Carol Stream is hoping that a big fine will persuade residents to purchase vehicle-registration stickers for their cars.

Police will begin issuing $100 tickets  next month for drivers not having a valid village sticker.

Police were stationed at various intersections in the village this week to remind residents to purchase stickers and to alert them of the fine.

Officers passed out reminder cards and gave out sticker applications at intersections during morning and afternoon rush-hours.

Police will also be posting informational fliers around the village as a reminder, officials said.

Last month, the Carol Stream Village Board passed an ordinance that raised the fine for not having a valid sticker from $20 to $100. The fine goes onto effect Aug. 1.

The fine increase was developed to encourage voluntary compliance with the ordinance and hold scofflaws accountable.

“We want residents to know about this increase and that police will be strictly enforcing this ordinance,” Mayor Frank Saverino said.

Vehicle stickers purchased before July 1 were $15. After July 1, the sticker fee doubled, and there will be an additional $5 added to the price each month until the sticker is purchased. New residents or individuals who have purchased new vehicles have 30 days to buy stickers at the $15 fee.

Police Chief Rick Willing said police will begin sticker-enforcement patrols — similar to what police do for seat-belt and child-seat enforcement — as of Aug. 1. Anyone found in violation will not only receive a ticket carrying a $100 fine but will also have to pay the late fee for the sticker.

“It’s more economical just to buy them before Aug. 1 rather than take your chances on the fine,” Willing said.

According to village ordinance, any vehicle housed in the community overnight must have a valid sticker in the lower-right corner of the front passenger window.
Vehicle stickers may be purchased by mail or in person at Village Hall.

For information and fees for senior citizens, motorcycles and trucks, call (630) 665-7050.