Chicago Sticker Companies Wreak Havoc on NYC Drivers

Ticket by PlaySomeReggaeMusic

As if giving birth to deep-pan pizza wasn't enough of a tragedy, two Chicago companies are to blame for producing as many as two million vehicle registration stickers and up to 2.5 million inspection stickers that simply won't stick to car windshields.

As a result, the Department of Motor Vehicles has been flooded with angry drivers, worried they're going to be forced to pay hefty fines -- made even heftier since registration fees increased by about 25 percent for most drivers and NYC drivers have been slapped with a $50 registration fee to help close the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's deficit.

A Windy City conspiracy, perhaps?

DMV Commissioner David Swartz told the NY Times "Why both happened at the same time -- two different vendors, two different processes, two different types of stickers -- it's really a bizarre occurrence." Previously, when the bad sticker defense was presented by a man whose vehicle registration stickers became unglued, earning him two tickets, the judge dismissed the first one but let the second one stand, "The claim that the sticker became unglued does not present a valid defense."

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By Lisa F in News on October 13, 2009 3:49 PM

Comments [rss]

mellyrose

This is so annoying!

I received a $65 parking ticket while parked in front of my house on a quiet street (no meters, no alternate side, etc), just 2 days after affixing my brand new sticker to my brand new car's windshield. When I came out at 9am and found the ticket, I also found the faulty sticker laying on my dashboard because it just would NOT stick and must have fallen off over night. I had since resorted to packing tape, but why the fuck am I responsible for their shitty glue? I didn't do anything wrong. I am still in the process of fighting it.

pinball29

The NYPD just loves this. They can go car to car and fill thier ticket quotas in a day instead of a month. They dont want to hear it, they will ticket you regardless. Im sure they'll improvise now and come up w/ a 'improperly attached inspection sticker' when they see its taped on.

JacqueMehoff

who's to blame here? the State DMV and their faulty stickers or NYC Parking bureau for writing tickets for the faulty stickers? or, who's the big winner in screwing the public?

matty

Hello chicagoist commentors!!!

:D

NannyState

Chicago lost the 2016 olympics after the asians peeled away their backing.

I'll be here all night

DaleyGrind

Represent!

Stealth

Just a note: All Chicago companies are not owned by the city government (thank God). So talk of a conspiracy by Chicago is pretty, um, what's the word? ... Oh, yeah, stupid.

Worthington's Law

Do all people of Chicago lack a basic sense of humor? Another Windy City conspiracy?

DaleyGrind

So, I'm guessing the Chicago firms had the lowest bid?

DaleyGrind

Meant to reply to Longacre...

longacre

I'd wager there are a dozen printing companies within New York that would be able to fulfill the state's sticker needs. Why do we need to import them from Illinois?

JenChungsBaby

Lowest bidder.

Mr Mel

I'll bet he wasn't the lowest bidder, he was the highest briber.

grandzu

They actually were the only bidder and have been making the stickers for NYS for the past several years.

wowthatsucks

I've tried Giordano's, if that's Chicago's finest, then it's the epitome of crap, in a crust.

youngpro

Total bs, friend got a ticket this week and was even towed. City refused to acknowledge the sticker issue and maintains its stance with ticketing.

The Captain

$50 bucks for a bunk sticker! I'd ask for my money back! Two tickets for one sticker? That's bananas! I'm not sure who sucks more; Chicago, the cop or the judge!