Parking tickets in Chicago: Law Enforcement? Or, Criminal Act?

Question

In the past few months I've been ticketed 4 times and towed once. In the past 4 or 5 years I've probably been ticketed 25 plus times. All parking tickets. Yes, parking tickets are made to enforce the law and make it easier for residents and businesses to provide and find eligiable parking. However, I've lived in Chicago my entire life and from my perspective the parking situation is far from improving. In fact, parking in the city and not getting ticketed or towed is almost unavoidable. Parking restrictions are not displayed well enough and it's not always possible to get a pass visitor areas. I've paid upwards of $1,500 in parking fines in the city, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Where does all this money go? Is anything being done to make improvements? Or, is the city sticking a poles in the ground displaying a parking restriction and violators are just paying fines that go straight into some politicians pocket? In my opinion, it seems less like law enforcement, and more like greed.

Answer 1

To anyone not from chicago, your Q probably sounded like you were just complaining.

Sadly, that is far from the truth. Chicago parking and towing is really a scam. Several tow companies got caught with their pants down last year by the Sun-Times (i think, maybe tribune) basically towing random cars and holding auctioning them off. A lot of the current political scandal in the city has ties to the parking enforcement.

Some of the parking zones are good, such as around Wrigley for the residents, but many appear to be just random traps for unsuspecting drivers.

I managed to only get one ticket in three years by minimizing my driving and maximising the number of trips i made by el. Far too many people try to drive downtown when they live blocks from an el stop.

It is one of the more frustrating parking situations.

Answer 2

Why fix the problem? If the problem was fixed where would the money come from to replace the parking ticket money.

It is a choice, risk a ticket and the cost or park somewhere legal. It sounds like you decide when you park and have learned to live within the system.

I live in a small town in Arkansas. The revenue from traffic tickets here is 3 million dollars per year. So if you get a ticket for something you did not do, too bad.

If you plead not guilty you will be found guilty, no matter how much proof you have and they will increase the amount you have to pay versus just paying the fine.

Nothing in this country, or world is fair when money is concerned.

On my last ticket I went for the community service. I had just had surgery so I got a note from my doc approving putting off the time I had to do. The lady at the court agreed and postponed it. When her jerk boss saw it he did not agree with my doctor, withdrew the extention and placed a warrant for my arrest. I went in and he told me I either started the next day, paid the fine or went to jail. Then he had me sign a statement saying I would not sue the city for any injury that happened while I was doing my community service.

So my choice was to do it or go to jail because I had no money. He let all the other people go home each day after two hours that were disabled like I am, he kept me until my 8 hours were up each day.

Answer 3

The funds of coming from the parking tickets are most likely used to maintain Traffic Court as in most states.

Answer 4

http://www.chicagoparkingmap.com/?engine=overture!6255&keyword=chicago+parking+garages

If you're paying that much in parking violations & towing, I'd recommend paying for monthly parking. Maybe you could share the parking space expense with your friends?

Answer 5

I feel u brotha. Ive been booted. Now on the payment plan. I think we might be supportin Mayor Daleys coke habit.

Answer 6

What's your point? You think just because you're inconvenienced this should give you the right to break the law? Give up your private vehicle and take mass transit.