Parking Tickets on Colorado Plates... (Chicago: credit, DMV, living)

[abovethezenith]

So, in the last two years I've racked up $2500 in parking tickets on my Colorado plates. I was able to get new stickers for my plates (10/07) sent to chicago and have called the CO DMV to see if my license was still in good standing. It was. I even asked if there was any way my license could be suspended for IL parking tickets. They said they have never heard of that happening.

Anyhow, I know that Chicago is gung-ho about getting me and my money, but I still have a few questions about my possible escape from financial harm..

With a current CO address that is on my license are they really going to find me?

Can they boot and impound and out of state vehicle?

Should I get a license in Wisconsin? They're one of the states not in the vehicle compact.

Should I sell my truck before the final notice/notice of impounding?

Thanks for any further information.

[Windy City John]

You are close to never seeing your truck again-- I wouldnt put in more than 2 gallons of gas per fill up.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

With a current CO address that is on my license are they really going to find me?

They don't have to find you. They've already given you constructive notice by sending the tickets to the address registered to your plates. They will send a collection agency after you and mess up your credit. They probably already have. And if they can get enough information about you from your CO driver's license, they may be able to enforce collection on whatever financial resources you have: paycheck, bank account, etc.

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

Can they boot and impound and out of state vehicle?

As surely as they can boot and impound an in-state vehicle.

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

Should I get a license in Wisconsin? They're one of the states not in the vehicle compact.

WI is part of the compact. If you get 5 speeding tickets in IL, your WI license will be suspended as surely as it would if you had an IL license. The difference is that the city of Chicago ony has the authority to ask the state of Illinois to suspend your license. They don't have the authority to seek suspension in other states.

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

Should I sell my truck before the final notice/notice of impounding?

As far as the city is concerned, you've already received your final notice. They can take it any minute now without further notice. Not only will they impound it, they'll sell it to satisfy your debt (and keep any extra they make).

[Lovegun]

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

So, in the last two years I've racked up $2500 in parking tickets on my Colorado plates. I was able to get new stickers for my plates (10/07) sent to chicago and have called the CO DMV to see if my license was still in good standing. It was. I even asked if there was any way my license could be suspended for IL parking tickets. They said they have never heard of that happening.

Anyhow, I know that Chicago is gung-ho about getting me and my money, but I still have a few questions about my possible escape from financial harm..

With a current CO address that is on my license are they really going to find me?

Can they boot and impound and out of state vehicle?

Should I get a license in Wisconsin? They're one of the states not in the vehicle compact.

Should I sell my truck before the final notice/notice of impounding?

Thanks for any further information.

I just want to know how you racked up $2500 in parking tickets?

[Manigault]

I would sell the truck, get an IL drivers's license and IL plates on another vehicle. The state may or may not track you to and from CO to IL to try to get its money. Don't turn in your CO license to get an IL driver's license -- take the road test just like any 16 year old. Use a friend's car.

This may or may not work. Go forth and transgress no more.

[Chicago60614]

I can't believe you're up to $2,500 without it being towed! Lucky you!

I'd get rid of it soon though, or pay up. They'll find you in the end. They really started cracking down the past few years as well. Even put a bunch of people on TV who owed the most.

[Mel2882]

Originally Posted by abovethezenith

So, in the last two years I've racked up $2500 in parking tickets on my Colorado plates. I was able to get new stickers for my plates (10/07) sent to chicago and have called the CO DMV to see if my license was still in good standing. It was. I even asked if there was any way my license could be suspended for IL parking tickets. They said they have never heard of that happening.

Anyhow, I know that Chicago is gung-ho about getting me and my money, but I still have a few questions about my possible escape from financial harm..

With a current CO address that is on my license are they really going to find me?

Can they boot and impound and out of state vehicle?

Should I get a license in Wisconsin? They're one of the states not in the vehicle compact.

Should I sell my truck before the final notice/notice of impounding?

Thanks for any further information.

$2,500 in two years hasn't caused you enough "financial harm?" Wouldn't it be better use of your money to just get IL plates and a city sticker?

[aragx6]

Honestly to rack up $2500 you must just park wherever and whenever you want to. Honestly I don't feel bad for abovethezenith. If you show that blatant a disregard for parking law then you deserve anything you get.

[Manigault]

As a city resident, I'd love to have that $2500 in revenue. And pre-the new system, I do know individuals who were able to owe that much in tickets. But what no one has mentioned is the fact that parking regulations are not just revenue-producing they have a purpose. I was in IL for three months before an old guy complained that me parking too close to a driveway caused his wife to have to swing 'way out in traffic. I took that to heart. We can't unring a bell -- your parking violations are over and done with. But, even if they are expired meter tickets, parking regulations innvolve safety and traffic flow. I absolve you [Like I have the authority!]. Now, cut out the foolishness!

[KevK]

I don't know how the hell you got $2500 in parking tickets and have not yet been booted. The answer to your questions are that, no the city cannot suspend your license in another state over parking tickets. The compact only applies to moving violations. Yes, if they find your vehicle after 5 tickets unpaid, they will boot it and make you pay. And since it is registered out of state, they will probably not allow a payment plan for you meanning you have to cough up the whole thing to get your vehicle back. If you can hide out for a few years, the city will probably have another amnesty period in which you can pay the tickets for the original cost before they doubled. I moved out of Chicago in 1996 and I had 6 tickets unpaid but when they had the amnesty I paid them even though I do not plan on living there again. But I do visit often and I just don't want to chance having a nice visit ruined by a booted car.