Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

There are professional standards for drivers who hold commercial driver’s licenses.

Traffic offenses carry different implications for drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are professional drivers, who are held to professional driving standards in the state of Illinois

  • The Illinois Secretary of State classifies offenses while operating commercial vehicles as standard traffic offense, serious offense or major offense.

  • Standard traffic offenses incur penalties to all drivers in Illinois utilizing a driver point system. When a driver is assessed with multiple traffic offenses, their license is automatically suspended, or revoked if the offense is serious enough.

  • If your personal driver’s license is suspended or revoked, your commercial driver’s license will also be suspended or revoked.

Major Disqualifying Traffic Offense

  • A conviction for a major disqualifying offense, classified as a Major Traffic Violation (MTV) results in an automatic Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) disqualification regardless of whether the driver was operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) or a personal vehicle.

    • First offense: Loss of CDL for 1 year

    • Second Offense: Loss of CDL for Life

Major Traffic Violations (MTV)

  • Operating any vehicle with a BAC at or above .08 - 625 ILCS 5/11-501(A)(1)

  • Operating a CMV with a BAC at or above .04

  • A conviction for Driving under the Influence (DUI) - 625 ILCS 5/11-501

  • Refusing to take a breath test

  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident - 625 ILCS 5/11-401/402

  • A felony offense involving a motor vehicle

  • Negligent operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) resulting in a fatality

  • Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) when your license is revoked, suspended, disqualified or cancelled as a result of prior violations committed while operating a CMV - 625 ILCS 5/6-303

Serious Disqualifying Traffic Offenses

  • A serious traffic offense is less impactful than a major traffic offense but still carries serious consequences for professional drivers.

  • A conviction for a serious disqualifying traffic offense, classified as a Serious Traffic Violation (STV) results fixed term disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) regardless of whether the driver was operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) or a personal vehicle.

    • Two (2) STVs in a three (3) year period = Minimum 60-day disqualification

    • Three (3) or more STVs in a three (3) year period = Minimum 120-day disqualification

Serious Traffic Violations (STV)

  • Driving without a commercial driver’s license in possession - 625 ILCS 5/6-507(a)(1)

  • Texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle - 625 ILCS 5/6-526(a)

  • Using a hand held mobile phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle - 625 ILCS 5/6-527(a)

  • Reckless driving - 625 ILCS 5/11-503

  • Speeding 15-25 MPH above the limit - 625 ILCS 5/11-601(b)

  • Aggravated Speeding 26-34 MPH above the limit - 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a)

  • Aggravated Speeding 35 MPH or more above the limit - 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b)

  • Exceeding the maximum speed limit in a school zone - 625 ILCS 5/11-605(a)

  • Exceeding the maximum speed limit through a highway construction or maintenance zone - 625 ILCS 5/11-605(b)

  • Exceeding the maximum speed limit in a construction zone when workers are present - 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1

  • Exceeding the maximum speed limit in a construction zone when workers are not present - 625 ILC 5/11-605.1(a-5)

  • Improper center lane usage - 625 ILCS 5/11-709(b)

  • Improper lane usage - 625 ILCS 5/11-709(c)

  • Improper lane usage - 625 ILCS 5/11-709(d)

  • Following too closely - 625 ILCS 5/11-710

  • Using a wireless phone in a school or construction zone or within 500 feet of an emergency scene - 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1(e)

  • Using an electronic communications device - 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2(b)