How a Speeding Violation Can Affect Your CDL License

 Posted on June 11, 2025 in Traffic Violations

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate large, heavy, or hazardous materials vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, delivery trucks, and tankers, while a non-commercial license is used for personal vehicles, motorcycles, and small trucks. There are three classes of CDL licenses.

A Class A CDL is for vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds, like flatbeds, tractor-trailers, and livestock carriers. A Class B CDL is also for vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds, but is primarily for school buses, trailers, and dump trucks. A Class C CDL is for any vehicle that does not fit in either a Class A or Class B license category but carries more than 16 passengers or is designated as hazmat.  

There are approximately 1,198,085 CDL Class A drivers who are currently employed; 93.2 percent of these drivers are males and 6.8 percent are females. There are more than 661,446 Class B CDL drivers, with 90 percent male and 10 percent female. Class B CDL drivers are the highest-paid drivers in the construction industry. CDL license holders are held to higher standards, including 0.04 percent BAC rather than 0.08 percent BAC where DUI charges are concerned.

Since a CDL driver’s paycheck depends on his or her license, losing that license can be devastating. If you are facing a traffic or DUI offense that could potentially cause you to lose your CDL license, it can be beneficial to speak to an experienced Kane County, IL CDL violations lawyer.

How Could a Speeding Ticket Result in the Loss of a CDL License?

Under Illinois law, a CDL driver can lose his or her CDL license after committing two serious traffic violations within a three-year period or three traffic violations within a three-year period. Two serious traffic violations within three years will lead to a minimum two-month CDL license suspension, while three violations will result in a minimum of four months suspension.

A first-time DUI results in a one-year suspension of the driver’s CDL license, while a second DUI usually results in the permanent revocation of the driver’s CDL license. "Serious" traffic violations include:

Exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph over the posted speed limit

• Reckless driving
• Improper passing
• Improper lane usage
• Texting while driving
• Using a cell phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle
• Following too closely

What if a CDL Driver Receives a Traffic Violation in His or Her Personal Vehicle?

The CDL license is tied to the person, not the vehicle they happen to be driving at the time of a traffic violation. No matter whether a CDL driver is in his or her personal vehicle or driving in the state of Illinois or outside the state, any traffic violation the driver receives counts against his or her CDL license.

Speeding Violations That Could Potentially Cause the Loss of a CDL License

There are some speeding violations that could, on their own, result in the loss of a driver’s CDL license, including:

• Speeding in a construction or work zone
• Excessive speeding of more than 15 mph over the speed limit
• Speeding in a school zone

Contact a DuPage County, IL CDL Violations Attorney

If you are facing the potential loss of your CDL license, contacting a Naperville, IL CDL violations lawyer from Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC could be the best step you can take. Attorney Magana has in-depth knowledge of CDL licensing requirements, and with over 15 years of experience, she will work aggressively to protect your CDL license. Call 630-448-2001 to schedule your free consultation. Se Habla Español.