Chicagoans Could Soon Help Ticket Illegally Parked Vehicles

A new proposal would allow residents to submit photos of illegally parked commercial vehicles to 311 for enforcement.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Chicago City Council is considering a proposal that would allow residents to submit photos of illegally parked commercial vehicles to the 311 system, which would then alert parking enforcement to issue tickets. The measure is aimed at addressing the persistent problem of vehicles parked in bike lanes and other no-parking zones, though some aldermen have raised concerns about potential confrontations between residents and drivers.

Why it matters

Illegally parked vehicles, especially in bike lanes and other no-parking zones, have long been a source of frustration for cyclists and pedestrians in Chicago. This new proposal seeks to empower residents to help curb the issue, but there are concerns it could lead to disputes between residents and drivers.

The details

The proposed ordinance would be rolled out in two phases. In Phase One, the Department of Finance would create a "Street Operations Task Force" to direct parking enforcement to areas with high concentrations of parking violations. In Phase Two, residents would be able to submit photos of illegally parked commercial vehicles through 311, which would then alert nearby parking enforcement to issue tickets.

  • The proposal was first introduced in July 2024 but has since been revised.
  • The City Council's next meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2026.

The players

Sam Willens

A Chicago father who welcomes the ordinance, saying his family is "constantly navigating obstacles" due to illegally parked vehicles.

Kyle Lucas

A representative from Better Streets Chicago, who says the group hears from people "all the time" about issues with illegally parked vehicles, but there is currently "no recourse."

Brian Hopkins

A downtown Chicago alderman who is concerned the ordinance could lead to physical confrontations between residents and drivers, and says the city needs to expand loading zones if the ordinance is implemented.

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What they’re saying

“My wife is always like, 'uhhh can you step out first?'”

— Sam Willens, Chicago father (NBC Chicago)

“We hear from people all the time, people have been taking photos and posting them online about interactions like this for years. We know people are already fed up about it, but right now there's no recourse.”

— Kyle Lucas, Better Streets Chicago (NBC Chicago)

“We need to be wary of that.”

— Brian Hopkins, Downtown Chicago alderman (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2026, where the proposal is expected to be considered for final approval.

The takeaway

This proposal aims to empower Chicago residents to help address the persistent problem of illegally parked vehicles, especially in bike lanes and other no-parking zones. However, there are concerns it could lead to confrontations between residents and drivers, and the city may need to expand loading zones to accommodate commercial vehicles if the measure is implemented.