Chicago Parking Tickets: Top 5 Dept of Revenue Violations

Chicago Parking Tickets: Top 5 Dept of Revenue Violations

chicago parking meter

Parking in Chicago, that’s a bit of a puzzle sometimes, you know? You swing by that amazing hot dog spot or check out that incredible architecture, yet suddenly that little orange envelope is there on your windshield. Nobody really likes getting parking tickets, so let’s talk through those frequently given by the City of Chicago’s Department of Revenue. You find tips on avoiding these, perhaps saving some money for some deep-dish pizza instead. A look here could uncover hidden gems and savings, too it’s almost like a treasure map to savvy parking.

1. Expired Meter: Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

expired parking meter

Alright, so number one is, well, letting that meter run out, very common. You get engrossed in that exhibit at the Art Institute or grabbing a bite at that famous Chicago eatery, then you look at the clock – whoops! The city is pretty serious with enforcing the rules. Now, most parking meters are pay-by-phone enabled, but sometimes they are down. Keeping that meter fed using an app means more peace of mind and less sprinting back to your car in a panic, is that fair to say? Plus, you might extend it without having to leave that perfect photo op. Seems like that’s a decent bargain, very, very.

A small tip? Set an alarm that reminds you with 10 or 15 minutes to spare so that you can avoid this costly slip-up. An extra glance at that meter to make sure you keyed the space information in correctly too it’s almost helps.

2. Street Cleaning: The Bane of Every Chicago Driver

street cleaning chicago

Ugh, street cleaning, basically the arch-nemesis of car owners in the city, as I was saying. The city needs to keep those streets clean, naturally, however those temporary parking bans are something most Chicagoans miss now and then. So, that little sign hiding under a tree that is easily looked past during daylight? Or covered up by snow or leaves that’s out to get you and your car when you want some lunch on that Chicago trip.

The city does post the schedule online, so too it’s almost worth adding those dates to your calendar. A pro move would be to sign up for alerts via text or email and not assume someone else will handle the logistics. So too it’s almost about having that extra cushion so that you avoid moving on schedule, yet that happens right. Keep that head on a swivel, clearly, and move before the sweepers arrive! Checking the event calender is crucial.

3. Residential Permit Parking: Know Your Zone

residential parking permit

Got the wrong zone, or maybe, you just forgot to display that residential permit? Yup, that’s another fairly common way to get a ticket. These areas mostly protect the residents so they are able to find parking in what can be very congested neighborhoods. Very, very, forgetting, well, that can prove an expensive mistake, anyway. Remember if you’re going to leave the car in residential parking overnight, double-check the details. Don’t guess; double-check, that’s right.

If that car is registered someplace else, make sure that a visitor pass gets obtained if you visit friends who reside in that zone that are visiting you, alright? Avoiding those small errors turns out to be less irritating compared to resolving a ticket, which in this case, has proven time consuming over time, that is how that feels, basically. So then checking before you even consider parking prevents future complications and ensures you’re clear with city rules for parking.

4. Parking Too Close to Fire Hydrant/Crosswalk: Safety First

parking near fire hydrant

Now, this seems sort of obvious, right? Nevertheless, folks get dinged with these quite often. Basically, leaving that car too near a fire hydrant or blocking the crosswalk? Now that just creates unsafe scenarios for pedestrians and hinders potential emergency response. These violations mostly draw bigger fines than many normal offenses because they actually affect public safety.

Walking around a little after parking so that you can gauge spacing that is being taken up to gauge awareness would really help, okay? Is that hydrant that’s nearby obvious and marked that is nearby too it’s almost an unspoken reminder to be careful. Plus you wouldn’t like getting a ticket, would you that ends up creating additional risk to citizens nearby and makes for terrible vibes. Keeping a respectable gap demonstrates consideration for your city. This comes handy to those around your vehicle.

5. Parking in an Alley: Not a Designated Spot

parking in alley

You spot an open alley, mostly thinking you’ve struck gold with this find. Eh, not always! Many of those alleys in Chicago have specific rules about when and if that car will be allowed to park, arguably. Frequently you are never able to park there regardless when the garbage days happen.

Alleys are intended so that services can be performed or for residents so they get to use their garages; then turning it to impromptu parking basically gets a big no-no with the city. Looking up signs at the alley entrance is generally what a good idea will amount to.

Just assuming because there aren’t other vehicles then your vehicle is probably alright? Doing so proves somewhat an incorrect and an extremely costly belief! Make absolutely sure of legal guidelines instead! Taking a look and verifying will assist so that those fines stay clear! Parking alternatives around might surprise you.