Chicago city stickers could double in cost for SUVs, less for hybrids

[Ralph Wiggum]

Owners of gas-guzzling cars in Chicago could see city sticker shock to go with the pain at the pump if an alderman's plan to increase the cost of the annual stickers is approved.  Ald. Joe Moreno, 1st, hopes to raise about $21 million per year for the cash-strapped city by raising the price of city vehicle stickers for certain types of cars.  Moreno's plan, which he introduced to the City Council today, also would lower the cost of the stickers for electric cars and hybrids.  "The long-term goal is to give more incentive for people to drive more fuel-efficient cars," said Moreno, who drives a hybrid himself.

Currently, stickers for small passenger cars that run on gas cost $75 per year. Those would go up $20 to $95 under the Moreno proposal, which will head to the Finance Committee for further consideration.  Owners of gas-burning cars that weigh more than 4,500 pounds -- such as sport-utility vehicles -- would increase $35 to $155, and trucks tipping the scales at more than 16,000 pounds would go up $35 to $455.  “I know that some people may feel aggrieved by this increase,” Moreno said in a news release. “But we have to be honest with our citizens. These larger vehicles are harder on our streets and our environment, and take up more parking spaces. Restructuring our fees to reflect the variety of vehicles that travel our city is only fair.”

Moreno said he hopes to include exemptions for heavy trucks that people need for business purposes. "I'm looking forward to hearing other ideas as this goes through the committee process," he said.  Electric cars, meanwhile, would get city stickers for free as part of the plan. Small hybrids would go down to $25 annually, and larger hybrids would be $65.  Moreno said Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel was supportive of the concept. An Emanuel spokesman said only that Emanuel looks forward to reviewing the specifics of the proposal after he takes office in mid-May.

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I'm kinda surprised Mayor Daley didn't try and get this one passed before he exits stage left.

[DumbAss Tanker]

Another great reason to pull up stakes, if you are unfortunate enough to live there.

[Chris_]

I was watching the dumbasses on WGN 9 yuk-yuk'ing about people crossing over the border into Indiana to keep from going broke buying gas.  It was about as ironic as our dumbass Pres-O-dent mading a joke about gummint shore being difficult during his SOTU address. 

Yeah, it's a hoot.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I was watching the dumbasses on WGN 9 yuk-yuk'ing about people crossing over the border into Indiana to keep from going broke buying gas.  It was about as ironic as our dumbass Pres-O-dent mading a joke about gummint shore being difficult during his SOTU address. 

Yeah, it's a hoot.

It has been a long-standing joke - if you live in Illinois or specifically Chicago, always buy your gas/fireworks/cigarettes in Indiana if you happen to be near the border.  It'll save you a bundle of money.  Even if you don't smoke or use fireworks.

[Ptarmigan]

It has been a long-standing joke - if you live in Illinois or specifically Chicago, always buy your gas/fireworks/cigarettes in Indiana if you happen to be near the border.  It'll save you a bundle of money.  Even if you don't smoke or use fireworks.

Chicago shares a border with Indiana. Just curious, do Chicagoans travel to Milwaukee or Wisconsin?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Another great reason to pull up stakes, if you are unfortunate enough to live there.

I always thought it was stupid to have to pay $60-$75 a year for a "city sticker".  Just call it a vehicle tax, add it onto the vehicle registration & be honest about it.  If you are a Chicago resident and don't buy a "city sticker" and are caught without one, the ticket is the same price as the sticker.  There are certain parts of town where they monitor it pretty heavily.  I could have gotten away without one living on the NW side.  I always parked in my garage and almost never parked on a public street.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Chicago shares a border with Indiana. Just curious, do Chicagoans travel to Milwaukee or Wisconsin?

Absolutely.  It's a 75 mile/90 minute drive to Milwaukee.  About half that to the border.

[Ptarmigan]

Absolutely.  It's a 75 mile/90 minute drive to Milwaukee.  About half that to the border.

Cool. Milwaukee has many festivals.

[Texacon]

It won't be long and you'll be buying so many stickers to drive you won't be able to see out of your windshield ... at which point they will ticket you for having your vision obstructed and see no irony in it.

KC

[thundley4]

WTF?  Chicago is going to be charging more for their city sticker than the state charges for the registration stickers/plates.  I'm sure that will change in the near future.