Chicago Boot List: How to Check If Your Car Is Booted
If your car won’t move and there’s a yellow device on your wheel, here’s exactly where to check, what it costs, and how to get it off fast.
Check the Boot List Right Now
Call the City of Chicago boot/ticket line at 312-744-7275 with your license plate number, or go to chicago.gov and search “pay or contest a ticket” to look up your vehicle by plate. If you owe $200 or more across three or more unpaid tickets, your plate is eligible for booting.
If the boot is already on your car, skip down to “What to Do If You’re Already Booted.”
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How the Chicago Boot List Works
Chicago places your vehicle on the boot eligibility list once you have three or more unpaid parking, red light, or speed camera tickets totaling $200 or more. The system flags by license plate — your car can be booted anywhere it’s parked with no warning beforehand.
A boot is different from a tow. It disables your car where it sits. But a booted car left unpaid for 24 hours can still be towed — adding towing fees and storage fees on top of the original tickets. For the full towing process, see our Chicago Parking Tickets, Towing & Booting guide.
What to Do If You’re Already Booted
- Do not try to remove the boot yourself. It’s a criminal offense and triggers tamper detection.
- Read the notice left on your windshield. It has your case number and the total amount owed.
- Pay everything you owe, including the boot fee. Online at chicago.gov, by phone at 312-744-7275, or in person. All outstanding tickets must be cleared before removal is scheduled.
- Get your removal confirmation number. Keep it — the removal crew needs it.
- Wait for the removal crew. Typically 4–8 hours after payment is confirmed.
What a Chicago Boot Actually Costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tickets (threshold) | Minimum $200 across 3+ tickets |
| Boot removal fee | $60–$100 |
| If towed after 24 hrs unpaid | Add $150–$200+ towing fee |
| Storage fees (if towed) | $20–$35/day |
How Long Boot Removal Takes
- Payment processing: Online and phone payments confirm almost immediately.
- Removal crew dispatch: Typically 4–8 hours after payment confirmation.
- No exact appointment window: The city doesn’t give a precise arrival time — plan to stay near your vehicle.
How to Stay Off the Boot List
- Pay or contest every ticket within 7 days. Keeps fines at the reduced rate and stops balances from stacking toward the $200 threshold.
- Check your status periodically. Call 312-744-7275 or check chicago.gov by plate before an extended stay in the city.
- Set up a payment plan if you can’t pay in full. Chicago offers payment plans which can keep you off the boot list while you pay down balances.
Common Boot List Questions
How many tickets does it take to get booted in Chicago?
Three or more unpaid tickets totaling $200 or more in fines makes your vehicle eligible.
How do I know if I’m on the Chicago boot list?
Call 312-744-7275 or check chicago.gov’s ticket payment portal using your license plate.
Can I remove a Chicago boot myself?
No. Tampering with a city boot is a criminal offense and triggers tamper detection.
What happens if I don’t pay a boot within 24 hours?
The car can be towed to an impound lot, adding towing and daily storage fees on top of the original tickets and boot fee.
Can a Chicago boot happen to an out-of-state car?
Yes. Booting is tied to the license plate and outstanding balance — out-of-state and rental vehicles are equally eligible.