Will I Lose My CDL for a DUI in Illinois?

 Posted on June 19, 2025 in DUI

In Illinois, commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can have their license suspended or revoked for at least one year. For many, that can mean losing employment and the ability to support their family. If you are facing DUI charges as a CDL holder, you should speak with an experienced Aurora, IL CDL DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your license and career. You have the right to challenge the charges against you, and legal counsel is essential for building a strong DUI defense strategy.

What Happens To Your CDL After a DUI in Illinois?

Illinois law is stricter for CDL holders because they are held to a higher standard of safety. Statute 625 ILCS 5/6-514 dictates the regulations for CDL disqualification following a DUI, and it states that operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent or any amount of substance or drug in the blood automatically disqualifies someone from driving a commercial motor vehicle for at least 12 months for a first-time offense. The time increases to three years if the driver transports hazardous materials. A second offense can lead to the permanent loss of commercial driving privileges, with a possibility of reinstatement after 10 years.

DUI While Driving a Personal Vehicle as a CDL Holder in Illinois

The disqualification statute mentions that a DUI in any type of motor vehicle results in a minimum one-year suspension. The state does not distinguish between commercial and personal driving when it comes to DUI penalties for CDL holders. That means that a mistake made off-duty can cost you your commercial driving privileges and your standard driver’s license.

Can You Fight a CDL DUI and Keep Your License in Illinois?

Not all DUI charges lead to convictions. You may have a viable defense under certain conditions:

• Lack of reasonable suspicion for the stop: Police must have a lawful reason, known as reasonable suspicion, to initiate a traffic stop. If the stop was made without justification, the evidence could be suppressed.

• Lack of probable cause for DUI arrest: Even if the stop was legal, Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 mandates that officers must have probable cause to believe you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to request a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test. Without probable cause, you can challenge the arrest and the chemical test.

• Inaccurate or improperly administered test: A faulty breath test or mishandled blood test can undermine the reliability of your BAC results. With sufficient evidence of improper test administration, your attorney can challenge those results.

• Medical conditions or external factors: Certain health issues, such as diabetes or GERD, can mimic signs of intoxication and produce a false positive chemical test. External factors, like mouthwash or certain medications, can do the same. 

An experienced CDL DUI defense lawyer can help you identify weaknesses in the evidence against you and build a defense strategy to challenge the charge.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Elgin, IL DUI Defense Attorney Today

If you are a commercial driver facing a DUI charge in Illinois, you cannot afford to take chances with your defense. The penalties for CDL holders are severe, but the Kane County, IL CDL DUI defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola understands how prosecutors build these cases and knows where to look for evidence to dismantle them. Call 847-488-0889 today to schedule your free consultation and find out how Attorney Mirandola can help you.