Getting a DUI With a CDL in Illinois

 Posted on May 05, 2025 in DUI

When you drive a commercial truck for a living, much is at stake if you are charged with drinking and driving. Because Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are responsible for valuable cargo and operate such heavy machinery, they are held to a higher standard than the average driver. Fighting a DUI charge as a CDL holder can be daunting on your own. A Wheaton, IL DUI defense attorney will fight aggressively to protect your rights and try to help you avoid a conviction that could negatively impact your career.

Higher Standards for CDL Holders in an Illinois DUI Case

According to the Illinois DUI Factbook, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a standard licensed driver in the state is 0.08 percent. It is illegal to drive at or above that limit. For commercial truck drivers, the standards are higher, with a legal limit of 0.04 percent. For the average male weighing 170 pounds, just two drinks can put you over the threshold for a CDL holder, and the consequences of a DUI conviction can be devastating.

If convicted, you could face stricter restrictions on your licence, including a one-year suspension. If you drive a truck that carries hazardous materials, the consequences could be even more severe, even for a first-time offense. For repeat offenses, you could have your CDL revoked permanently.

The Role of Implied Consent in an Illinois DUI Case

Under Illinois law, anyone in control of a motor vehicle on public highways consents to chemical testing, such as a blood or breath test, if suspected of driving under the influence. This implied consent law is even stricter for commercial drivers. For any driver, refusal to take a chemical test will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension. For a CDL holder, the suspension can halt your career in its tracks.

Possible Defenses for a CDL Holder Against an Illinois DUI Charge

If you have been charged with a DUI, finding the most appropriate defense for your case will depend on the circumstances of your arrest. However, some standard defenses commonly used in this situation include:

• Showing that the officer who pulled you over lacked probable cause for the stop

• Proving that the BAC test was inaccurate, poorly administered, or generally unreliable

• Showing that the field sobriety tests were not administered correctly or manipulated in some way

In certain cases, a successful defense can render evidence inadmissible in court and cause irreparable damage to the prosecution’s case.

Contact Our Wheaton, IL CDL DUI Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation Today

The DuPage County, IL commercial DUI defense lawyer at Davi Law Group, LLC can offer aggressive representation and a strategic approach to challenging a DUI charge. We have represented many commercial drivers facing DUIs and understand how to apply defensive strategies to these cases. Our job is to protect your rights and interests above all else. Call 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation today.