Chicago parking ticket · MCC 9-64-190
Expired Meter ticket in Chicago: cost & how to fight it
An expired meter ticket in Chicago costs $50, and doubles to $100 if it isn’t paid or contested in time. 67% of mailed expired meter contests were dismissed (93,246 decided cases, tickets issued 2023–2025).
An expired meter ticket is issued when the paid time at a metered space (or pay box / ParkChicago session) has run out.
Note: In the Central Business District the fine is $70 (doubles to $140).
How to fight a expired meter ticket
A valid ParkChicago or pay-box receipt covering the ticket time is often a complete defense. Autopilot attaches the payment receipt to the appeal automatically.
You can contest any Chicago parking ticket in one of three ways: by mail, online through the City's portal, or in person at an administrative hearing. Contesting by mail is how Autopilot does it — and across the City's own 2023–2025 hearing data, mailed expired meter contests were dismissed 67% of the time.
What actually decides these cases, from the hearing records: how expired meter ticket contests are won and lost.
Let Autopilot fight it for you
Autopilot watches your plate, catches a expired meter ticket within days of it posting, builds the appeal with the right evidence attached, and mails it — before the fine has a chance to double. It also alerts you before street cleaning, snow bans, and permit/meter enforcement on your block so the next one never happens.
Get started →Expired Meter ticket FAQ
How much is an expired meter ticket in Chicago?
A expired meter ticket under MCC 9-64-190 is $50. If it isn't paid or contested in time, the fine doubles to $100 — a $50 late penalty. In the Central Business District the fine is $70 (doubles to $140).
Can you fight an expired meter ticket in Chicago?
Yes. You can contest it by mail or online. A valid ParkChicago or pay-box receipt covering the ticket time is often a complete defense. Autopilot attaches the payment receipt to the appeal automatically. Across mailed, decided cases from 2023–2025, 67% of expired meter contests were found Not Liable (93,246 decided cases).
What happens if I ignore an expired meter ticket?
The $50 fine doubles to $100. Unpaid tickets can lead to license-plate holds and, after enough debt, a vehicle boot.
Deciding what to do with a ticket
Other Chicago ticket types
Fines from the City of Chicago fine schedule (MCC 9-64-190). Dismissal rate is mail-only, decided cases (Not Liable ÷ decided), tickets issued 2023–2025, from Department of Finance / DOAH records obtained by FOIA. Not legal advice.