Chicago Fresh Start Program: Erase Parking Ticket Debt

ProPublica reporters uncovered a troubling pattern in Chicago. The city’s parking and red-light ticketing system hit low-income communities of color hardest. Many Black and Brown motorists were forced into Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases they couldn’t afford. They entered payment plans that were destined to fail. When they fell behind, their cases got dismissed. They ended up back where they started, facing license suspensions and car impoundments.

Chicago city council members responded with action. They amended the municipal code to offer a better solution. As of January 1, 2019, the Fresh Start program launched. You can now erase ticket debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you meet certain qualifications.

Who Qualifies for the Fresh Start Program?

You can participate if you meet either condition:

• You have a pending Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and are eligible for discharge
• You received a discharge in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case previously

The program gives you a realistic path to eliminate crushing ticket debt. Consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

How the Debt Relief Payment Plan Works

The Fresh Start program cuts through the confusion with straightforward terms. You pay only the initial fine amount for eligible tickets. The program covers parking, standing compliance, and red-light camera tickets from three years before your bankruptcy filing date.

Payment Terms Based on Amount Owed

Your monthly payment and plan length depend on your total ticket debt:

• $0 – $500: Pay $25/month for up to 20 months
• $501 – $1,000: Pay $50/month for up to 20 months
• $1,001 – $2,000: Pay $75/month for up to 27 months
• $2,001 – $3,000: Pay $100/month for up to 30 months
• Over $3,000: Pay $150/month for up to 30 months

What Gets Waived After You Complete the Plan

Once you finish your payments and receive your Chapter 7 discharge, significant relief kicks in. All unpaid parking, standing, compliance, and red-light camera tickets older than three years get waived. All penalties, fees, and costs associated with any tickets get eliminated too.

If you have no tickets from the three years before filing, you pay nothing. All older tickets disappear once you receive your Chapter 7 discharge. No payments to the bankruptcy court or the City are required.

How to Enroll in Fresh Start

Step 1: File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

You need an active or completed Chapter 7 bankruptcy case to qualify. Filing bankruptcy is a serious decision that requires careful thought. The process affects other debts you owe and property you own. A bankruptcy attorney can provide a free consultation to help you understand the implications.

Step 2: Get Your Payment Plan Terms

Email Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. at ChicagoFreshStart@harriscollection.com with these details:

• Your full name
• Your current address
• Your driver’s license number
• All known vehicle license plate numbers (past and present)

If your car has been booted or impounded, include the reason in your email. You’ll receive a response outlining your proposed plan terms.

Can’t send an email? Visit the payment center at 400 West Superior Street instead. Bring all required information with you. The City will contact you later with your payment plan terms.

Step 3: Complete Enrollment and Start Paying

Bring these documents to 400 West Superior Street:

• A copy of your filed bankruptcy forms, schedules, and statement of financial affairs
• Your driver’s license
• Your Fresh Start proposed payment plan terms

You’ll receive a contract with the final program terms. You’re enrolled once you sign and make your first payment. The first payment and any down payment for vehicle release must be cash, cashier’s check, or USPS money order.

Mail all future monthly payments to Arnold Scott Harris, P.C., 111 W. Jackson, Blvd., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60604. Make checks or money orders payable to “City of Chicago.”

Reinstate Your Driver’s License

Your suspended license due to unpaid parking tickets can be reinstated. You need two things: file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and get accepted into Fresh Start.

Relief from Chicago’s Ticketing Crisis

The Fresh Start Debt Relief Program isn’t perfect. It doesn’t solve Chicago’s widespread ticketing problems entirely. But it offers real relief for people drowning in ticket debt.

You’re not alone if you’re struggling with Chicago parking and red-light tickets. License suspensions, boots, and vehicle impoundments create serious hardship. The Fresh Start program could be your path forward.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy combined with this program gives you a genuine fresh start. You can eliminate old ticket debt and escape the cycle of penalties and fees.