Commercial Drivers and CDL Violations

 Posted on October 30, 2018 in Commercial Drivers License

If you are a professional driver, your commercial driver's license (CDL) is probably one of the most valuable documents you have. Without it, you cannot legally do your job and may suffer significant financial hardship. Getting a CDL is not something just anyone can do. As a CDL holder, you are held to a higher standard of driving conduct than those with standard driver’s licenses. If you are a professional driver in Illinois or hold a CDL for other reasons, it is imperative that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Read on to learn how traffic violations can put your commercial driver’s license at risk and what to do if you have been charged with a traffic violation.

Laws Are Stricter For Commercial Drivers

Most people with a CDL are tasked with transporting others or operating large vehicles like tractor-trailers, flatbeds, box trucks, buses, or dump trucks. Larger vehicles can obviously do much more damage than average-sized vehicles when operated in an unsafe manner. CDL holders have a greater responsibility to operate their commercial motor vehicle in a manner that protects the safety of pedestrians and other drivers. Consequently, commercial drivers face more severe punitive repercussions when they do commit a traffic violation. Traffic violations that could put your CDL in jeopardy include:

• Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without a valid CDL;
• Driving a CMV without the appropriate endorsements;
• Driving a CMV with a suspended, revoked, or expired CDL;
• Speeding (driving 15 mph or more above the speed limit);
• Reckless driving;
• Improper lane changes;
• Driving under the influence (DUI);
• Refusing a blood alcohol content or sobriety test;
• Leaving the scene of an accident;
• Negligent driving;
• Committing a felony while using a CMV; and
• Using a CMV to distribute or manufacture a controlled substance.

Penalties for Traffic Violations Committed By a Commercial Driver Can Be Severe

When an individual with a CDL is convicted of any of the above violations, they may lose their ability to legally operate a commercial vehicle. A CDL operator convicted of a serious or major traffic violation can face CDL suspension or revocation, driving record points, fines, job loss, higher insurance rates, and even jail time. The severity of the punishment will vary from case to case and is dependent on the severity and frequency of the traffic violations.

Let Us Help

If you hold a commercial driver’s license and have been convicted of a traffic violation, you may be in danger of losing your commercial driving privileges. Contact the experienced Rolling Meadows commercial driver's license violations lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley. Call 847-253-3100 to schedule a free initial case evaluation today.   Source: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+6+Art%2E+V&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=89900000&SeqEnd=93300000