Chicago Liable for Millions in Parking Ticket Overcharges

Judge's ruling finds city violated state law capping ticket fees

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Chicago judge has ruled that the city is liable for nearly $104 million in refunds for parking and city sticker tickets that exceeded the state's $250 cap on administrative court fines. The ruling found the city violated Illinois law by allowing ticket fees to escalate over time, leaving many residents facing thousands in penalties they could not afford.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the city's aggressive parking enforcement policies and their disproportionate impact on lower-income residents. The ruling could force Chicago to reform its ticketing practices and provide relief to those unfairly burdened by excessive fines.

The details

In a summary judgement, Circuit Judge William Sullivan found the city liable for $104 million in refunds, including $70 million in overcharges above the $250 per ticket threshold and $34 million in interest. The judge also voided an additional $94 million in uncollected fines and fees. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by one-time rideshare driver Kyle Garchar, whose parking tickets escalated to over $1,600, and Rodney Shelton, who faced over $20,000 in penalties for an unregistered vehicle parked on private property.

  • In 2023, NBC Chicago reported on the plight of Rodney Shelton, who faced over $20,000 in penalties for an unregistered vehicle.
  • Last week, Circuit Judge William Sullivan handed down the summary judgement finding the city liable for the parking ticket overcharges.

The players

William Sullivan

A circuit judge who ruled that the city of Chicago violated state law by allowing parking ticket fees to escalate beyond the $250 cap.

Kyle Garchar

A one-time rideshare driver who filed suit against the city after his parking tickets escalated to over $1,600.

Rodney Shelton

A Chicago resident who faced over $20,000 in penalties for an unregistered vehicle parked on private property.

Jacie Zolma

The attorney representing Kyle Garchar and other plaintiffs in the case against the city.

City of Chicago

The defendant in the lawsuit, found liable for nearly $104 million in refunds for parking ticket overcharges.

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What they’re saying

“If someone doesn't hold the city accountable when they break the law, what's going to stop them from doing this in the future”

— Jacie Zolma, Attorney for the plaintiffs (NBC Chicago)

“In a three-month time span, I got 77 tickets for either a violation of the city sticker or registration, which ballooned to over $20,000 (in penalties)”

— Rodney Shelton (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

Attorneys for the plaintiffs are planning to go back to court to demand the city pay the $104 million in refunds. The city has stated it is 'actively evaluating all available legal options, including an appeal' and intends to 'continue vigorously defending the interests of its residents'.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for cities to reform aggressive parking enforcement policies that disproportionately burden lower-income residents. The ruling could force Chicago to rethink its ticketing practices and provide relief to those unfairly impacted by excessive fines and fees.