Chicago Ordered to Pay Millions in Refunds for Excessive Parking Ticket Fees

A judge ruled the city violated state law by tacking on expensive late fees to parking and city sticker violations.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Chicago could be on the hook to pay drivers back millions of dollars following a class-action lawsuit that alleged the city violated state law by tacking expensive late fees onto tickets for infractions like parking without a city sticker. After years of litigation, a judge ordered the city to pay drivers back for the overcharges, with the city now considering an appeal.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about municipal fines and fees that can quickly escalate, creating a "cycle of indebtedness" for low-income residents who struggle to pay. It also raises questions about the fairness and legality of Chicago's parking ticket and enforcement practices.

The details

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2018, alleged Chicago had violated Illinois law by charging drivers more than $250 for certain violations, typically by adding on late penalties that sometimes doubled the price of the original ticket. Examples include parking without a city sticker, parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and parking in a fire lane. Plaintiffs' attorneys estimate the city would be on the hook for $69.6 million in refunds and would have to forgive $93.8 million in debt held by ticketed drivers.

  • The lawsuit was originally filed in 2018.
  • On February 19, 2026, Circuit Court Judge William B. Sullivan ordered the city to pay drivers back for the overcharges.

The players

William B. Sullivan

The Circuit Court judge who ordered the city to pay drivers back for the overcharges.

Jacie Zolna

The plaintiffs' attorney from the firm Zolna Swetland, LLC, who is representing the drivers in the class-action lawsuit.

Kyle Garchar

One of the named plaintiffs in the case who received city sticker violations while parked outside his home in Bucktown when he was broke and in between jobs.

Mike Blaha

The other named plaintiff who received multiple citations for parking without a city sticker and within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, along with late penalties and collection fees.

Kristen Cabanban

A spokesperson for the city's Law Department, who said the city is "actively evaluating all available legal options, including an appeal."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(I) just couldn't afford it, and kind of took the risk. It just becomes a kind of cycle of indebtedness.”

— Kyle Garchar, Named plaintiff (Chicago Tribune)

“While we respect the judicial process, we are actively evaluating all available legal options, including an appeal. This matter is not final, and the City intends to continue vigorously defending the interests of its residents.”

— Kristen Cabanban, Spokesperson, Chicago Law Department (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge's ruling is not final, as the city has indicated it is considering an appeal. The outcome of any potential appeal will determine the next steps in the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant financial burden that excessive municipal fines and fees can place on low-income residents, creating a cycle of debt that can be difficult to escape. It also underscores the need for cities to review their parking ticket and enforcement practices to ensure they are fair, legal, and do not disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.