Dealing with a loss of license is difficult, but it becomes especially difficult when your license is what allows you to work. If your regular base license is suspended, this is a commercial license disqualification under Illinois license law.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take and one suspension does not mean you will never have a CDL again. A skilled CDL reinstatement attorney in Will County can guide you through the steps of this process to ensure a favorable outcome.
Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring all legal requirements are met and advocating on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation call us at (708) 274-4499 and take the first step towards getting your CDL reinstated and securing your professional future.
Understanding the Process of CDL Reinstatement
The process for CDL reinstatement in Illinois will vary depending on whether your license has been temporarily suspended or revoked.
First, something that is very important to understand is that when CDL license holders have CDL license suspensions, it is actually the regular license that is being suspended or revoked. To have a CDL, you have to have a regular license as well and the CDL is just an add-on.
With a license suspension, you will need to wait for the suspension period to be over and then you will be able to go through an informal hearing, also known as an administrative hearing, to apply for your license.
If you have faced a lifetime disqualification you can still get your commercial driving privileges, but not for many years. After 10 years you will be able to apply for a reinstatement by going to a formal hearing and paying the reinstatement fees. Keep in mind that even with this, they may choose to not reinstate your CDL.
If your request is approved in either scenario, you will receive a notice that it has been approved. At that point, you will be eligible to renew your CDL and get back to driving.
Common Reasons for CDL Suspension or Revocation in Illinois
There are many reasons that your commercial driver's license could be suspended or revoked in Illinois. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- A fatal accident
- Fleeing the accident scene
- Major traffic violations
Each of these comes with a different minimum period of suspension based on the severity of the violation.
For example, major offenses like a fatal accident, especially when something like drug abuse or alcohol abuse issues was a factor, will often lead to a full CDL revocation. However, something like excessive speeding may only get a suspension of a couple of months.
Consequences of Driving With a Suspended or Revoked CDL
If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked CDL, there can be some major consequences. Your suspension can be extended or even changed so it is a lifetime revocation, making it even more difficult to reapply for your CDL.
Driving with a suspended commercial motor vehicle license is also considered a criminal offense. This means that you can also be met with hefty fines and even jail time for subsequent violations. It will also place a permanent mark on your driving history, making it more difficult to renew your CDL after the period of time is complete.
Initial Steps to Take After CDL Suspension
After your CDL suspension, the first thing you will want to do is check how long your suspension period is. Before you can get your commercial driving privileges back, you will need to wait for this period to end.
If it is a relatively short suspension of only a few months, you can go ahead and start looking for license reinstatement attorneys. An experienced license reinstatement attorney will be able to guide you through the application process and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
This is especially important if you are dealing with a long-term suspension or license revocation where you will need to present more evidence in the courtroom.
If both your commercial vehicle driver's license and regular driver's license were revoked, you may be able to apply for limited driving privileges through a restricted driving permit.
Requirements for CDL Reinstatement
For your CDL to be reinstated, there are a couple of requirements that need to be met.
First and foremost, the suspension period must be over. In the case of a revocation, 10 years need to have passed before you can start the process of applying for a reinstatement. Until that period has passed, you will simply need to wait things out.
After checking that the disqualification periods have passed, you will need to make sure that you still meet the eligibility requirements to have a CDL in the state of Illinois. For example, one of these requirements is to hold a Non-Commercial Motor Vehicle License. If that license is also suspended, you will need to have it reinstated before you can reapply for your CDL as this is considered a commercial license disqualification.
Depending on the nature of the suspension, you may also have to complete certain legal requirements before you can apply. For example, with a reckless driving conviction, you may be required to take a defensive driving course to improve your driving abilities before you are allowed back on the roads.
In the case of a DUI-related offense, you may be required to attend alcohol counseling, an alcohol awareness program, or an alcohol abuse treatment program. You may also be required to use an alcohol ignition interlock device while driving for a certain period of time. This device will require you to test your blood alcohol concentration before it allows you to start the engine. If your blood alcohol content is over the legal limit, the device will lock your ignition and you won't be able to start the vehicle.
Keep in mind that if you have had multiple suspensions due to alcohol dependency and it is determined that it is an ongoing problem, you may no longer be eligible for a CDL.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your CDL Reinstated?
In addition to all of the paperwork and the informal hearing, you will need to pay an application fee. The exact price will vary depending on the nature of the violation and which type of license hearing you will need. For example, a criminal or DUI-related suspension will have a lot more fees that you need to pay before you can get your license back. However, the final license reinstatement fees will usually range between $60 and $500.
If your CDL expires during the time of the suspension, you will also need to pay for your CDL to be renewed. This fee is a total of $60 and will need to be paid on top of all of the other reinstatement fees.
How Long Does it Take to Reinstate a CDL in Illinois?
If you are counting the length of time from the end of your suspension period to when you get your license back, the reinstatement process can range in length from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. This will all depend on the volume of work that the department has received and how long it takes for all the necessary parties to assemble their documentation.
If you have a successful hearing, then it is simply a matter of time until you receive notice of your license reinstatement and are cleared to drive again.
Working with a defense attorney can help speed up this process with their in-depth knowledge of both federal guidelines and local license law.
Do I Need an Attorney to Reinstate my License?
Technically, you do not need an attorney to reinstate your license. However, it is highly recommended, especially if you will go through a hearing for reinstatement.
Illinois CDL reinstatement lawyers know all the ins and outs of the license reinstatements, both with CDL and Class D licenses. They understand the different factors that come into play and know how to work with the actual hearing officer to get the best possible results in your case.
If you run into any difficulties during the application process, experienced lawyers will be able to help you troubleshoot and figure out a solution as quickly as possible.
If you are dealing with a suspended or revoked CDL, The Law Office of Peter A. Buh can help. Contact us at (708) 274-4499 for a free initial consultation with our experienced attorneys so we can get you back on the roads with a clean driving record.