On January 10th, a tractor-trailer struck a guardrail on Interstate 57 and overturned, spilling a hazardous chemical across the highway. The hazardous material, chloroacetyl chloride, emitted a toxic vapor cloud and forced authorities to shut down the Interstate from Farina to Kinmundy. Several families in nearby homes were forced to evacuate. After a three day cleanup effort by hazmat crews, the Illinois State Police declared the area safe, and reopened the Interstate. The driver of the tractor-trailer will likely face charges as a result of the incident.
Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a serious task, and Illinois criminal law holds those with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to higher standards than regular drivers. CDL holders face harsher penalties and punishments for traffic violations to the extent that, even if a CDL holder is driving a non-CMV, conviction of a serious traffic violation may result in the state disqualifying or suspending the CDL.
Examples of serious traffic violations include:
- Reckless driving
- Improper or erratic traffic lane changes
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Driving 15 miles per hour or more above the legal speed limit
If a CDL holder is convicted of two serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents committed in a CMV within a three year period, the CDL disqualification can last for at least two months. If a CDL holder is convicted of three serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents committed in a CMV within a three year period, the CDL disqualification will be for at least four months.
It is important to note that Illinois law broadly defines conviction, and even admitting guilt by paying a traffic ticket can constitute a conviction. CDL holders must be cautious when dealing with traffic violations. By mailing in a payment, a CDL holder is risking his or her license, insurance and income.
If you are a CDL holder facing any kind of traffic violation, it’s important to contact a qualified attorney to preserve your rights.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Paul Chatzky is fluent in Spanish and English, enabling him to effectively represent a wider range of individuals and families. He is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, and is listed among Illinois Super Lawyers, which is a reflection of his high ethical standards and exceptional legal knowledge. As a…
Prior to joining the firm as a paralegal, Debbie was employed by major banking institutions as a loan processor and as an executive secretary. Debbie was also employed as an administrative assistant for the Board of Jewish Education. Having majored in Sociology, Debbie graduated from the University of Florida in 1980. Debbie completed her studies…
-
5.0/5.0Paul Chatzky is well educated, knows in and outs in terms of law, keeps everything under control, responds to emails, returns phone calls almost immediately. Very professional and extremely detail-oriented lawyer. Highly recommended.
-
5.0/5.0
Mr. Chatzky is very responsive, ethical and effective. I’m extremely happy with the service and I would highly recommend this law office to anyone seeking legal help
-
5.0/5.0
Mr. Chatzky is truly superb at his job. His knowledge base is profound, and he approached my situation with honesty and integrity. I knew immediately that he had every intention to obtain the best outcome for me and that he had thought of every possi...
-
5.0/5.0
I highly recommend Paul Chatzky as a high capable and honest attorney who genuinely cares about his clients and is highly committed to supporting their best interests. He lived up to the high expectations that I had and was willing as hard as me to m...
-
5.0/5.0
Paul Chatzky is always very responsive, professional, and a pleasure to work with.
