Is it worth filing a civil law suit over this (parking ticket)? (to rent, home) - Chicago - Illinois (IL) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

UC18 · 02-01-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caldus

I provided evidence to them that several spaces were blocked off for parking because of CTA maintenance. That in combination of everyone having to find a spot on the other side of the street only during street cleaning would be enough evidence.

Evidence of what? To successfully contest a ticket you have to prove that you didn't commit the violation. All you've done is provide evidence regarding the circumstances that led to you choosing to commit the violation. I feel for you, because I've been in that situation before, but unless you can prove that you didn't park in the street sweeper zone during those hours (which is doubtful, since you've already told us you did), there's no point in appealing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caldus

And I think you are missing my point ...

No, I think everyone gets your point. Your point seems to be that the city owes you a free parking spot near your office. It just doesn't work that way. You're lucky that you apparently work at a place where you're usually able to find one, but if you can't, your choices are a) park further away, b) pay to park, or c) find another way to get to work. Or, I guess you can do what you did and d) knowingly violate parking laws, but I wouldn't recommend that. You could end up getting towed, which would have cost you much more.

Freefall18 · 02-01-2015, 05:41 PM

Do you seriously think you have a legitimate defense here? You're going to file a civil suit because you parked illegally and have a nonsensical excuse?

SubconsciousMe · 02-01-2015, 05:45 PM

I'm really enjoying this thread. I've managed to live in Chicago over 1.5 years and have only received one ticket. It was for street cleaning but I overslept that day (oops). I paid the $60 and moved on with my day. I put in my calendar when street cleaning is... even if you live in a neighborhood when they post the signs, you can still find the dates online. Move your car. It doesn't matter if there was no other spot on your street. Go to another street, another neighborhood, or pay to park elsewhere. But get on with your day. You're putting too much energy into this. $60 isn't the end all be all.

Carson9 · 02-01-2015, 06:42 PM

This is a huge city - I don't care where street cleaning and/or residential permits streets are (and CTA maintenance is happening), there's ALWAYS an alternate place to park. Again, probably an annoying, inconvenient place, but a legal place nonetheless. You choose to not inconvenience yourself and park far away from where you wanted to, so you got a ticket. Pay the ticket and move on.

You keep saying "downtown".... where "downtown" was this? The Loop??

oakparkdude · 02-01-2015, 07:07 PM

I love this thread! Why not go all the way and claim your civil rights are being violated because the government is infringing on your right to free, convenient parking. Call up the ACLU.

Caldus · 02-01-2015, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

I'm really enjoying this thread. I've managed to live in Chicago over 1.5 years and have only received one ticket. It was for street cleaning but I overslept that day (oops). I paid the $60 and moved on with my day. I put in my calendar when street cleaning is... even if you live in a neighborhood when they post the signs, you can still find the dates online. Move your car. It doesn't matter if there was no other spot on your street. Go to another street, another neighborhood, or pay to park elsewhere. But get on with your day. You're putting too much energy into this. $60 isn't the end all be all.

I would have gone to another street except that each street in my neighborhood (Old Town) requires a specific residential parking permit. If I would have parked in any other street near my area, I would still be in violation because of that.

Freefall18 · 02-01-2015, 07:21 PM

Why do you think you're entitled to a free convenient parking space for your vehicle? Either learn to deal with it, or take public transit next time.

UC18 · 02-01-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caldus

I would have gone to another street except that each street in my neighborhood (Old Town) requires a specific residential parking permit. If I would have parked in any other street near my area, I would still be in violation because of that.

Old Town is a crazy place to expect to be able to find free street parking every single day, especially without a residential permit. Some days you're going to have to pay, if you insist on driving to work. I'm actually surprised that you're usually able to park for free.

SubconsciousMe · 02-01-2015, 07:32 PM

The bottom line is this: You're not going to get sympathy for not finding a legal space to park your car for free--street cleaning or otherwise. Because, you know, a lot of us have cars and do what other Chicagoans do and find a legal space to park our car for free, or for pay... in our neighborhood or an adjoining neighborhood, or a garage, or who the heck cares. You know what to expect when you have a car in Chicago. And if it's too much, get rid of it.

Caldus · 02-01-2015, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UC18

Old Town is a crazy place to expect to be able to find free street parking every single day, especially without a residential permit. Some days you're going to have to pay, if you insist on driving to work. I'm actually surprised that you're usually able to park for free.

I live in Old Town and have a residential parking permit for the street I live on. I never have trouble finding parking otherwise. I don't drive to work. I take the El every day and leave my car parked on the street.