Bill Allows City to Boot Cars For Unpaid Bills

Chicago senator seeks to expand criteria for applying the Denver boot

A bill introduced by an Illinois state senator could dramatically increase the amount of cars booted throughout the state.

Chicago Democrat Sen. Ira Silverstein is behind the Vehicle Immobolization bill (SB36) allows cities to place a Denver boot on a vehicle if the owner lost a civil court judgment against a city entity and hasn't paid up. The bill gives the judgment debtor an opportunity to appear and contest the immobilization before the boot is applied.

If the car is booted, the owner has 24 hours to pay the judgment, or the car would be towed and impounded, and sold after 21 days to cover the costs.

According to Crain's Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office is reviewing the bill and has not taken a position on it.

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