Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
City council approved a new ordinance last week that will impound the cars of drivers caught behind the wheel with a suspended or revoked license.
The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have written about several high profile accidents involving unlicensed drivers in recent months, both at Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog and at our sister site, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog.
The measure has gained momentum since a pregnant mother of 5 was struck and killed in a Chicago pedestrian accident caused by an unlicensed driver. The Tribune reported the at-fault driver had been cited more than 12 times for driving without a license.
“We have people whose licenses are suspended or revoked, and they continue to drive on the streets, putting the public at risk,” sponsoring Ald. Tom Allen, 38th, told the Chicago Tribune.
The new law would require drivers to pay $665 to the city to get their vehicles back. The Tribune reported police issued 22,904 citations last year for driving on a suspended license. About one-third of Chicago traffic accidents resulting in serious injury or death involve someone driving with a revoked or suspended license, police estimate.
The new ordinance takes effect Jan. 1.
“You’re not going to eradicate the 22,000-plus cases of people getting pulled over for this,” Allen said. “But if they have to pay this $665 every time, it’s going to give them pause.”
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident, the Chicago injury attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.