Common CDL Violations

For commercial truck drivers, holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not just a privilege but also a significant responsibility. However, navigating the complex regulations governing commercial driving can be challenging, and even the most experienced drivers can find themselves facing CDL violations. We will discuss some of the most common CDL violations encountered by commercial drivers, shedding light on the implications of these infractions and the importance of compliance with traffic laws to maintain safety on our roadways.

If you’re a commercial truck driver facing CDL violations or any other traffic-related issues, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Our team of experienced attorneys knows traffic law and is here to provide the guidance and representation you need.

Call us today at (847) 359-4005 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively. Your driving privileges and livelihood are our Rolling Meadows traffic attorneys‘ top priority, and we’re committed to advocating for the best possible outcome in your case.

Speeding Violations

In Illinois, CDL holders are subject to various types of speeding violations, each with its own set of penalties and consequences. Here are some common types of speeding violations for CDL drivers in Illinois:

1. Speeding in a Construction Zone: Speeding in a construction zone is a serious offense, particularly for CDL drivers. Illinois imposes enhanced penalties for speeding violations committed in designated construction zones, including higher fines and potential license suspension.
2. Excessive Speeding: Excessive speeding refers to driving at a speed significantly higher than the posted limit. CDL holders who are caught excessively speeding may face harsher penalties, including higher fines, points on their driving record, and potential license suspension.
3. Speeding in School Zones: Speeding in school zones is another serious offense that carries severe penalties, especially for CDL drivers. Illinois imposes strict penalties for speeding violations committed in school zones, as the safety of children is a top priority.
4. Speeding in Work Zones: Similar to construction zones, speeding in work zones is considered a significant offense due to the increased risk to workers and motorists. CDL holders caught speeding in work zones may face enhanced penalties, including hefty fines and potential license suspension.

It’s essential for CDL drivers to adhere to posted speed limits and exercise caution while operating commercial vehicles in Illinois. Violating speeding laws can result in severe consequences, including fines, points on the driving record, and potential loss of driving privileges. Seeking legal guidance from a knowledgeable traffic attorney can help CDL holders understand their rights and options for mitigating the consequences of speeding violations.

Improper Lane Usage

In Illinois, improper lane usage is a traffic violation that occurs when a driver fails to stay within their designated lane or crosses over lane markings without signaling. The penalties for improper lane usage can vary depending on the circumstances of the violation and any resulting accidents or injuries. Here are the typical penalties for improper lane usage in Illinois:

1. Fines: The fine for improper lane usage in Illinois can vary depending on the severity of the offense and any aggravating factors. Typically, fines range from $75 to $150 for a first offense.
2. Points on Driving Record: Conviction for improper lane usage typically results in the assessment of points on the driver’s record. In Illinois, this violation typically results in the assessment of 20 points on the driver’s record.
3. Potential License Suspension: While a single conviction for improper lane usage is unlikely to result in license suspension, accumulating too many points on the driving record can lead to license suspension or revocation.
4. Increased Insurance Costs: Convictions for traffic violations like improper lane usage can lead to higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies may view drivers with a history of traffic violations as higher risk and adjust their premiums accordingly.
5. Traffic School: In some cases, individuals convicted of improper lane usage may be required to attend traffic school or defensive driving courses as part of their penalty.

It’s important for drivers to understand and adhere to Illinois traffic laws, including those related to lane usage, to avoid violations and potential penalties. If facing charges for improper lane usage, seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable traffic attorney can help individuals understand their rights and options for minimizing the consequences of the violation.

 Weight Violations

Common truck weight-related violations CDL drivers may be ticketed for include:

Not Stopping in Weigh Stations

Skipping weigh stations when required for commercial drivers can result in significant penalties in Illinois. The penalties may vary depending on the circumstances and the frequency of the violation. Here are some potential penalties for CDL drivers who skip weigh stations in Illinois:

1. Fines: Commercial drivers who fail to stop at weigh stations when required may face fines imposed by the Illinois State Police or other law enforcement agencies. These fines can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the violation and any prior offenses.
2. Citations and Violations: Skipping weigh stations can result in citations or violations being issued to the CDL driver and their employer. These citations may be recorded on the driver’s record and can affect their driving privileges, insurance rates, and employment opportunities.
3. License Suspension or Revocation: Repeated violations of weigh station regulations or other commercial vehicle laws can lead to the suspension or revocation of a CDL. This can have serious consequences for the driver’s ability to work in the commercial driving industry.
4. Increased Scrutiny: Commercial drivers who skip weigh stations may attract increased attention from law enforcement agencies. This can result in more frequent inspections, roadside checks, and potential penalties for other violations.
5. Legal Consequences for Employers: In addition to penalties for the driver, employers of commercial drivers who fail to comply with weigh station regulations may also face legal consequences, including fines, sanctions, or restrictions on their operating authority.

