Where Did My Baby Go? A Guide to Chicago's Towing Wilderness
So, your trusty steed has vanished into thin air. No, it hasn't been stolen by a band of car-napping ninjas (although that'd be a much more exciting story). It's been towed, my friend. Welcome to the wonderful world of Chicago parking enforcement.
The Great Chicago Tow-away
Chicago is a city of dreams, opportunity, and apparently, a love for towing cars. It's like the city has a personal vendetta against vehicles. One minute you're enjoying a deep-dish pizza, the next, you're staring at an empty parking spot and wondering where the heck your car went.
Don't panic. This happens to the best of us (or, at least, the worst of us when it comes to parking). Let's break down the process of finding your lost love.
Step 1: Denial
Is this really happening to me? you ask yourself. I was only gone for five minutes! Denial is a natural first step. Embrace it. But don't linger too long, because reality is about to hit you like a ton of bricks.
Step 2: Anger
You start to blame everyone and everything. The city, the meter maids, the guy who parked next to you. You contemplate starting a petition to ban towing. Deep breaths, friend. Deep breaths.
Step 3: Bargaining
You start making promises to yourself. "If I ever find my car, I'll never park illegally again." Or, "I'll donate to the local animal shelter." Whatever it takes to get your car back.
Step 4: Acceptance
Okay, your car is gone. It's time to face the music. Or, in this case, the phone.
Finding Your Lost Love
To find your car, you'll need to contact the City of Chicago. You can do this by calling 311 or visiting their website. They'll ask for your license plate number, and voila! They should be able to tell you where your car has been whisked away to.
Important note: Towing fees in Chicago can be pretty steep. So, be prepared to pay a ransom to get your car back.
How to Avoid Getting Towed (Mostly)
- Read the signs: This might seem obvious, but it's amazing how many people ignore those little white and red signs.
- Meter madness: Always feed the meter. Even if you think you have a few extra minutes.
- Street sweeping: Be aware of street sweeping days and times. Your car will be towed if it's in the way.
- Permits, permits, permits: If you live in a permit-only zone, make sure you have a valid permit.
- Don't be a jerk: Don't park in handicapped spots, fire lanes, or anywhere else that's clearly marked as no parking.
How to find out if your car has been towed? Call 311 or visit the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation website.How to find out the location of the impound lot? The City of Chicago has multiple impound lots. Call 311 for the specific location.How to get your car back from the impound lot? You'll need to pay the towing fee and any outstanding parking tickets.How to avoid towing fees? Park legally and be aware of street signs and regulations.How to find a cheap parking spot in Chicago? This is a trick question. There's no such thing.