Chicago Ordered to Refund Millions in Overcharged Parking Tickets

Judge rules city violated state law capping penalties for parking violations

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Cook County judge has ruled that the city of Chicago "systematically overcharged" drivers for parking tickets and other violations for a decade, ordering the city to refund more than $100 million in fines collected in excess of the state's $250 penalty limit.

Why it matters

The ruling highlights concerns over the city's aggressive parking enforcement practices and the impact on vulnerable residents, with the case spanning multiple administrations without resolution until now.

The details

The class-action lawsuit was filed in 2018 by several drivers who said they were sometimes charged up to $400 for a single parking ticket due to late fees and other penalties. The judge's ruling found the city repeatedly violated a state law capping penalties for such violations at $250.

  • The lawsuit was filed against the city in 2018.
  • The judge's ruling came on February 24, 2026.
  • The ruling covers fines collected between 2012 and 2022.

The players

Judge William Sullivan

The Cook County judge who ruled that the city of Chicago systematically overcharged drivers for parking tickets.

Jacie Zolna

The attorney representing the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit against the city.

City of Chicago

The defendant in the lawsuit, ordered to refund over $100 million in overcharged parking ticket fines.

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, this practice has harmed the most vulnerable people in this city, end of story, and it has spanned now three different administrations, and not a single one has done anything about it.”

— Jacie Zolna, Attorney (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

City attorneys have said they are considering an appeal of the judge's ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in municipal parking enforcement practices, particularly when they disproportionately impact low-income residents, and the importance of ensuring fines and penalties adhere to state laws.