Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-190
Throwing objects into roadways (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person: (1) To loiter on any public bridge, viaduct or overpass in such manner or for such purpose as might jeopardize the safety or well-being of any person upon or near the roadway below; (2) To stop any vehicle on any public bridge, viaduct or overpass except for necessary emergency purposes or upon the order of a police officer or other person authorized to direct such action; (3) To throw or drop or cause to be thrown or dropped from any public bridge, viaduct or overpass any article or thing which might jeopardize the safety or well-being of any person upon or near the roadway below. Any violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a nuisance and the offender shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $200.00, or imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both, and every violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-13.2)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-190 prohibits three categories of conduct on public bridges, viaducts, and overpasses: loitering in ways that could endanger people on the roadway below, stopping a vehicle there except in emergencies or at a police officer's direction, and throwing or dropping any object that could jeopardize the safety of anyone near the roadway below. Each separate act that violates the provision is treated as its own distinct offense. Penalties can include a fine ranging from $50 to $200, up to six months of imprisonment, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers whose buildings are adjacent to or accessible from public bridges, viaducts, or overpasses in Chicago should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-190 applies to all persons, including those who may access such structures from managed properties. Operators generally communicate relevant public-safety rules to tenants and guests, particularly where a property's layout provides easy access to an overpass or bridge. Because each violation is treated as a separate offense carrying fines up to $200 or potential imprisonment, awareness of this provision is part of responsible property management near such infrastructure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-190 establishes that loitering dangerously, stopping a vehicle without cause, or dropping objects from public bridges, viaducts, or overpasses is unlawful and constitutes a public nuisance. Tenants who believe they have been cited or charged under this provision may wish to review the specific conduct alleged, since each act is counted as a separate offense. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service can help individuals understand how this provision may interact with any related housing or tenancy matter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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