Vehicle Impoundment Program Reforms
The City has reduced fines and limited fees for impounded vehicles, decreased the number of situations in which a vehicle can be impounded, and added new defenses to help residents get their cars back.
Summary:
Lower Fines
| Offense | Previous Fine | UPDATED Fine |
| Vehicle used in connection with purchase or sale of illegal drugs | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Solicitation for prostitution within 500 feet of a public park or elementary or secondary school | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Possession of an illegal firearm within 500 feet of a public park or elementary or secondary school | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Drag racing | $1,000 | $500 |
| False or stolen vehicle registration | $1,000 | $500 |
|
Driving with a suspended or revoked license (Does not apply if driver’s license was suspended due to failure to pay a fine or failure to comply with emissions testing) |
$1,000 | $500 |
| Fireworks for non-personal use | $1,000 | $500 |
|
Counterfeit wheel tax emblems (This is no longer an impoundable offense.) |
$1,000 | $500 |
Storage Fee Changes
- Storage fees for impounded cars will not go over $1,000 (no matter the size of the vehicle or the amount of time it is held)
- If you cannot get your car for one of the following reasons, you will not be charged any storage fees for the time
- Your car is a part of a Chicago Police Department investigation, such as narcotics
- The State’s Attorney’s office is in the process of deciding whether to take possession of your car
Reasons for Impoundment
- Vehicles will no longer be impounded for the following wrongdoings:
- Possession of fireworks for personal use
- Illegal possession of etching materials, paint, or markers (graffiti materials)
- Loud music
- Counterfeit wheel tax emblems
- Reckless driving at, or interfering with, a funeral procession
- Driver’s license suspended due to failure to pay a fine or failure to comply with emissions testing
- Littering from your car
New Defenses
- You can get your car back if:
- You (the car owner) provide proof that a court dismissed the charges that caused the car to be impounded
- You (the car owner) were not at the scene of the crime, were not involved in the wrongdoing leading to impoundment, and did not know the car was used.