Chicago Car Sticker Tax Case Properly Tossed, Appeals Court Says

Chicago’s late fee for residents who miss the deadline to buy a city sticker their cars is a tax that survives constitutional scrutiny, an Illinois appeals court affirmed Wednesday.

“In this case, it is clear that the late charge is imposed both as a penalty for purchasing a city sticker after the due date and as a deterrent to discourage such behavior in the future,” the Illinois Appellate Court, First District ruled. “As such, it is constitutional, whether characterized as a fine or a tax,” Justice Jesse G. Reyes wrote for the court.

• Rachel Zibrat challenged the $60 late ...