CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago today announced the launch of a new Vehicle and Commercial Ticket Debt Relief Programs, a bold step in the administration’s ongoing work to reform an outdated and punitive fines and fees system. Beginning April 1, 2025, Chicago motorists and businesses with eligible ticket debt issued on or before December 31, 2023, will have the opportunity to settle their balances without incurring any late penalties, interest or additional fees—provided payment is made in full by June 30, 2025. 

The Johnson administration’s 2025 debt relief initiative includes two programs: the Vehicle Violation Debt Relief Program and the Commercial Driveway and Signs Violation Debt Relief Program. Together, they reflect the administration’s commitment to economic justice and fiscal systems that work for working people, not against them. 

“Too many working families in Chicago, especially in communities long overlooked and underinvested, have been trapped in cycles of ticket debt that grow faster than their ability to pay,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This program gives people a path forward. By eliminating penalties and late fees, we’re offering real economic relief and demonstrating that City government can be a partner in building financial stability, not a barrier to it.” 

Eligible Vehicle Violations Include: 

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

Note: Only violations with a Notice of Final Determination issued on or before December 31, 2023, qualify. 

Tickets currently on payment plans are eligible as well, if paid in full by June 30, 2025. The program also waives seizure fees, including towing, storage, booting, vehicle immobilization device tampering and bounced check penalties with limited exceptions. The program specifically excludes expired parking meter violations and any violation where the City has filed a case in court or has initiated administrative proceedings to collect the debt. 

To support businesses and commercial property owners, the City is also including driveway and sign-related commercial violations as part of the Commercial Driveway and Signs Violation Debt Relief program.  Chicagoans may pay only the base fine, in full, during the debt relief period to resolve the outstanding debt owed. If full payment is not completed by June 30, 2025, all previously waived penalties and fees will again become due in full. 

Debt Eligible under the Commercial Driveway and Sign Debt Relief Program Include Violations for: 

• 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 

These violations must have been issued and adjudicated before December 31, 2023, and fall under the City of Chicago Municipal Code Sections 10-20-390 through 10-20-450. To take advantage of this limited-time program, contact Heller & Frisone, Ltd. at (312) 236-3644. 

“The Vehicle Violation Debt Relief and Commercial Driveway and Signs Violation Debt Relief Programs provide a path forward for both residents and businesses to resolve outstanding tickets at a significantly reduced rate and get a fresh start,” said Acting City Comptroller Joel Flores. “The City has built a website for these programs, designed to allow easy access to resolve outstanding violations at a much lower cost during the amnesty period. The Department of Finance encourages all Chicagoans to visit www.Chicago.gov/VDR to learn more about each program and take advantage of these limited-time programs.”      

City Clerk City Sticker Amnesty Program  

For the entire month of April, the Office of the City Clerk is launching an amnesty program for City Stickers where penalties are waived to make it easier for motorists to come into compliance with the City’s Wheel Tax ordinance. Beginning Tuesday, April 1 through Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Chicagoans who drive, park, lease, or own a vehicle for which they are responsible can purchase a City Sticker with no late fees or back charges. All Chicagoans must comply with the City’s Wheel Tax by purchasing a Chicago City Sticker.   

“As the cost of basic necessities puts a strain on our families, it’s important that we do what we can to give them a break,” said City Clerk Anna Valencia. “We know that when we give people a realistic path to get back on track - if we toss them a lifeline - they’ll take it, so this is a win for residents and the City alike.”    

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About the Department of Finance 

The Department of Finance manages the City of Chicago’s financial operations, including revenue collection, utility billing and financial reporting. Through innovation and transparency, the Department works to ensure fairness, efficiency and accountability in all of its services. 

About the Office of the City Clerk  

The City of Chicago’s Office of the City Clerk is responsible for maintaining official City records, including legislation and City Council proceedings. The office also provides key resident services such as the issuance of Chicago City Vehicle Stickers, residential parking permits, and business licenses. Committed to transparency, accessibility, and public engagement, the City Clerk’s Office works to make local government responsive to Chicagoans’ everyday needs.