It’s essential for CDL drivers to understand and comply with all weigh station regulations to avoid these penalties and ensure safety on the road. If you’re facing penalties for skipping weigh stations or other commercial vehicle violations in Illinois, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from an experienced traffic attorney who can advocate for your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

Driving an Overloaded Vehicle

Driving an overweight truck in Illinois can result in significant penalties due to safety concerns and potential damage to road infrastructure. Penalties for driving an overweight truck may include:

1. Fines: Truck drivers found operating vehicles exceeding the legal weight limits in Illinois may face fines. These fines can vary depending on the extent of the overweight violation and may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
2. Citations and Violations: Operating an overweight truck can lead to citations or violations being issued to the driver and their employer. These citations may be recorded on the driver’s record and can impact their driving privileges, insurance rates, and employment opportunities.
3. Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, law enforcement authorities may impound the overweight truck until fines are paid or corrective actions are taken to bring the vehicle into compliance with weight regulations.
4. Increased Scrutiny: Truck drivers operating overweight vehicles may attract increased attention from law enforcement agencies, leading to more frequent inspections, roadside checks, and potential penalties for other violations.
5. Legal Consequences for Employers: Employers of truck drivers operating overweight vehicles may also face legal consequences, including fines, sanctions, or restrictions on their operating authority.

It’s crucial for truck drivers and trucking companies to comply with all weight regulations to avoid these penalties and ensure road safety. If facing penalties for operating an overweight truck in Illinois, seeking legal counsel from a knowledgeable traffic attorney is advisable to protect one’s rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

 Hours of Service Violations

There are local hours of service laws in Illinois and federal regulations enforced nationwide. Here are some key aspects:

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets HOS regulations for interstate truck drivers. These regulations include limits on driving hours and mandatory rest periods to prevent driver fatigue. Key provisions include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Duty Limit: Drivers are limited to a total of 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time, including driving and non-driving tasks, after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 60/70-Hour Duty Limit: Drivers may not drive after being on duty for 60/70 hours in a 7/8 consecutive day period. They may restart a 7/8 day period after taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Illinois Regulations

Illinois typically adopts federal HOS regulations for interstate truck drivers. However, for intrastate (within the state) trucking operations, Illinois may have additional or different regulations. These regulations may include specific requirements for maximum driving hours, rest breaks, and duty limits.

• Enforcement and Compliance: Both federal and state authorities enforce HOS regulations through roadside inspections and electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis. Non-compliance with HOS regulations can result in fines, penalties, and potentially loss of commercial driving privileges.
• Safety and Compliance: Trucking companies and drivers must prioritize safety and compliance with HOS regulations to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by driver fatigue. Proper scheduling, adherence to rest requirements, and effective use of ELDs are essential for ensuring compliance with these regulations.

It’s crucial for truck drivers and trucking companies to understand and adhere to both federal and state HOS regulations to ensure safety on the roads and avoid legal consequences. Consulting with a knowledgeable transportation attorney can provide guidance on compliance and address any legal issues related to truck driver work shift laws.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is typically classified as a misdemeanor offense in Illinois. However, in certain cases involving aggravated factors, such as excessive speed or reckless disregard for safety, it may be charged as a felony. Conviction for reckless driving can result in fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense in Illinois. Subsequent offenses may carry higher fines. In addition to fines, individuals convicted of reckless driving may face incarceration. A first offense can result in up to one year in jail, while subsequent offenses may lead to longer periods of imprisonment.

Reckless driving convictions often result in the suspension of the offender’s driver’s license. The length of the suspension may vary depending on the severity of the offense and any previous traffic violations on the individual’s record. They also typically result in the assessment of points on the offender’s driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension.

In some cases, individuals convicted of reckless driving may be placed on probation, during which they must comply with specific conditions set by the court. Courts may also impose community service as part of the penalties for reckless driving, requiring offenders to perform a certain number of hours of community service work.

It’s important to note that the penalties for reckless driving in Illinois can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense and the discretion of the court. Additionally, reckless driving convictions can have long-term consequences, including difficulty obtaining employment or housing and damage to one’s reputation. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals facing charges of reckless driving to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who can advocate for their rights and help mitigate the potential consequences of the offense.

How Dohman Law Can Help With CDL Violations

Whether it’s speeding, improper lane usage, or failure to comply with work shift regulations, any driver violation can have serious consequences. If you find yourself facing CDL violations, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance from experienced attorneys who practice in traffic law. Our team at Dohman Law is dedicated to helping CDL holders navigate the complexities of traffic violations and defend their rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today for legal assistance and protect your driving record and livelihood.