How Much Is a Parking Ticket in Chicago?
Parking tickets in Chicago range from $36 to $64. An expired meter costs $46. The most expensive violation is double parked at $64. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
Quick Answer
The most common parking ticket in Chicago is expired meter at $46. The most expensive is double parked at $64.
All Parking Fine Amounts in Chicago
| Violation | Fine | Late Fee (30+ days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Parked | $64 | $96 | Parked alongside another vehicle already at the curb |
| Fire Lane | $61 | $92 | Parked in a designated fire lane |
| Expired Registration | $61 | $92 | Vehicle parked on public street with expired registration |
| Too Far from Curb | $60 | $90 | Parked more than 12-18 inches from the curb (varies by city) |
| No Stopping Zone | $59 | $89 | Vehicle stopped for any reason in a no-stopping zone |
| Wrong Direction | $56 | $84 | Parked facing against the direction of traffic |
| Bus Lane / Bus Stop | $55 | $83 | Parked or stopped in a designated bus lane or bus stop |
| Sidewalk | $52 | $78 | Vehicle parked on or blocking a sidewalk |
| Blocking Driveway | $52 | $78 | Parked across or blocking a private driveway |
| Unpaid Meter | $52 | $78 | Failed to pay any amount at a metered space |
| Street Cleaning Violation | $50 | $75 | Parked during posted street sweeping hours |
| School Zone | $50 | $75 | Parked in a school zone during restricted hours |
| Overtime Parking | $49 | $74 | Exceeded posted time limit in a time-restricted zone |
| No Parking Zone | $49 | $74 | Parked in a signed no-parking area |
| Crosswalk | $48 | $72 | Parked within a marked crosswalk or within 20 feet of one |
| Expired Meter | $46 | $69 | Time on a metered space has expired |
| Commercial Zone | $44 | $66 | Non-commercial vehicle parked in a commercial loading zone |
| Residential Permit Zone | $41 | $62 | Parked in a permit zone without a valid residential permit |
| No Standing Zone | $40 | $60 | Vehicle stopped in a no-standing zone (driver present or not) |
| Snow Emergency | $40 | $60 | Parked on a snow emergency route during a declared snow emergency |
| Too Close to Intersection | $38 | $57 | Parked within 20-30 feet of an intersection (varies by city) |
| Handicap Zone | $37 | $56 | Parked in an accessible space without a valid placard or plate |
| Fire Hydrant | $36 | $54 | Parked within 15 feet (or local requirement) of a fire hydrant |
| Bike Lane | $36 | $54 | Parked or stopped in a designated bicycle lane |
Fine amounts based on published municipal fee schedules. Amounts may change. Always verify with official city sources.
Late Penalties
Unpaid parking tickets in Chicago increase by approximately 50% after 30 days and may double after 60 days. After 90 days, additional administrative fees and collections referral may apply.
What Happens If You Don't Pay
What happens after an unpaid parking ticket in Chicago:
Initial citation
Day 0Base fine amount due
Late penalty
+30 daysFine increases 50-100% (varies by city)
Second notice
+60 daysAdditional administrative fee ($10-25)
Collections referral
+90 daysSent to collections agency; may affect credit
Registration hold
+120 daysDMV hold — cannot renew vehicle registration
Boot/tow eligible
+150 daysVehicle subject to booting or towing at owner expense
Judgment
+180 daysCourt judgment; wage garnishment possible in some jurisdictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most expensive parking ticket in Chicago?
How much does an expired meter ticket cost in Chicago?
Do parking ticket fines double in Chicago?
Want to contest a ticket? You have 30 days. How to fight a parking ticket in Chicago