How To Get That #@%! City Sticker Off Your Windshield
10 Tips For Making Removing Last Year’s Sticker A Breeze
Every June, or early July, it’s the same thing.
You schlep outside onto the street or into the garage to place your spankin’ new Chicago city vehicle sticker onto your windshield but then…
Crap.
You realize you have to remove last year’s sticker first.
And you start swearing under your breath, because that damn sticker is a real bitch to scrape off!
You try peeling it off, picking at it with a fingernail, or battling with it using your trusty razor blade, hacking away as shards of sticker spray onto your dashboard and car floor. It’s always a pain in the ass. And when you’re done, you need an couple of aspirin and a stiff drink.
Outside of replacing the whole darn windshield, there has to be an easier way.
Actually, there seems to be several easier ways.
The Parking Ticket Geek has been on a quest to round up all the very best tips and advice for getting that #@%! city sticker off your windshield. And here’s what we’ve found.
The first person we spoke to was Kristine Williams. She’s the Information Coordinator for Chicago’s City Clerk Office. She knows a lot about city stickers as her office issues over 1.3 million of these stickers every darn year. In fact, for nearly eight weeks each year, from late May through late July, Williams has one single, solitary preoccupation–city stickers.
The first thing Williams tell us is that removing this past year’s sticker should be a bit easier than in prior years, as it was designed to come apart more easily.
“It is our belief the old one should be slightly easier to remove,” says Williams. “We made it more self-destructive last year but a little easier to remove.”
But Williams, gathered a handful of tips from staff and drivers who’ve come through the City Clerk’s offices.
TIP #1 Windex
Spray Windex or warm water on the sticker first, then use a razor blade or a plastic pot scraper to remove the sticker from the windshield.
This first method seemed to be the most tried and true method. But Williams also had another, less traditional tip as well.
TIP #2 Scotch Tape
Cover the sticker with Scotch tape, so it extends a bit beyond the edges. Then, use a razor blade to cut around the sticker. It should peel off along with the tape.
I would guess 2″ clear packing tape may work as well, if not better.
TIP #3 Run The Defrost
Supposedly, running your defrost on hot during a sunny and hot day will do the trick.
“Another person told me he turns on the car defrost to loosen the sticker up,” says Williams. “He said he lets the defrost run for about 5 – 10 minutes and it loosens the sticker right up.”
Similarly, other readers suggest plugging in a hair dryer and heating up the sticker until the adhesive warms and loosens up.
TIP #4 Peanut butter
Peanut butter? No seriously, Skippy, Jif…peanut butter!
“One person told me she puts peanut butter on her sticker, lets it sit and then scrapes it off with a razor blade,” explained Williams. “Yes, we all thought she was crazy, but she swore it works better than just scraping.”
TIP #5 Dishwashing Liquid
The Angry Chicagoan proposes an idea that requires some foresight. He recommends treating your new city sticker in such a way, that next year, it can be removed easily with no elbow grease at all.
“Put a drop of dish washing liquid on the sticker,” explains the Angry Chicagoan. “run it all over the sticker so there is a thin film. It will dry out when you stick it to the windshield and you can easily remove it. You can’t tell it’s not permanently attached.”
Hopefully, your city sticker doesn’t completely detach over the course of the year, especially with the cold winters we have in Chicago.
TIP #6 Sticker Shield
Another pro-active idea like the Angry Chicagoan is invest about $5-$6 in Sticker Shield. It’s a transparent plastic sleeve that you slip your city sticker into, and affix directly onto the windshield. Allegedly it’s completely invisible if applied correctly.
The only problem is that it is technically illegal to use something like this. You can be ticketed ($120) because you are again, technically, not displaying your city sticker properly.
I have no idea how often people using or similar products, actually get caught and/or ticketed, but there have been readers who have been stung with a $120 ticket. Parking enforcement aides strongly suggest using this product because of the risk of ticket, but other readers say Sticker Shield works great. So, who knows?
TIP #7 WD-40
Another reader, named Loni, sent us a suggestion she used, which she found online.
