Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contest any ticket online?
As a registered owner of a vehicle, you have the right to contest the issuance of a parking,
red light and automated speed enforcement violation notice. You have seven (7) days from the
date of issuance to contest a ticket. If nothing is received, you are then sent a Notice of Violation
allowing you twenty-one (21) days to request a hearing. Still if no response is received, a
Notice of Determination is sent notifying you that you have been found liable by default and
must appear in person to petition to set the default aside. This option must be exercised within
twenty-one (21) days of the date of the Determination. Once the twenty-one (21) days have lapsed,
your opportunity to contest has expired.
Are there different contest options?
- Correspondence: When submitting a written correspondence hearing, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your ticket, photographs and any other evidence that you submit. Once the ALJ completes their review and enters a decision, a hearing decision letter will be mailed to the address at which the vehicle is registered.
- In-Person: When submitting an in-person contest, you will receive correspondence in the mail letting you know when you can appear in-person to dispute the validity of the violation in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
- Virtual: When submitting a virtual contest, you will receive correspondence in the mail and via email letting you know when you can appear virtually to dispute the validity of the violation with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). All virtual hearings will be conducted via the Webex application. Please note, there are certain system requirements that you must verify prior to your scheduled virtual hearing. Evidence should be submitted when requesting your virtual hearing.
How many tickets can I contest at 1 time online?
3 tickets under the same notice number can be contested at once online.
How many documents can I submit per ticket?
Up to 5 files can be submitted per ticket. Files may be up to 1 megabyte in size.
How do I know if my documents were uploaded?
Once a document is uploaded you will see your document under the File Uploaded section.
Will I receive a confirmation that my contest was received?
Yes, you will receive an email confirmation letting you know that your contest has been received.
How do I convert my documents into the specified documents required?
Please see instructions below for Converting your document or Image into PDF, JPEG, or PNG
- Converting a Word Document to PDF
When saving your document name your File and select from the drop-down to Save as type PDF (*.pdf). This will turn your Word document into a PDF.
- Converting an Image to a JPEG or PNG
1) Open the picture that you want to convert to Jpeg form in any photograph program. Click file and select 'Save As'
2) Click on the drop-down menu; it usually says 'save as type' on the left.
3) Click JPEG (often it will have '(*.jpg;*.jpeg;*.jpe;*.jfif)' next to it or click PNG(*.png)
4) Rename file as necessary.
Who can assist me if I have questions or concerns with the website?
You may contact the City of Chicago's ticket helpline at (312) 744.7275.
The City of Chicago's ticket helpline is open Monday through Friday 7AM - 7PM Central Times.
