SPRINGFIELD – Lower income Chicago residents will have one more support in place to help them get back on their feet—any fines or fees from traffic violations will now be waived indefinitely, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Javier Cervantes. 

“What makes Illinois such a great place to live is that we show up for one another, and we believe in second chances,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We do not believe someone should be forced into homelessness because they can’t afford to pay a speeding ticket. This new law extends grace to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and I am proud to be a leader in getting it passed into law.”

The Cook County traffic fee waiver program was established in 2021 and made fees, fines and costs due to traffic violations eligible for a waiver in Cook County for people suffering financially. Thanks to this program, judges in Cook County have evaluated applications to grant fee waivers under the program over the last three years. However, the program had a sunset date for 2024, which was recently extended until 2025, but as it is currently written, would need to be renewed annually to still be operational.

Cervantes’ law removes the need for the program to be renewed. Instead, his law establishes it as a permanent option for Cook County residents, and ensures low-income residents will be met with compassion when facing an expensive traffic fee.

“The past three years of this pilot program has demonstrated how helpful it is to Chicagoans,” said Cervantes. “It is a clear decision to extend the program indefinitely, and help prevent thousands of residents who are in stressful financial situations from losing everything over a small mistake.”

Senate Bill 108 was signed into law Monday. It is effective immediately.