“Hack away at the of the city sticker with a razor blade until most of it is removed,” explains Loni. “Squirt WD-40 on the whatever pieces remaining, let it soak for a few moments. Then wipe with a damp cloth. That should take care of the rest.”
Tip #8 Lacquer Thinner
We thought it might be a good idea to try a local hardware store to see what they suggest. Perhaps there was a power tool for the job.
We stumbled into Kabbe’s True Value Hardware, at 2550 W. Diversey in the Avondale neighborhood and spoke to the friendly staff there.
“Lacquer thinner,” said one of the clerks. “Soak it in a little lacquer thinner, and take a razor blade to it and it will come right off. Rubbing alcohol works too, but lacquer thinner is stronger and faster.”
Unfortunately, the hardware store had no power tools for the job. I was shocked that even in the 21st Century, the classic razor blade is still the weapon of choice in removing decals from windshields.
TIP #9 Goo Gone
Like lacquer thinner, in general, it seems by using some sort of liquid or chemical adhesive remover like Goo Gone (which several readers have suggested), and a razor blade, you should have that old sticker off and the new city sticker on in a jiffy.
Tip #10 Ice Pack
Here’s a new one for this year. A reader suggests making an ice pack or using one of those plastic ice packs and placing it against the city sticker. After a few minutes, whip out your trusty razor blade and go to town. The sticker allegedly comes right off.
So grab your razor blade, get to work and please feel free to add your suggestions for removing city stickers to the comments below.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece is one of several columns we publish annually to help drivers who may not have seen this advice previously.
Razor Blade? Doesn’t my window have a protective coating on it to keep shards of glass from flying into the car if the windshield breaks? I would think that a razor blade would put my windshield at some degree of risk. With the plate numbers NOW on the City Stickers you would think that something like the sticker shield would now be acceptable.
Urine works the best……just kidding soap and water then alcohol…just use your fingernail
I used peanut butter. It really works. Forget Windex, razor blade, and dishwashing liquid — they were pretty much worthless
You should contact Pilsen Auto Glass. Twice they have removed my city sticker from a cracked windshield and put it on the new one without a scratch. They are truly artists of removing city stickers. You should ask them this question next time!
I’ve used Sticker Shield for at least the last 10-12 years. If you trim the edges right up to the sticker, there’s no way you can tell. Even when the edges have peeled up a bit or if there have been some little bubbles, I’ve never gotten a ticket.
also, you don’t slip the sticker into the Sticker Shield. You adhere it normally to it and it then stays on the window electrostatically.
I can tell you from an extensive amount of experience that one of the easiest and safest method of removing these stickers is as follows:
1 – Use a retractable razor blade scraper to remove the sticker material
2 – Spray WD40 on a paper towel or rag and rub it over the remaining adhesive. (Repeat this step until you notice the adhesive getting gummy or coming off)
3 – Use the scraper to remove the softened residue
4 – Use the WD40 soaked rag to wipe the remaining adhesive off the window
5 – Once all of the sticker and adhesive is off the window, take another paper towel or rag and pour rubbing alcohol on it.
6 – Use the alcohol soaked rag to remove the WD40 residue and any stubborn adhesive that is remaining
Using this method, you can have to sticker off and window cleaned in under 10 minutes. You also do not have to worry about damaging any of the finishes of the car from using harsh chemicals plus cutting yourself with a loose razor blade.
Happy Scraping!
Sticker Shield works great and it can be applied so that it is invisible. I have been using it for years and never gottn a ticket. The key is to trim the excess material so that it is the same size as the sticker. Apply sticker to the shield, get a pair of scissors, and cut it even with the edge of the sticker. For those who cant use scissors go to Kinko’s and use their paper trimmer. Either way, if done properly there is no way any DOR guy can tell the shield is in use.
Funny…
We were never told to ticket people for Using the Sticker Shield.
Nice Urban Myth their OIFVet.
Nail polish remover works well.
Hah.. I love that the creators of the sticker shield are so keen on comment section self promotion.. This is probably a big day in the bedroom\office..
And for the person concerned about the anti-shard glass. I could be wrong, but I think that is actually a layer of plastic in between 2 layers of glass. So it is just glass on the inside and outside.. Otherwise the plastic would get all mangled and be difficult to clean – sort of like cheap plastic eye glasses…
@DoR Employee: I don’t know what your policies are, I am simply reading the Geek’s post:
“The only problem is that it is technically illegal to use something like this. You can be ticketed ($120) because you are again, technically, not displaying your city sticker properly.
I have no idea how often people using or similar products, actually get caught and/or ticketed, but there have been readers who have been stung with a $120 ticket. Parking enforcement aides strongly suggest using this product because of the risk of ticket, but other readers say Sticker Shield works great. So, who knows?”
Good to hear that you guys are not enforcing this but apparently you could if you wanted to, unless the Geek’s info is wrong. Perhaps you could look a little further into the matter for the common benefit. Until then I will make sure that the sticker shield is not visually identifiable, as I loathe sending any of my hard earned money to Shortshanks.
Just take a sledge hammer to the windsheild and remove it. This way, you do not need air con. in the summer. Then drive to Flordia in the winter. Problem solved.
Here’s a thought. Stop putting it on the windshield. It’s a driving hazard and difficult to remove especially for someone with a handicap. Instead use the open spot on the front license plate just like we put the state sticker on the back license plate.
I use a razor blade to get the sticker off, leaving goo. Then I use mineral spirits on a paper towel to quickly remove the goo. Then I use denatured alcohol on another paper towel to remove the mineral spirits. The alcohol dries instantly, leaving the glass clean and dry and ready for the new sticker.
Fair enough OIFVet.
POLICY:
Improper Display; City Sticker: Currently NOT being Enforced by Dept Revenue PEA’s.
That is by a direct order from she who must not be pissed off….Turanna Cochran-Persons.
Even IF the City Sticker is:
more than 1 inch from the base of the windshield (as required)
on the wrong side of the windshield (Farthest Lower Corner Required).
Not Attached to the Windshield, but on the dashboard.
Not Removed from the Mailer, but taped to window/on dashboard.
10 other years worth of City Stickers making it impossible to see the current annual one.
I think I’ve made the point.
@DoR Employee: Thank you for the clarification. Perhaps the ticketed individuals the Geek speaks of were SERCOed.
The fun part this year is finding a sticker that WILL stick to your windshield. Contact the Chicago City Clerk’s office ASAP if your city sticker has weak adhesive.
from Chi. City Clerk website:
( http://www.chicityclerk.com/licenses/citystickers.html )
‘Anyone who received a defective 2010 – 2011 vehicle sticker can contact our office at 312-742-9200 or cityclerk@cityofchicago.org to receive a free replacement. The sticker can also be brought to any City Clerk office location to be replaced for free in person. You can mail the defective sticker to:
City Clerk’s Office
Room 107, City Hall
Attn: Daveda Peeler/Defective Sticker
121 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60602
A replacement sticker will immediately be mailed to you.’
Hey OIF Vet and DoR,
In regards to Sticker Shield or any similar plastic envelope like product to display your city sticker…
A spokesperson from the Clerk’s office has told me that it is technically a violation to display it using something like this.
This info was after I asked for them to ask the enforcement people from the Clerk’s office what the deal was with Sticker Shield.
In addition, our old friend Ticketmaster (whom I trust implicitly) said that this was a ticketable offense.
Also (without checking the muni code) I think the code says there can be nothing in between the windshield and the ticket.
The reality is, I feel the chances are extremely low that: 1-a cop, or PEA or whomever, would be able to detect the Sticker Shield if applied correctly (as OIF Vet explains), 2-Even if they did, I would doubt most ticket writers would be that much of a dick that they’d issue a ticket.
I think I’ve received one e-mail in two years from someone that said they got a ticket for having their city sticker slipped into a piece of clear plastic–and they made it sound like it was something they picked up at Office Depot that was OBVIOUS it wasn’t butt up against the windshield.
So, while I don’t use Sticker Shield, it seems like a great idea and a great product. BUT, I feel duty bound to warn readers of the slim chance they could be ticketed for using it in conjunction with their city sticker.
i have been making my own ‘sticker shield’ with clear vinyl for the past few years. this year, i got a ticket because part of it started peeling off. i contested by mail with photos, and it was overturned.
