Learn How to Pay Chicago Parking and Traffic Tickets

Understanding Chicago Traffic and Parking Violations

Chicago issues thousands of parking and traffic citations each year. These violations range from parking meter violations to speeding, red light cameras, and unsafe lane changes. The Chicago Department of Finance handles parking citations, while the Illinois Secretary of State's office manages moving violations like speeding and reckless driving. Understanding the difference between these categories helps you know where to send payment or dispute information.

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Parking violations in Chicago include expired meters, parking in prohibited zones, blocking fire hydrants, parking in designated accessible spaces without proper permits, and parking in tow-away zones. Parking citations typically cost between $50 and $200 depending on the violation type. Traffic violations cover moving infractions such as speeding, running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, improper turns, and driving with an expired registration. These violations can range from $100 to several hundred dollars and may affect your driving record.

Each citation includes specific information: the violation code, the location where the violation occurred, the date and time, the officer badge number or camera number, and the amount owed. Chicago parking citations issued by meter readers or traffic enforcement officers show the Department of Finance as the issuing authority. Traffic citations issued by police officers show the Chicago Police Department or Illinois State Police as the issuing authority.

Practical takeaway: Locate your citation or violation notice and identify whether it's a parking citation or a traffic violation. Check the issuing authority listed on the document to understand which city or state agency processes the case.

How to Find Your Citation Information Online

The City of Chicago maintains an online system where you can search for your parking citations using your license plate number or citation number. Visit the Chicago Department of Finance website and use their citation lookup tool. You will need either the citation number printed on your ticket or your vehicle's license plate number. The system displays outstanding citations, amounts owed, payment options, and violation details. This resource is free and available 24 hours per day.

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For traffic violations issued by Chicago Police, you can contact the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Internal Affairs or visit their website for information about your specific case. If your violation involved a red light camera or speed camera, the citation will typically arrive by mail within 30 to 60 days. These automated citations include a photo or video of the violation, the camera location, the date and time, and your vehicle information.

If you received a citation but cannot locate your citation number or license plate information online, you can contact the Department of Finance by phone at (312) 744-4444 to request your citation details. Have your license plate number, driver's license number, and approximate violation date ready when you call. City staff can provide citation numbers, violation codes, and current amounts owed including any late fees or penalties that may have been added.

You can also visit the Department of Finance office in person at 121 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring your citation or any documentation you have related to the violation. Staff members can answer questions about your specific citation and explain payment or dispute options.

Practical takeaway: Use the online lookup tool on the City of Chicago website to find your citation number, violation details, and amount owed before pursuing payment or dispute options.

Payment Options for Chicago Parking Citations

Chicago offers several methods to pay parking citations. The most common and convenient method is online payment through the Department of Finance website. Visit the city's payment portal, enter your citation number or license plate number, and follow the instructions to pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer. Online payment processing typically takes one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number and email receipt upon successful payment.

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You can also pay by phone by calling the Department of Finance at (312) 744-4444. Have your citation number and payment method ready. Phone payments are available Monday through Friday during business hours. A staff member will process your payment and provide a confirmation number. Some payments made by phone may include a small processing fee.

Mail payment is another option. Write your citation number on the back of your check or money order and send it to: Department of Finance, 121 North LaSalle Street, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602. Include your name, address, phone number, and citation number with your payment. Allow 7 to 10 business days for mail processing. Keep a copy of your check or money order for your records.

In-person payment is available at the Department of Finance office at 121 North LaSalle Street. Bring your citation and cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Payment hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff can answer questions about your citation and process payment immediately.

Payment plans are available for citations over $300. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can contact the Department of Finance to arrange a payment plan. You must pay a portion of the violation by the deadline or request an extension. The city will work with you to establish a payment schedule based on your financial situation.

Practical takeaway: Choose the payment method that works best for your schedule. Online payment is fastest, while payment plans allow you to spread costs over time if the citation is substantial.

How to Dispute a Chicago Parking Citation

If you believe a parking citation was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it through Chicago's administrative hearing process. Most citations can be contested within a specific timeframe. The deadline to request a hearing varies but typically falls between 21 and 30 days from the citation date. Check your citation notice for the specific deadline applicable to your case.

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To request a hearing, submit a written request to the Department of Finance. You can mail a letter stating your case, email your dispute, or submit a request through the city's online system if available. Your request should include your citation number, the reason you believe the citation was issued in error, any supporting evidence (photographs, witness statements, or documentation), and your contact information. Be specific about why the violation was improper. For example, state whether the sign was obscured, whether you parked legally according to posted regulations, or whether the meter malfunction prevented payment.

Common reasons for disputing parking citations include: the parking sign was unclear or missing, the meter was broken and would not accept payment, you held a valid permit for the location, the citation was issued after the time limit expired, or the violation description is inaccurate. Document your dispute with clear evidence. If a meter was broken, obtain a statement from the city confirming it was out of service. If signs were unclear, take photographs showing the signage from multiple angles.

After submitting your dispute request, the Department of Finance will schedule an administrative hearing. You will receive a hearing date and location by mail. Hearings are typically held at the Department of Finance office or at a designated city hearing facility. You can attend in person, by phone, or by submitting written evidence only. Bring all documentation supporting your position. A city hearing officer will review the evidence and the citation details and issue a decision within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days after your hearing.

If the hearing decision goes against you, you may appeal to the Chicago License Appeals Commission or pursue further legal action through small claims court, depending on the violation amount and your circumstances. Contact a legal aid organization or attorney if you need guidance with the appeals process.

Practical takeaway: Submit a written dispute request within the deadline shown on your citation. Include specific reasons why you believe the citation was improper and attach evidence supporting your position.

How to Handle Traffic Violations and Moving Citations

Traffic violations for moving infractions—such as speeding, running a red light, or unsafe lane changes—are handled differently from parking citations. If a Chicago police officer issued the citation during a traffic stop, the citation will show the officer's badge number and the police district. If the citation came from a red light or speed camera, it will show the camera number and location. Most traffic citations must be addressed within 30 days or a failure-to-appear warrant may be issued.

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You have three main options for traffic violations: pay the fine, contest the citation in traffic court, or request court supervision. Paying the fine means admitting the violation. This is the quickest option but may result in points on your driving record, which can increase insurance rates. In Illinois, different violations carry different point values. Speeding can result in 5 to