivers, a CDL driver can face severe repercussions from even a single speeding ticket. Beyond potential hikes in insurance rates and the looming threat of job loss, a speeding ticket can lead to CDL suspension, disqualification, or even revocation of your driving privileges. This is where a Cdl Speeding Ticket Lawyer becomes an invaluable ally.
At internetlawyers.net, we understand the gravity of these situations. Our dedicated team of CDL speeding ticket lawyers specializes in representing CDL holders and trucking companies facing traffic citations. We recognize that traffic tickets for CDL holders demand a nuanced and strategic approach. Navigating these legal complexities alone can be daunting, which is why engaging a skilled CDL speeding ticket lawyer is not just recommended—it’s often crucial for safeguarding your livelihood.
Simply paying a traffic ticket or opting for traffic school might seem like the easiest path, but for CDL holders, it can be a costly misstep, often resulting in a conviction on your driving record. Before taking any action, it’s vital to consult with an experienced legal professional. Contact our office today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation with a seasoned CDL speeding ticket lawyer.
CDL Disqualifications: Understanding the Stakes
If you hold a CDL and receive a traffic ticket, the consequences in Illinois (and many other states with similar regulations) are determined by the offense’s nature and severity. Traffic violations are categorized, primarily into “serious” and “major” offenses. Accumulating multiple “serious” violations within a specific timeframe can trigger CDL disqualification, while “major” violations can lead to automatic and often lengthy disqualifications. Understanding these categories is the first step in understanding why you need a cdl speeding ticket lawyer.
Navigating Serious Violations
In Illinois, a single “serious” offense doesn’t automatically lead to CDL disqualification. However, the cumulative effect of these violations is significant. Two serious violations within a three-year period will result in a 60-day CDL disqualification. This period extends to 120 days for three serious violations within the same three-year timeframe. It’s important to note that these violations don’t need to be speeding tickets to trigger these penalties. Offenses classified as “serious” include:
- Speeding 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit: This is a primary reason why CDL holders seek a cdl speeding ticket lawyer.
- Reckless driving: Operating a CMV with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Improper lane change / Improper lane usage: Unsafe lane changes or violations of lane restrictions.
- Texting while driving CMV (cell phone offenses): Engaging in texting or using a handheld mobile phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
- Following too closely: Tailgating or not maintaining a safe following distance.
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle without obtaining a CDL or having it in your possession: Operating a CMV without the required CDL or failing to have it readily available.
Major Violations: Immediate and Severe Consequences
“Major” violations carry even more severe and immediate consequences. A first-time major offense in Illinois results in a one-year CDL disqualification. For drivers transporting hazardous materials, this disqualification is extended to three years for the first offense. A second major violation results in a lifetime CDL disqualification for all CDL drivers. These major violations underscore the critical need for a cdl speeding ticket lawyer if you face such charges. Major violations in Illinois include:
- DUI (driving under the influence): Operating a CMV while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Refusal to submit to or failure to complete a breath-alcohol test: Refusing a breathalyzer or failing to complete the test in either a CMV or non-commercial vehicle when requested by law enforcement.
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher: Operating a CMV with a BAC at or above the legal limit for commercial drivers.
- Leaving the scene of an accident: Fleeing the scene of an accident involving a CMV or non-commercial vehicle.
- Committing a felony while operating a vehicle: Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony.
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle when your CDL is revoked, suspended (disqualified), or canceled: Operating a CMV while your CDL privileges are inactive.
- Causing death through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle: Fatal accidents resulting from negligent CMV operation.
- Felony Drug Offenses: Using a commercial or non-commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances (manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent). This results in an automatic lifetime CDL disqualification.
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing (RRHGC) Violations
Violations at railroad-highway grade crossings also carry significant CDL disqualifications. A first RRHGC violation results in a 60-day CDL disqualification. A second violation within three years increases the disqualification to 120 days. Three violations within three years lead to a one-year CDL disqualification. These specific violations highlight the importance of meticulous adherence to safety regulations, and the role of a cdl speeding ticket lawyer in mitigating consequences if a violation occurs. Illinois RRHGC violations include scenarios where drivers:
- Fail to slow down and check tracks before crossing when not required to always stop.
- Fail to stop before reaching the crossing when the track is not clear, even when not always required to stop.
- Fail to stop before driving onto the crossing when legally required to always stop.
- Proceed onto a crossing without sufficient space to drive through without stopping.
- Fail to obey a traffic control device or official directions at an RRHGC.
- Fail to properly negotiate a crossing due to insufficient undercarriage clearance.
Out-of-Service Orders: Strict Compliance is Key
Violation of an out-of-service order carries substantial CDL disqualifications. A first conviction for violating an out-of-service order results in a 6-month CDL disqualification. This increases to a 1-year disqualification for a first conviction if the vehicle was designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials. Subsequent violations within a 10-year period result in even longer disqualifications: a 2-year disqualification for a second conviction (3 years if transporting passengers or hazmat) and a 3-year disqualification for a third conviction (5 years if transporting passengers or hazmat). These penalties underscore the absolute necessity of complying with out-of-service orders and seeking legal counsel from a cdl speeding ticket lawyer if facing such a violation.
