Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago’s Commercial Driving Industry and DUI Enforcement
Chicago’s role as a national transportation hub means thousands of commercial drivers pass through the city every day, hauling freight along I-90, I-94, I-55, and countless other routes. Whether you drive long-haul semi-trucks, local delivery vans, or buses, your CDL is your ticket to earning a living. A DUI arrest puts that at risk immediately — sometimes before you’ve even had a chance to defend yourself in court.
For commercial drivers, the rules are stricter. Illinois law sets the BAC limit at 0.04% when operating a commercial vehicle. Even if you’re driving your personal car, a DUI arrest with a BAC of 0.08% or more can result in a CDL disqualification. These lower thresholds mean that CDL holders can face charges in situations where a non-commercial driver might be allowed to drive home.
