Here is what you need to know. First, you need to understand that Chicago law is more strict than Illinois law regarding car window tint. Second, you need to understand there is an obscure clause in IL Municipal Code that does not allow Chicago to overrule state law reagrding tinted window.
You need to make an argument by citing Illinois law HB3325. Say something to the effect of the following sentence:
“I am writing to contest ticket number (Type your ticket #). Effective October 30, 2009, Illinois House Bill 3325 amended Public Act 096-0815 to allow “nonreflective tinted film that does not allow less than 35% light transmittance” on the front windows of vehicles. Chicago cannot enforce violations coded 09-76-220(b) as it pertains to equipment, of which Chicago does not have Home Rule jurisdiction. IL Motor Vehicle Code allows certain combinations of tint including front tint and cannot be overridden by Home Rule in accordance to the IL Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-2.1-2).”
In the appeal package, you will also include: 1) A photocopy of my ticket; 2) A photograph of my vehicle demonstrating compliance with HB3325; 3) A copy of HB 3325 with the relevant changes highlighted; 4) A copy of the Illinois General Assembly’s Bill Status website highlighting the effective date of HB 3325. Make the whole package well organized, so you will give judge the impression that you are super organized and ready for the legal fight.
Sending
There are two ways to send the package. You can mail it like theyʼve asked you to, or you can fax it for a faster response.
Fax:
(845) 489-9016
*Confirm they have received the fax by calling (312) 744-7275, press 1 and 0
**They also have an email address, which we were able to track down: [email protected]
Mail:
City of Chicago Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 88298
Chicago, IL 60680-1298
Waiting Period
After you send the package and confirmed it is received, youʼll notice the status of your ticket change on the Chicago revenue website: https://parkingtickets.cityofchicago.org/CPSWeb/web/EnterTickets.jsp
It does take up to 3 weeks for the status to reflect “Hearing Scheduled”. This does not mean an in-person hearing, it just simply means it is scheduled for a judge to “hear the case.” After the case is heard, the status will change to “Dismissed”.