Information for Motorists with Disabilities

Read below to learn more about driving and parking in Chicago for motorists with disabilities.

General Information

• The State of Illinois practices reciprocity with other states in terms of recognizing accessible plates/placards (they are valid in Chicago)

• All plates/placards MUST BE UP-TO-DATE

• Non-disabled drivers utilizing disabled placards must be providing transportation to the placard holder to park free in a metered space.
• If plates/placards are outdated, be sure to get them updated. You can find more information about that by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com

Tickets/Red-Lights

• The City is offering payment plans to motorists with parking and red-light ticket debt. You can enter into a payment plan which will allow you to make payments over a longer period of time. To find out more information about that visit the www.cityofchicago.org website/revenue.
• Getting caught running a red-light and not paying the fine can result in getting a boot.
• Aside from the payment plan, motorist who have parking and red-light ticket debt can still either send their payment in by mail or pay for it online at parkingtickets.cityofchicago.org/CPSWeb/web/SearchTickets.jsp

Parking Meters

• If an individual has an accessible placard or license plate, they may park at any meter all day without paying parking fees as long as it is a meter for over ½ hour or marked as an accessible parking place. The person is also exempt from any time limitations imposed. (i.e. 2 hour limit).

• The person, however, cannot park in the space during a time when parking is prohibited (i.e. “No Parking, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.”), and if the vehicle is a traffic hazard, the vehicle must be moved at a direction of a law enforcement officer to a location designated by the officer.

Illegal use of Placards

• Effective January 1, 2006, unauthorized use of Disability license plates/placards can result in $500 fine, driver’s license suspension and the suspension /revocation of the placard or plates.

Parking Downtown

• If you are parking downtown and driving a larger vehicle such as a van, you should pay attention to the height measurements of the parking garage, as they may not accommodate the vehicle.
• Make sure to keep disabled pathways such as ramps available to the disabled.

Residential Parking for Residents

• People with disabilities who meet the qualifications can now apply for a Residential Parking Permit. (RPP) This permit ensures that residents of densely populated areas have access to parking near their residence. To find out more information visit City of Chicago office of the City Clerk at chicityclerk.com/residential_parking/index.html.

Parking Appeals

• The Accessibility Compliance Unit for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities evaluates appeal letters in request of a review of the denial of a residential disabled parking sign. For more information, contact MOPD at 312-744-4441 (Voice) or 312-744-4964 (TTY).