How Is a Commercial Driver's License Affected By a Speeding Ticket?

 Posted on July 29, 2019 in Traffic Violations

Speeding is a rather common traffic offense in Illinois and throughout the United States. It is easy to speed, because in many cases, a person does not even realize they are going over the speed limit. Traveling over the speed limit may seem like a victimless offense, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed more than 9,700 people in 2017 alone, or around 26 percent of all people killed in traffic accidents that year. Because of the danger speeding poses, Illinois laws can be rather serious when it comes to punishing violators. Any person who speeds is technically breaking the law, but those who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may face other consequences that could potentially damage their careers.

Speeding Laws in Illinois

If you are driving a designated amount over the speed limit, you may face criminal charges. These speeding laws are the same whether or not you hold a CDL. If you are going 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit, but not more than 35 mph over the limit, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. This means you will face up to six months in jail and up to $1,500 with a minimum fine of $75. If you are caught going 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, meaning you will face up to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

Penalties for CDL Holders

Motorists who hold a CDL are held to a slightly higher standard than other drivers. Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are typically much larger than regular vehicles, so it is important that the people operating them be responsible and obey traffic laws. If you are a CDL holder, and you receive a speeding ticket for going 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit, you are considered to have committed a serious traffic violation, whether or not you were driving a CMV or your personal car at the time of the traffic stop. If you are convicted of two serious traffic violations within three years, your CDL will be disqualified for at least two months.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Traffic Ticket Attorney 

In some cases, driving a few miles over the speed limit is considered a moving violation. This means all you have to do is pay the ticket, receive a few points on your driving record, and move on. However, if you were caught speeding more than a few miles over the speed limit, you could be facing criminal charges, which are much more serious than just a moving violation, especially if you have a CDL. If you are facing misdemeanor charges for speeding, a skilled Rolling Meadows traffic violation lawyer can help. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law understands the penalties you face for a speeding charge, and he can help keep your driving record clear and your CDL intact. Call our office today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1815&ChapterID=49

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1999&ChapterID=55