Based on what you’re telling me, I think you have a decent chance to fight the tow and the ticket.

If you were towed, and you feel you were towed improperly, you need to call or go back to the auto pound to schedule a hearing. You have 2 weeks from the tow date to schedule a hearing.

I would fight the ticket like you laid it out here.

1-You were NOT under the fire escape–the fire escape was over the sidewalk NOT the alley where you were parked.

Here’s the language from 9-64-100(e)

“Under the lowest portion of any fire escape;”

You were not parked on the sidewalk and therefore NOT parked UNDER the fire escape.

2-There are no signs posted.

This is a less potent defense, but make the case anyways.

Take lots of photos for evidence to support all your claims.

I think you can win this one.

Remember, you no matter if you win or lose the tow hearing, you still need to contest the parking ticket separately. Even if you lose the tow hearing (and I don’t think you should), you should still fight the parking ticket.

I got towed + $100 ticket for parking underneath a fire escape. I was parked in an alley that is also a city street – just 1/2 block stretch with some city and some private parking signs posted.

I think the tow was bogus – 1) there was a sidewalk under the fire escape – I was parked next to the sidewalk, not on it, and 2) across the alley/street, there is a fire escape without a sidewalk underneath, and there is a “no parking under fire escape” sign there; no such sign exists where I was parked.

About a year ago, I fought a tow and ticket for being parked on the same block – city claimed I was too close to the fire hydrant, of course there was no paint indicating where parking was prohibited…I thought I was parked far enough, and brought in pics of the alley, but the ALJ found for the city.

This is all so frustrating, and it seems that there is no way to overcome the presumption that the tow was legal. I don’t want to take time off work, cab it over to the hearing, etc., only to lose again. Seems like you’re the expert – do you think I have a chance? Or do you have any knowledge of cases involving this ordinance – 9-64-100(e)?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

You may have escaped a ticket by the skin of your teeth. Watch the mail to be sure.

Actually, from what I read in the municipal code, there is no defense about having the permission of the owner or being the owner of the property.

Here’s what 9-64-100 C says:

(c) At any place where the vehicle will block vehicular access to or use of a driveway, alley or firelane;

No other language regarding a defense exists.

What I would do is, request an in person hearing.

When you get your hearing date, bring in a letter from the owner of the property explaining that the driveway is their property and you, as their nanny, had permission to temporarily block the driveway. Say you had your blinkers on and you were loading kids or stuff in or out of the house.

I am NOT confident this will work. But, it’s at least worth a shot.

I received a ticket with violation code 0964100 C BLOCK ACCESS/ALLEY/DRIVE/FIRELANE this morning and want to contest it. I am the nanny at this house and have the owner’s permission to park in front of the driveway and do so by parking parallel to the curb within the driveway’s curb cut. The family has lived here for 7 years (I’ve worked with them for the past 2 years) and we’ve all blocked the driveway and have never received a ticket. The owner sometimes parks his car surpassing the driveway’s curb cut, because it’s a huge Cadillac and has never received a ticket before. From what I’ve goggled online you’re allowed to park there if it’s your own driveway or have the owner’s permission. I guess what I’m asking is if you know the ordinance or proper way to contest this ticket? Is there something I should include in my letter when I contest by mail? We’re in Bucktown if that helps. Thanks!

It depends who’s name is on the registration with the state.

If your name is on the registration, you are considered the owner of the vehicle and therefore, you are responsible for the tickets.

If not, then you are personally not responsible for paying the tickets.

If you contested by mail, then the clock is essentially stopped on having to pay that particular ticket. Once your contest letter is read and decided upon, then you have 21 days to pay. So, don’t fret about the fine doubling quite yet.

If you are really nervous, you can look up the status of your ticket online at the city’s ticket search website and track it there.

https://parkingtickets.cityofchicago.org/CPSWeb/web/SearchTickets.jsp