Good news, speed demons: if you have traffic ticket debt from 2023 or earlier, you may qualify to get those late fees and penalties waived, thanks to Chicago's new Vehicle Violation Debt Relief Program. All motorists can participate in the program, regardless of income, so long as their ticket meets the eligible violations criteria.
RECOMMENDED: New study ranks Chicago as one of the worst cities in the world for traffic
From now through Monday, June 30, Chicago drivers can have their penalties and fees temporarily waived for eligible parking, standing, compliance (think expired registration, expired city stickers, etc.), and automated speed and red-light camera violations—they just have to pay those original fines within the next three months and their lingering debt will be wiped clean. Let's be clear: your actual ticket fee will not be waived—only associated late payments will be dismissed.
"Penalties and fees eligible for waiver include but are not limited to late payment penalties; collection costs; and returned check, default, tow, storage and boot fees with limited exceptions," reads the city's government website.
Do note, though, that the ticket relief program does not extend to expired parking meter violations or "cases where the city has filed a case in a court or has initiated administrative proceedings to collect the debt."
And while you are eligible for the debt relief if your car has been impounded, the "impounded vehicle release fees will not be waived," which means you'll still have to pay for the boot, tow, storage and any other fees associated with the release of your vehicle.
“To Chicagoans who have old ticket debt, this is your chance for a fresh start,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said during a Tuesday press conference announcing the limited-time program, reports Block Club Chicago. “So, do not wait.”
Earlier this week, the mayor's administration also announced another traffic program that will affect Chicago-area drivers: the installation of 16 new speed cameras, which went live on April 1 and are already issuing warning tickets throughout the city. They're reportedly part of 50 total cameras expected to be installed this year by the Chicago Department of Transportation.
So, drive safe (and slow!) Chicagoans! If you have late fees and penalties that you want to pay off before the June 30, 2025 deadline, you can do so online here or go to one of the City of Chicago Payment Centers to take care of it in-person.