Previous thread on this: Pick Up Trucks - Lake Shore Drive
Apparently it’s not a simple answer, and politicians, journalists, judges are all confused:
- GAS UP THE PICKUP, WE’RE CLEARED FOR LAKE SHORE DRIVE – Chicago Tribune (judge ultimately ruled it not guilty)
- LAKE SHORE DRIVE TRUCK PROHIBITION ENSNARES INNOCENT – Chicago Tribune (but initially the judge thought otherwise)
And also:
- WBEZ video story: Why Ban Pickups from Lake Shore Drive? Where Can They Park in Chicago?
- Tribune article: Pickup truck owners face uphill climb in Chicago – Chicago Tribune
As far as I can tell, it’s technically illegal but enforcement seems hit-or-miss. It may depend on how the officer who sees you driving on it is feeling that day, and how well they happen to know the law. It may also have less-understood exemptions, like if you had RV plates or weigh < 8000 lbs, but those were secondhand and thirdhand reports. There might also be sections of LSD near McCormick Place that may be exempt. If you want to play it super-safe, best not to drive a pickup there.
Reddit has a ton of confusing anecdotes:
- Pickup Trucks on Lake Shore Drive : chicago
- Visiting Chicago, can I drive a pickup truck in the city? : AskChicago
- https://old.reddit.com/r/AskChicago/comments/1j1twdi/why_doesnt_law_enforcement_ticket_the_plethora_of/
What IS clear is that you’re not allowed to park on residential streets, only “business streets”: Pickup Trucks & Commercial Vehicles | Office of the City Clerk
If the non-commercial pick-up truck is owned by a Non-Chicago resident, (e.g. a visitor from the suburbs) and does not have a current and valid City Sticker, the owner may park the vehicle on a Business street.
Commercial pick-up trucks, junk vehicles, and any pick-up truck weighing more than 8,000 pounds are still prohibited from parking on ANY residential and business streets.