Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
A new Chicago ordinance has been passed requiring the impounding of vehicles where the driver is ticketed for driving on a suspended or revoked license. This new law will affect Chicago drivers in the pocketbook too as violators will be forced to pay the city a $500 fine and a $165 towing fee in order to recover ticketed vehicles. The law, which is set to take effect on January 1st, is intended to act principally as a deterrent to driving on a revoked or suspended license. However the revenue generating capabilities of the new ordinance are obvious. According to sponsoring City of Chicago alderman Tom Allen, “You’re not going to eradicate the $22,000-plus cases of people getting pulled over for this…but if they have to pay $665 every time, it’s going to give them pause.”
Individuals that are ticketed for driving on a suspended or revoked license will face this new financial penalty in addition to the criminal charges. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail and $2,500.00 in fines.
The City of Chicago’s crackdown on suspended and revoked drivers is indicative of a statewide trend in heightening criminal penalties for these violations. If you have been ticketed for driving on a suspended or revoked license, you should retain an attorney to investigate your case and protect your rights.