Fight a wrong-ticket-details parking ticket in Chicago
The facts stated on the notice of violation are inconsistent with each other, or do not support a finding that the specified parking or standing regulation was actually violated — for example, an incorrect vehicle description or plate, an incorrect date/time/location, or your own evidence (such as a valid payment receipt) that contradicts the violation charged.
the statement
Copy, customize, submit.
To: City of Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings — Vehicle Hearings Division Re: Notice of Violation No. [TICKET/NOTICE NUMBER] Plate: [PLATE] ([STATE]) Date/Time: [DATE], [TIME] Location cited: [LOCATION] I am contesting this violation and requesting an administrative adjudication. I assert that I am NOT LIABLE for this violation and respectfully request that it be dismissed. The facts stated on this Notice of Violation do not support a finding that the cited parking or standing regulation was actually violated. Specifically, [DESCRIBE THE DEFECT — e.g., the plate number or vehicle description printed on the notice does not match my vehicle; the date, time, or location printed on the notice is incorrect; I have a valid payment receipt for the cited time and location that contradicts the violation charged]. Comparing the notice against [my vehicle registration / my payment receipt], the correct information is: [CORRECT INFORMATION]. Under Municipal Code of Chicago § 9-100-060(a)(5), a violation shall not be sustained where the facts alleged in the notice of violation are inconsistent with each other, or do not support a finding that the specified parking or standing regulation was violated. I ask that this violation be dismissed on that basis. Attached: [a copy or photo of the actual Notice of Violation showing the incorrect, missing, or inconsistent field(s); my vehicle registration; and/or a payment receipt contradicting the violation charged]. Respectfully, [YOUR NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
This template is for informational use only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Square-bracketed placeholders must be replaced with your specific facts. Rules and deadlines can change; if your situation is urgent, complicated, or high-stakes, email info@imfrustrated.org for a free conversation with a volunteer attorney before you send it.
how to submit it
A few things before you send.
- 1Locate your ticket's 10-digit ticket/notice number and confirm the violation code, date, time, and location printed on the Notice of Violation.
- 2Act within 7 days of the date of issuance (for a parking, standing, or compliance violation): either pay the fine or request an administrative adjudication to contest it, per Municipal Code of Chicago (MCC) § 9-100-050(a). (Automated speed- and red-light-camera notices instead carry a 21-day window and are outside the scope of a parking ticket.)
- 3Choose how to contest: online via the eContest system at parkingtickets.chicago.gov/EHearingWeb (request a correspondence, virtual, or in-person hearing); by mail (a statement signed by the registered owner, setting forth the facts establishing your defense, plus copies of supporting evidence, with the ticket number on every document, sent to DOAH's Vehicle Hearings Division); or by calling 312.744.PARK (7275) to arrange an in-person hearing.
- 4Select the applicable ground(s) for contesting under MCC § 9-100-060(a) and gather the evidence that supports each ground (photos, receipts, a police report, vehicle registration, etc.).
- 5Submit your evidence: online you may upload up to 5 files per ticket (up to 1 MB each), and up to 3 tickets under the same notice number can be contested at once; by mail send copies (not originals) — documents will not be returned, and the hearing officer's decision is final, so include everything you want considered.
- 6If you miss the initial 7-day window, the City mails a Second Notice of Violation giving you 14 more days (from that second notice) to pay, contest, or prove compliance under MCC § 9-100-050(d)(1); missing that window results in a default determination of liability.
- 7Wait for the decision: a correspondence hearing gets a mailed determination from an Administrative Law Officer (MCC § 9-100-070(d)); an in-person hearing gets a determination at the hearing (MCC § 9-100-090(a)). If found not liable, no further action is required.
- 8If found liable, you have 25 days from the date of the determination to pay before the fine amount is subject to an additional late-payment penalty (MCC § 9-100-050(e)). If dissatisfied with the decision, you may appeal to the Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center, 50 West Washington St., Room 602) within 35 days of the Administrative Law Judge's decision under the Illinois Administrative Review Law.
- 9If a default determination of liability was entered because you never responded, you may petition in person within 21 days of that determination to set it aside — but only on the limited grounds in MCC § 9-100-090(c): you weren't the owner/lessee at the time of the violation, you already paid the fine, you had good cause for not appearing, or you were never properly served.
bring receipts
Attach this evidence.
- ✓A copy or photo of the actual ticket/notice of violation showing the incorrect, missing, or inconsistent field(s)
- ✓Your vehicle registration, to compare the correct plate number, make, and model against what's on the ticket
- ✓Any evidence contradicting the alleged facts of the violation (e.g., a payment receipt showing you paid for the cited time and location)
what Chicago rules say
The rule this rests on.
MCC 9-100-060(a)(5) — Grounds for contesting a violation (facts alleged are inconsistent or do not support a finding of violation)
MCC § 9-100-060(a)(5) is Chicago's catch-all evidentiary ground for contesting a violation. Because Chicago does not codify a separate 'proof of payment' or grace-period defense the way some other cities do, disputes over a valid meter/pay-station receipt, or over an otherwise mistaken ticket, are generally argued under this same ground. At hearing, the City bears the burden of proving the violation by a preponderance of the evidence, though the notice of violation itself is prima facie evidence of the facts it states (MCC §§ 9-100-070(c), 9-100-080(e)).
if this doesn’t work
Your next move.
If the Administrative Law Officer or Judge finds you liable, you have 25 days from the date of the determination to pay before the fine is subject to an additional late-payment penalty equal to the lesser of the fine amount or $250 minus the fine (MCC § 9-100-050(e)). If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to the Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center, 50 West Washington St., Room 602) within 35 days of the decision, under the Illinois Administrative Review Law, subject to state filing fees; no legal aid is available for these appeals.
questions people ask
FAQ.
I already paid for parking at the cited spot — which defense do I use?
Chicago doesn't codify a separate proof-of-payment defense, so a valid payment receipt that contradicts the violation is argued under MCC § 9-100-060(a)(5) — the catch-all ground that the alleged facts don't support a finding of violation.
What if the plate number on the ticket doesn't match my car?
That's a strong version of this defense. Attach your vehicle registration showing your actual plate number alongside a copy of the notice showing the mismatched number.
Who has the burden of proof at a DOAH hearing?
The City bears the burden of proving the violation by a preponderance of the evidence, though the notice of violation itself is treated as prima facie evidence of the facts it states (MCC §§ 9-100-070(c), 9-100-080(e)) — so your contrary evidence is what tips the balance.
Nervous about sending it yourself?
we’ll read it over with you.
Email the situation and a volunteer attorney will respond. No commitment, no invoice, no judgment — just an honest second pair of eyes from someone who actually understands the law.
info@imfrustrated.org