October 18, 2026 - (Chicago, IL) Chicago recently voted unanimously to expand its Smart Streets program that utilizes cameras on CTA buses and city vehicles to automatically issue tickets to drivers blocking bike and bus lanes reports Block Club Chicago.

Launched in November 2024 as a pilot program it has issued more than 140,000 citations, though 75% of those were warnings for a first-time infraction which carries no penalty. More than 80% of drivers who got warnings had not received additional violations.
Fines range from $50 for non-payment of a meter outside of the Central Business District to $90 for a bus lane violation and $250 for a bike lane violation.
The program will become permanent as is deemed necessary to better protect cyclists and pedestrians, as well as speed up certain corridors for bus travel.
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