Suspended CDL in Illinois? | Lake & McHenry County CDL Defense Lawyer | AKL Legal LLC
If you drive for a living, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) isn’t just a piece of plastic—it’s your livelihood. When your CDL is suspended or revoked, your career, income, and independence are all at risk.
At AKL Legal, LLC in Grayslake, our Illinois CDL defense attorneys know how devastating these cases can be. Whether your suspension stems from a major offense, a serious traffic violation, or even something that happened while driving your personal vehicle, our goal is to protect your CDL and get you back on the road.
What Can Get Your CDL Suspended in Illinois?
Not all traffic violations are created equal. For CDL holders, many infractions carry harsher consequences and can trigger an automatic suspension. Our CDL suspension lawyers in Lake County, McHenry County, and suburban Cook County frequently defend drivers facing:
Major Offenses – Usually a 1-Year CDL Disqualification (First Offense)
These are the most severe and carry the toughest penalties:
DUI or operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
BAC of 0.04% or higher while driving a CMV
Refusing a BAC test
Leaving the scene of an accident
Causing a fatal crash due to negligent driving
DUI while operating a personal vehicle
Driving a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL
Repeat offenses can result in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
Serious Traffic Violations – 60-Day Suspension
Even less severe violations can pull you off the road:
Speeding 15+ mph over the limit
Reckless driving
Unsafe or improper lane changes
Following too closely
Driving without your CDL in possession
Operating a CMV without proper endorsements or classification
Using a phone or electronic device while driving
Railroad Crossing Violations
Federal law imposes strict CDL rules at railroad crossings. Violations can trigger a minimum 60-day suspension:
Failing to stop or slow before crossing
Not leaving enough room to clear tracks
Ignoring traffic signals or warning devices
CDL Suspension Hearings – You Have Options
If your CDL was suspended, you don’t have to accept it without a fight. With help from a skilled Illinois CDL defense lawyer, you can request a hearing through the Illinois Secretary of State.
Informal Hearings: For less severe violations (e.g., first-time DUI, no fatality). Walk-in basis, potential limited CDL privileges.
Formal Hearings: Required for major offenses. Application, $50 fee, and hearing before an officer who decides on reinstatement.
Our team at AKL Legal, LLC prepares strong cases for both informal and formal hearings to give you the best chance at reinstating your CDL.
How to Reinstate Your CDL in Illinois
Reinstatement depends on the violation and length of disqualification. Typical requirements include:
Completion of alcohol or drug counseling (if DUI-related)
Traffic safety school
Payment of reinstatement and CDL permit fees
Clearing up unpaid fines or obligations
60-day or 1-year suspensions: Reapply after the waiting period and meet all court/SOS requirements.
Lifetime disqualification: In some cases, reinstatement may be possible after 10 years plus a state-approved rehab program.
Don’t Face a CDL Suspension Alone. Call Grayslake CDL Defense ATtorney AKL Legal, LCC Today.
Losing your CDL can cost you your job, your paycheck, and your future—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At AKL Legal, LLC, we have nearly 20 years of experience defending CDL drivers in Lake County, McHenry County, and suburban Cook County. Whether you’re facing a suspension for DUI, a railroad crossing violation, or a major traffic offense, our attorneys know how to protect your license, challenge the evidence, and fight for your livelihood.
Call AKL Legal, LLC today at (847) 262-9888 for a free consultation. Let us help you get back behind the wheel where you belong.
