A DUI charge for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder in Illinois is far more devastating than for regular drivers — even a first offense can disqualify your CDL for a year or lifetime. As a Will County DUI lawyer with over 20 years of experience, including my time as a former Will County prosecutor, I’ve defended many truck drivers, bus operators, and delivery professionals against CDL-threatening DUI arrests in Joliet and on I-80/I-55 corridors. At the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, we focus on protecting both your criminal record and your livelihood. In this blog post, we’ll cover CDL-specific DUI laws, disqualification periods, unique defenses, and steps to fight for reinstatement in 2025. For related reading, see our posts on aggravated DUI defense and cannabis DUI .
CDL DUI Laws and Disqualification Periods in Illinois
Illinois adopts federal CDL standards (625 ILCS 5/6-514) with zero tolerance:
- BAC ≥ 0.04 in a commercial vehicle = 1-year CDL disqualification (3 years if transporting hazmat)
- BAC ≥ 0.08 or any detectable controlled substance in any vehicle = 1-year CDL disqualification
- Second lifetime DUI (any vehicle) = lifetime CDL disqualification (no hardship permit allowed)
- Refusal to test = 1-year disqualification (same as conviction)
In Will County, truck stops, weigh stations, and delivery routes are heavily patrolled. A single arrest can end a career. For the full CDL statute, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code – Commercial Driver’s License .
In 2025, FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse continues to report every DUI nationwide, making concealment impossible.
Penalties Beyond CDL Loss
- Criminal penalties identical to regular DUI (jail, fines up to $25,000, felony possible)
- Statutory summary suspension of your regular Class D license
- Employer termination or refusal to hire
- Skyrocketing personal and commercial insurance rates
Many carriers fire immediately upon arrest, not conviction.
Defense Strategies Specific to CDL Holders
The goal is to avoid a DUI conviction at all costs:
- Challenge the initial stop (commercial vehicles are often stopped for minor equipment violations)
- Attack breath/blood test procedures (DOT rules are stricter than regular DUI)
- Argue the driver was not “operating” the commercial vehicle at the time
- Negotiate reduction to reckless driving or defective equipment (preserves CDL)
- Seek court supervision on the criminal case (still disqualifies CDL, but less severe for future employment)
In Joliet-area cases, we’ve saved CDLs by proving the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or that testing violated federal protocols.
Steps to Protect and Reinstate Your CDL
- Fight the criminal case aggressively — a non-DUI disposition can prevent disqualification.
- If convicted, apply for a lifetime disqualification hardship hearing after 10 years (very difficult to win).
- Complete all alcohol/drug evaluations and treatment to strengthen future petitions.
- Secure SR-22 and BAIID for your regular license while CDL is disqualified.
We’ve helped Will County CDL holders keep their jobs by obtaining reckless driving reductions and immediate work permits.
Why You Need a CDL-Focused DUI Attorney
Regular DUI lawyers often don’t understand federal disqualification rules. My prosecutorial background and specific experience with commercial cases give you the best chance to save both your freedom and your career.
If you hold a CDL and were arrested for DUI in Will County, contact the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba immediately for a free consultation. Visit our contact page or call our Joliet office — we’re available 24/7 for commercial drivers. Protect your livelihood in 2025.
