Crime & Law

Chicago Drivers With Eligible Ticket Debt Can Have Late Fees Waived Under New Program

Chicago drivers with eligible ticket debt will be able to pay off their debt in the next three months without incurring any late penalties, interest or additional fees as part of a new program launched Tuesday by the mayor’s office.

To qualify for the program, the ticket debt owed must be issued on or before Dec. 31, 2023, for the following violations:

• Non-meter parking tickets and standing violations (ex: parked with the driver inside)
• Compliance violations (ex: expired registration, missing city sticker or license plate)
• Automated speed and red-light camera tickets

Tickets enrolled in a payment plan are also eligible for the program. Payments must be made in full by June 30 to avoid late fees and interest.

Chicago is aiming to generate $16.5 million through the program, according to the city budget.

The program does not include expired parking meter violations and any violation where the city has filed a case in court or initiated administrative proceedings to collect the debt, according to a news release.

The city also includes the following driveway and sign-related commercial violations as part of debt relief efforts:

• Not paying the required driveway permit fees
• Not securing a permit to use or build on the public way
• Improper construction of a driveway over a sidewalk

For the entire month of April, the Office of the City Clerk is also waiving late penalties for city stickers to make it easier for drivers to comply with the city’s wheel tax ordinance, which requires residents with vehicles to purchase a city sticker.

The launch of Chicago's amnesty program comes as the city began to issue warning notices for 16 newly installed speed cameras near parks and schools, before fines are scheduled to begin.

To learn more about the program, visit the city’s website.

Heather Cherone contributed to this report.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]

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