What defines a 'major traffic offense' according to the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC)?

In the context of the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC), a 'major traffic offense' is characterized specifically as an offense that is punishable by less than a year in prison and is not classified as petty. This definition is crucial as it distinguishes major traffic offenses from minor infractions or petty offenses, which typically result in less severe penalties. Such distinctions are important for law enforcement and legal proceedings, as they determine the consequences for offenders, including fines, point assessments, and potential impacts on driving privileges.

By identifying the specific criteria for what constitutes a major traffic offense, the IVC ensures that more serious violations, which can pose greater risks to public safety, are appropriately categorized and penalized. In this sense, option C aligns with the IVC's treatment of offenses that warrant significant attention without ascending to the level of a felony or an offense that carries a potential for more than a year of imprisonment.

The other answer choices do not align with the specific definitions set forth in the IVC. For instance, the option pertaining to offenses punishable by one year or more in prison classifies these offenses differently, and business offenses represent a different category with distinct implications for regulatory compliance rather than focusing solely on traffic violations. Furthermore, the option regarding immediate revocation