Home / Advice / Late Service of Notice (90-Day Rule)
statute of limitationsUnited States · Chicago, ILDifficulty: Medium

Late Service of Notice (90-Day Rule)

Chicago Municipal Code §9-100-030(b) and §9-100-045(a), and 625 ILCS 5/11-208.3, 5/11-208.6, 5/11-208.8 require service within 30 days after Secretary of State notification but no later than 90 days after the violation (210 days for identified lessees). For red light/speed camera tickets the 90-day outer limit is strict. If you receive a ticket more than 90 days after the alleged violation date (check the postmark, not the printed date), the City has lost jurisdiction.

Legal basis

Chicago Municipal Code §9-100-030(b); §9-100-045(a); 625 ILCS 5/11-208.3(b); 5/11-208.6(c); 5/11-208.8(c)

Sample appeal wording

TO: City of Chicago, Department of Administrative Hearings RE: Violation [TICKET_NUMBER] I request dismissal because the City failed to serve within the time required by §9-100-030(b), §9-100-045(a), and 625 ILCS 5/11-208.3, 5/11-208.6, 5/11-208.8. Violation date: [VIOLATION_DATE]. Postmark date: [POSTMARK_DATE]. Days elapsed: [N], exceeding the 90-day statutory limit. Late service is jurisdictional. The notice is void. Evidence: (1) photograph of envelope showing postmark; (2) violation notice; (3) day calculation. Signed, [FULL_NAME] Date: [DATE]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

Beat It writes this argument automatically

Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.

Scan my ticket

Sources

  • Chicago Municipal Code §9-100-030(b)
  • 625 ILCS 5/11-208.3
  • 5/11-208.6
  • 5/11-208.8

Related

Get the Beat It app

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play