Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Illinois law exempts only holders of a separate meter-exempt decal or device from meter fees. It is issued to people who meet extra physical limits and hold an Illinois driver's license. A standard disability placard is not described as exempt.
- The meter-exempt decal also covers publicly owned parking areas.
- Applicants need a certification from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.
- Always check the meter and posted signs in your city.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be exempt from the payment of fees generated by parking in a metered space” (625 ILCS 5/11-1301.2 - Special decals for parking; persons with disabilities (Illinois General Assembly))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
Illinois defines a person with a disability as someone certified by a licensed health professional, for example someone who cannot walk 200 feet without resting. Valid disability plates or placards from other states, districts, territories or countries are recognized.
- Qualifying conditions include needing a brace, cane, crutch or wheelchair, portable oxygen use, or certain lung, heart, arthritic, neurological or orthopedic limits.
- The holder must be present and enter or exit the vehicle when the placard is used.
- Placards are not transferable and must hang from the mirror or sit on the dashboard in clear view.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest because of one of the above 5 conditions” (625 ILCS 5/1-159.1 - Person with disabilities (Illinois General Assembly))
“shall be recognized by State and local authorities as a valid license plate or device” (625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3 - Unauthorized use of parking places reserved for persons with disabilities (Illinois General Assembly))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits are set by cities and towns, not by a statewide rule we could confirm. Example city: Chicago lists time-restricted parking as a ticketable violation, so follow the posted sign.
- Example city: Chicago's violations list includes a 'No Standing/Parking Time Restricted' ticket.
- The Chicago page lists $100 for that violation; other cities differ.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“No Standing/Parking Time Restricted” (Example city: Chicago - Parking, Standing and Compliance Violations)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Set by cities and towns. Example city: Chicago has a winter overnight ban on main streets and a separate two-inch snow ban. Other Illinois cities have their own rules.
- Example city: Chicago's overnight ban runs 3 am to 7 am on 107 miles of main streets, December 1 through April 1, whether or not it snows.
- Chicago also has a separate snow ban on about 500 more miles of main streets that can start once there are two inches of snow.
- Signs are posted along affected routes.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The ban is enforced on 107 miles of vital arterial streets from 3 am to 7 am” (Example city: Chicago - Winter Snow Parking Restrictions)
“can be activated after there are at least two inches of snow on the street” (Example city: Chicago - Winter Snow Parking Restrictions (two-inch ban))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Overnight street parking is set by cities and towns. Example city: Chicago bans parking on designated main streets from 3 am to 7 am in winter. We did not confirm a permit system.
- Example city: Chicago's winter overnight ban applies December 1 through April 1 on posted main streets.
- Other Illinois cities may allow or restrict overnight parking differently; check local signs and ordinances.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The ban is enforced on 107 miles of vital arterial streets from 3 am to 7 am” (Example city: Chicago - Winter Snow Parking Restrictions (Winter Overnight Parking Ban))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law sets a fine for parking in a disabled space without proper plates or a placard, and allows towing from such spaces. Other fines and tow costs are set by cities. Example city: Chicago's winter-ban page lists tow and storage fees.
- State law: the fine for misusing a disabled space is $250, and municipalities may set up to $350, plus tow and storage charges.
- Example city: Chicago's winter-ban page says violators are towed and face a minimum $250 towing fee, a $60 ticket and $50 per day storage. Chicago has published different figures elsewhere, so confirm before paying.
- Chicago says towed cars go to Pound 2 or Pound 6.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be fined $250 in addition to any costs or charges connected with the removal or storage of any motor vehicle” (625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3 - Unauthorized use of parking places reserved for persons with disabilities (Illinois General Assembly))
“Violators of the parking ban will be towed and face a minimum $250 towing fee, a $60 ticket, and a storage fee of $50 per day.” (Example city: Chicago - Winter Snow Parking Restrictions)
Ask about parking rules
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General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
