Parking Violations

Parking MetersIf you received a parking violation from the City of Sycamore, you must either pay the fine or contest the violation within 21 days of issuance. You cannot do both.

How to Pay a Parking Violation

In Person

You may pay your violation in person at the City Clerk's Office located in the Sycamore Center at 308 W State Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The City's Clerk's office accepts cash or checks.

Online

You may make a secure online payment for your parking ticket via GovPayNet. A receipt will be emailed to you.

By Mail

You may mail the violation notice along with a check or money order payable to the City of Sycamore to the following address. Please write the citation number on your check or money order. Do not mail cash.

City of Sycamore - Ordinance Violation
308 W State Street
Sycamore, IL 60178

Fine Schedules

Parking Violation Fine Amount Due

  • Parking Meter Violation Fine: $1
  • Subsequent Meter Violation: $5
  • General Parking Violations: $25
  • Disabled Parking Violations: $250

Late Payment Penalties Amount Due

  • When paid more than 21 days after determination: Add $25 to original fine
  • When paid more than 42 days after determination: Add $50 to original fine
  • When paid more than 64 days after determination: Add $75 to original fine

Acceptable Reasons to Contest a Parking Ticket

Under Chapter 6-8-6 of the Sycamore Municipal Code, there are only five grounds for contesting a violation notice. Evidence must be presented demonstrating that:

  • The person issued the violation notice was not the owner or lessee of the cited vehicle at the time of the violation.
  • The cited vehicle or its state registration plates were stolen at the time the violation occurred.
  • The relevant signs prohibiting or restricting parking were missing or obscured.
  • The relevant parking meter was inoperable or malfunctioned through no fault of the person issued the violation notice.
  • The facts alleged in the violation notice are inconsistent or do not support a finding that the specified regulation was violated.
  • The illegal condition described in the compliance violation did not exist at the time the notice was issued.

To Contest by Mail

Sign in the place provided on the back of the citation. By signing the citation, you acknowledge waiving your personal appearance before the hearing officer and consent to an adjudication of a parking violation based on your signed statement and any supporting materials you provide via mail. Supporting materials may be emailed to parking@sycamorepd.com or mailed to:
Parking Hearing
535 DeKalb Avenue
Sycamore, IL 60178

Supporting documents must be received by the police department via email or mail at least one day prior to the hearing date on the citation.

To Contest in Person Before a Hearing Officer

You may contest a parking violation by appearing before the hearing officer on the date and time indicated on the front of your citation. Please bring with you any supporting material or evidence needed to contest the violation based on one of the above-stated reasons.

Failure to Respond to This Violation

Failing to respond to this violation may cause a determination of liability to be entered against you. Failing to pay the fine and any penalty due within the time specified may result in the city's filing a complaint against you in the circuit court to have the unpaid fine or penalty rendered a judgment in accordance with Section 11-208.3(f) of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-208.3(f)0, as amended. In addition, vehicles located with the city may be impounded for failure to pay fines or penalties for three or more vehicular standing, parking, or compliance regulation violations and/or your driver's license may be suspended should you fail to pay the fines or penalties for ten or more vehicular standing or parking violations under Section 6-306.5 of Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-306.5), as amended. All notices will be mailed to the address of the vehicle's registered owner as recorded with the Secretary of State.

How to Report a Problem with a Parking Meter

Great effort is made by our parking division to ensure the accuracy of the meters. Please understand that our vintage meters do have mechanical failures from time to time. If you are concerned a parking meter is not functioning properly, please let us know the meter location, meter number, and how the meter if malfunctioning by filling in the Parking Meter Form, and our staff will take appropriate repair steps.

Other Parking-Related Issues

For questions regarding hearings, please call 815-895-3435.

For questions regarding parking violation payments, please call 815-899-1697.