Other CDL Violations: Maintaining Compliance Across the Board
Beyond speeding and major offenses, commercial drivers must be aware of a range of other legal requirements. Violations related to commercial vehicle operation can also lead to penalties and impact your CDL. These include:
- Unauthorized carriage of oversize loads
- Overweight vehicle violations
- Overlength vehicle violations
- Logbook violations
- Driving on a road where not permitted due to grade
If you receive a ticket for any of these violations in Illinois, contacting our CDL ticket lawyers is crucial to discuss your case and explore your defense options.
Fighting a CDL Ticket in Illinois: Protecting Your Career
Receiving a ticket while operating a commercial vehicle, or even in your personal vehicle, can have significant long-term consequences for your career as a CDL holder. Before paying any fines or admitting guilt, consulting a CDL ticket lawyer is essential. By proactively fighting to keep your driving record clean, a Chicago CDL speeding ticket lawyer can be instrumental in protecting your license and your professional future.
An experienced CDL traffic lawyer possesses the expertise to often reduce the charges or even get your CDL ticket dismissed entirely. At internetlawyers.net, our team has extensive experience representing drivers with traffic tickets in Illinois, with a particular focus on commercial vehicles. We routinely represent truck drivers from across the country who receive traffic tickets while traveling through Illinois. We work closely with each client to determine the most effective course of action based on the specific charges they face. Our CDL ticket lawyers can provide assistance with a wide range of CDL violations, including:
- Driving without a CDL or with a suspended CDL
- DUI
- Speeding Tickets – and especially CDL speeding tickets
- Traffic Accident Tickets
- Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident
- Following Too Closely
- Driving too Fast for Conditions
- Improper Lane Usage
- Reckless driving
- Railroad crossings violations
Our goal is to help you find workable solutions to avoid a long-term suspension of your commercial driver’s license. We are committed to doing everything in our power to protect your legal rights and your CDL. As soon as you receive a ticket, call our office to begin building your strategic defense with a dedicated cdl speeding ticket lawyer.
CDL Ticket FAQs: Answers to Common Questions
Can I Request Court Supervision if I Have a CDL?
While court supervision might seem like a favorable outcome for a non-CDL driver in Illinois, it is generally not advisable for CDL holders. The Illinois Secretary of State often treats court supervision as a conviction for most traffic violations when it comes to CDL holders. This means court supervision may not prevent the disqualification or suspension of your CDL. Furthermore, court supervision will still result in the ticket appearing on your public driving record, even if the offense occurred in your personal vehicle. Consult with a cdl speeding ticket lawyer to understand the implications for your specific situation.
Will My CDL be Suspended or Disqualified?
Illinois law dictates that a CDL driver will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if they accumulate two “serious traffic violations” within a three-year period or three such violations within the same timeframe while driving a CMV. Two serious violations within three years lead to a minimum 60-day disqualification, while three violations within the same period result in a minimum 120-day disqualification. If you are facing this situation, it’s crucial to contact our Illinois CDL traffic ticket lawyers for immediate assistance.
What If I’m Not Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle When I’m Ticketed?
It’s a common misconception that tickets received in a personal vehicle have no impact on a CDL. However, violations in a non-commercial vehicle can still affect your CDL. If you commit two or three serious traffic violations within a three-year period in a regular (non-commercial) vehicle, and those convictions would have resulted in the revocation or suspension of your regular driving privileges, you will also be disqualified from operating a CMV. Regardless, tickets issued while driving your personal vehicle will appear on your driving record and can impact your employment and insurance. If you are in this situation, seeking guidance from our Illinois CDL traffic ticket lawyers is highly recommended.
Can I Remove Prior Traffic Tickets From My Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?
Our CDL defense attorneys also assist commercial drivers in attempting to clear traffic offenses from their driving record. While minor traffic offenses may not be eligible for expungement or sealing, other options may exist. Filing a motion to vacate prior convictions and supervisions might be possible, depending on factors such as the age of the ticket, the nature of the offense, the court where the ticket was issued, and whether you previously appeared in court for the violation. Our office can review your MVR and advise you on your available options to clean up your record and protect your CDL. A cdl speeding ticket lawyer can assess your record and advise on the best course of action.
How Can internetlawyers.net Help Me Protect My CDL License?
The defense attorneys at internetlawyers.net represent commercial truck drivers and trucking companies across the country, handling a wide array of traffic violations throughout Illinois and Chicago, including Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County, McHenry County, and Will County.
From DUI charges to overweight truck violations and CDL speeding tickets, we possess a deep understanding of the constantly evolving landscape of Illinois traffic law. Our office is committed to aggressively defending your driver’s license and driving record. We often work to secure amendments or reductions to the original traffic ticket or, when appropriate, take your case to trial. Regardless of the specific circumstances, it is critically important for CDL drivers to consult with an experienced traffic ticket attorney for assistance.
Facing a Ticket? Call Our CDL Ticket Lawyers Today!
When your livelihood is at stake, there is no such thing as a ‘minor’ ticket for a CDL holder. Instead of paying a ticket and hoping for the best, contact a team of Chicago CDL lawyers who understand what’s on the line for you and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome.
Our dedicated and professional traffic attorneys are ready to provide immediate assistance. We understand the demands of your profession and the time you spend on the road. Therefore, the majority of consultations can be conveniently conducted over the phone. We have multiple office locations to serve you. Feel free to submit your information through our website or call us today to discuss your case with a cdl speeding ticket lawyer. Contact us now, and let us put our extensive experience to work for you, protecting your CDL and your career.