This year the 2009/2010 sicker came right off. Amazing! I usually use the razor blade and lacquer thinner/denatured alcohol technique (since 1974). This year pried up a corner with blade and pulled it right up.
Thanks Mayor Daley!
Save your Sticker Shield money. 5 years in a row now I’ve used a drop of dishwashing liquid. It sticks all year then peels right off. Cost ~$0.01 vs Sticker Shield which is like $4.
I can’t speak for what City Clerk Enforcement does…but I reiterate:
We are not supposed to Issue for Improper Display of the City Sticker in the Department of Revenue.
If I can see it, and I can Read it; and it is attached to the windshield and not expired…I am to leave it alone.
I agree with Ticketmaster that it is something that IS able to be ticketed. But once again, I can only discuss what Revenue tells us; and not other departments like CPD or City Clerk.
I believe the specific words I heard were:
“We don’t want PEA’s to nitpick.”
My 09-10 came right off, however, I think I have a faulty sticker. My doesn’t stick well for the 10-11 year. I bought my sticker 5/28/10
I have worked in the glass business for over 30 years. Your windshield and rear window is a laminated glass product for safety purposes. Your side window glass is a tempered glass product. Laminated glass is composed of two pieces of annealed glass with an interlayer of lamination and fused together to make one piece of glass. If you look at laminated glass from the exposed edge, you will see the layers. You cannot tell there is vinyl in between as you look through the front and back surface of the glass. When laminated glass receives an impact, it will break into a spiderweb-like pattern on the outer surface of the glass and remain “stuck” to the lamination while the inside piece of glass remains intact. This is for your own safety. A fireman would have to use a hatchet to break through the glass and lamination if you are involved in a bad auto accident where you would have to be extricated.
Tempered glass is annealed glass that has been put through a hot tempering oven to change the molecular structure which strengthens the single piece of glass. Tempered glass is more resilient to dings from rocks on the front and back surface as well as a good pounding, but can still be broken. The exposed edges of tempered glass are more vulnerable to breakage than the front and back surface. So, the safety aspect of tempered glass is that it breaks into smaller popcorn-like shaped pieces of glass and not into dangerously huge jagged shards like annealed glass. The breakage pattern of tempered glass might nick your skin in an implosion, but will not kill you like a jagged shard of annealed glass. Remember seeing all those little pieces of glass by a car when there was a break-in? That’s tempered glass. A thief wouldn’t bother trying to break through your windshield..too much trouble.
Now on to the sticky sticker removal issue.
The easiest way to remove stickers from glass is to use a single edge razor blade (preferably in a holder for safety) and glass cleaning product (foam or liquid) and apply it directly onto the old sticker. Let it penetrate the sticker for a few minutes feeling it with your finger to see that there is enough moisture on the sticker. Starting from one top corner, hold the razor blade at a 45 degree angle to the windshield and with very slight pressure, gently pry up a corner. If you have the sticker moistened enough, you can slowly work the razor blade to the other corner until you can actually grab the sticker using both hands and peel the rest off evenly.
If parts of the sticker happen to remain after peeling, (you’ll get better at it each year, I promise) moisten that area again and repeat. There will always be some residual glue left on your windshield. After all the sticker is removed, reapply window cleaner to the glue and again at a 45 degree angle, slowly and gently scrape the glue. The glue should be just a slippery blob that you can remove with your fingers. This whole process should take no more than 10 minutes.
The important thing is that the glass and sticker should be very wet with glass cleaner AND that the razor blade is held at a 45 degree angle when gently scraping on the glass. If you follow this method, there will be no scratches on your windshield or any glass that you happen to clean.
Here’s how I removed that disgusting doggie sticker:
First step: Let the sticker bake in the sun on a good hot day. 90F (33C) will do.
Second step: Buy and use a NEW razor blade scraper.
Third step: Use it on that disgusting pooch!
NOTE: Dogs mistake me for a Klingon and I hate dogs. Feelings are mutual!
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