CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- People whose cars are stolen and then recovered by police are now off the hook for towing and storage fees.
The city has, for decades, required that the owners of vehicles that are stolen and recovered by police, pay towing and storage fees.
The practice was challenged in the mid 80'S and was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
At that time, a north side man was challenging the $45 dollar tow and $5 dollar storage fee. More recently, towing has cost $150 and $25 dollar daily fees were capped at $1,000 dollars.
People could challenge the costs, if they could prove their car was stolen.
Now, they don’t have to. Aldermen have voted to eliminate the charges.
"By allowing the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Streets and Sanitation to return stolen vehicles free of charge, we will help ease some of the pain experienced by victims of a carjacking or a stolen vehicle,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement.
“The amendment passed by City Council today was truly a necessary step to reduce the impact of crime for our residents—helping to ensure they face no barriers in the process of getting their possessions returned to them."
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