# Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-12-070 establishing maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour on streets, 15 miles per hour in alleys, and absolute statutory nonurban limit of 55 miles per hour

[Votes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/legislation) › [Pedestrian and Traffic Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/pedestrian-and-traffic-safety) › [1st Ward: Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1)

- Record number: **SO2024-0010990**
- Type: Ordinance; category: Municipal Code Amendments
- Status: Final
- Sponsor: [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (1st Ward)
- Co-sponsors (8): [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (30th Ward), [Timothy R. Knudsen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/43) (43rd Ward), [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (44th Ward), [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (48th Ward), [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (47th Ward), [Michael D. Rodriguez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/22) (22nd Ward), [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (25th Ward), [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (40th Ward)
- Committee: [Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/pedestrian-and-traffic-safety)
- Introduction Date: Jul 17, 2024
- Final Action Date: Feb 19, 2025
- Official record: [Office of the City Clerk](https://chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matterId=B6B7F7E8-5644-EF11-8409-001DD8306DF0)

## Roll call: Failed to Pass Feb 19, 2025

**21 yea, 28 nay.** This was a divided vote. On motion of Alderperson LaSpata, and unsuccessful motion to reconsider by Alderperson Mitchell, the matter Failed to Pass. Voted at the [City Council meeting of Feb 19, 2025](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/3177F700-7CD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD804AA64).

**Nay (28)**: [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (2), [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (3), [Desmon C. Yancy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/5) (5), [Gregory I. Mitchell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/7) (7), [Michelle A. Harris](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/8) (8), [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (9), [Peter Chico](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/10) (10), [Nicole T. Lee](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/11) (11), [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (13), [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (15), [Stephanie D. Coleman](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/16) (16), [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (17), [Matthew J. O'Shea](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/19) (19), [Ronnie L. Mosley](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/21) (21), [Silvana Tabares](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/23) (23), [Monique L. Scott](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/24) (24), [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (27), [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (28), [Chris Taliaferro](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/29) (29), [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (30), [Felix Cardona Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/31) (31), [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (36), [Emma Mitts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/37) (37), [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (38), [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (39), [Anthony V. Napolitano](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/41) (41), [James M. Gardiner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/45) (45), [Debra L. Silverstein](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/50) (50)

**Yea (21)**: [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (1), [Lamont J. Robinson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/4) (4), [William E. Hall](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/6) (6), [Julia M. Ramirez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/12) (12), [Jeylú B. Gutiérrez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/14) (14), [Derrick G. Curtis](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/18) (18), [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (20), [Michael D. Rodriguez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/22) (22), [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (25), [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (26), [Scott Waguespack](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/32) (32), [Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/33) (33), [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (34), [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (40), [Timothy R. Knudsen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/43) (43), [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (44), [Angela Clay](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/46) (46), [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (47), [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (48), [Maria E. Hadden](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/49) (49), Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (former member)

**Not voting (1)**: [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (42)

## Plain-language summary

> Written by AI (@cf/openai/gpt-oss-120b) from the ordinance text only: [Substitute Ordinance O2024-0010990.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/1e0476a5-9b41-4d01-b445-a1975495f0d6.pdf). AI can make mistakes; the official document always wins.

The City Council is changing the speed-limit rules: 25 mph on city streets, 15 mph in alleys, and 55 mph on roads outside the city’s urban districts. Violations will bring fines of $200‑$300 for a first offense, $300‑$500 for a second, and $500‑$1,000 for later offenses, plus possible community service or felony charges if a death occurs.

- Maximum speed limits set at 25 mph (urban streets), 15 mph (alleys), 55 mph (non-urban).
- Fines range from $200‑$300 for first, $300‑$500 for second, $500‑$1,000 for subsequent offenses within three years.
- Violators also face community service and possible felony charges if a fatality results.
- Speed limits can be adjusted by the Commissioner of Transportation with city council approval, within set minimum and maximum ranges.
- The ordinance becomes effective on January 1, 2026.

**Money**

- $200‑$300 for a first offense
- $300‑$500 for a second offense
- $500‑$1,000 for the third and each subsequent offense within a three-year period

**Who**: All drivers and vehicle operators in Chicago, as well as residents and pedestrians who use city streets, alleys, and non-urban roads, are affected.

**Where**: City of Chicago (urban districts, alleys, and non-urban streets within the city’s jurisdiction)

## Timeline

- Jul 17, 2024: Referred, City Council. Two committees having been called, the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations, the matter was Referred to the Committee on Committees and Rules (Pursuant to Council Rule 42).
- Sep 16, 2024: Recommended for Re-Referral, Committee on Committees and Rules. The matter was recommended for Re-Referral by controlling legislative body.
- Sep 18, 2024: Referred, City Council. The matter was Referred to Committee.
- Oct 21, 2024: Recommended to Pass, Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety. The matter was recommended to Pass by controlling legislative body.
- Oct 22, 2024: Deferred and Published, City Council. On request of Alderperson La Spata and Alderperson Cruz, the matter was Deferred and Published.
- Feb 19, 2025: Substituted, City Council. The matter was substituted on the floor.
- Feb 19, 2025: Failed to Pass, City Council (21 yea, 28 nay), at the [City Council meeting](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/3177F700-7CD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD804AA64). On motion of Alderperson LaSpata, and unsuccessful motion to reconsider by Alderperson Mitchell, the matter Failed to Pass.

## Documents

- [Re-Referred from ComRules.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/430f74f3-02ea-411c-a463-d8f9a797b7b4.pdf) (Committee Letter)
- [O2024-0010990 Committee Letter - Speed Limit - Ward 01.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/f74dfcd3-8f21-46d2-b6fb-eeb7684e4b6d.pdf) (Committee Letter)
- [Substitute Ordinance O2024-0010990.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/1e0476a5-9b41-4d01-b445-a1975495f0d6.pdf) (Legislation)
- [w1 others O10990.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/a41d2d4e-a06c-49ce-abc0-b5f4fc23b089.pdf) (Legislation)

## Related legislation

**More from Daniel La Spata**

- [Amendment of Annual Appropriation Ordinance to transfer funds from 1st Ward Wage Allowance Account to Aldermanic Expense Account for Year…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029370-annual-appropriation-ordinance-transfer-funds-1st) (O2026-0029370, introduced Oct 14, 2026, Referred)
- [Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for Alfa Chicago, Inc.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0027548-exemption-physical-barrier-requirement-commercial-driveway) (O2026-0027548, introduced Sep 23, 2026, Passed)
- [Exemption from physical barrier requirement for commercial driveway alley access for BM International Builders, Inc.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0027537-exemption-physical-barrier-requirement-commercial-driveway) (O2026-0027537, introduced Sep 23, 2026, Passed)

**More on Municipal Code Amendments**

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-24-065 regarding ability to pay pilot program](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029654-regarding-ability-pay-pilot-program) (O2026-0029654, introduced Dec 8, 2026, Council Introduction)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 3, 4 and 8 regarding technical and scriveners' corrections (2027 Municipal Code Corrections Ordinance)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029649-titles-3-4-8-regarding-technical) (O2026-0029649, introduced Oct 21, 2026, Referred)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 15, 17 regarding management, structure, powers and functions of various…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029644-titles-2-4-6-7-8) (O2026-0029644, introduced Oct 21, 2026, Referred)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0010990-maximum-speed-limit-25-miles-hour · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt