AMBULANCES

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 4, ch. 4-68

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-010 Definitions.

4-68-010 Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, when any of the following words or terms are used herein they shall have the meaning or construction ascribed to them in this section: "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association or joint stock association, or the legal successor thereof. "Private ambulance" means an ambulance operated by a private person. "Public ambulance" means an ambulance operated by the City of Chicago, having primary responsibility in emergency situations. Any other word or term not defined herein but defined in the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act of the State of Illinois, 210 ILCS 50/1 et seq., as amended, shall have the meaning ascribed to the word or term in that act. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-020 License requirements.

4-68-020 License requirements. (a) Except as provided below, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or maintain a private ambulance within the City of Chicago without having first obtained a license for the ambulance from the department of business affairs and consumer protection. A separate license shall be required for each private ambulance operated or maintained within the city. The license shall be posted in the ambulance at all times. (b) An ambulance license issued by the City of Chicago shall authorize the ambulance to operate only at the level of service (basic life support, intermediate life support, or advanced life support) that has been approved for that particular ambulance by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. (c) No license shall be required for any ambulance which is rendering assistance in the case of a disaster declared by the mayor, governor or president, or is transporting patients from beyond the City of Chicago to location within the city, or from within the City of Chicago to a location outside of the city. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-030 License - Application and approval requirements.

4-68-030 License - Application and approval requirements. (a) A person seeking an ambulance license shall file an application with the department of business affairs and consumer protection. (b) Along with the application, the applicant shall submit evidence that an appropriate State of Illinois ambulance license has been granted for each ambulance for which a license is sought and documentation that reflects the successful completion of any required state inspection. Failure to submit such evidence shall result in denial of the application. (c) Each application for an initial ambulance license and all information required to be furnished in connection therewith shall be approved by the department of health. As a condition of approval, the department shall inspect the ambulance for compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the department of health hereunder. (d) Each application for an initial or a renewal of an ambulance license and all information required to be furnished in connection therewith shall be approved by the department of business affairs and consumer protection. As a condition of approval, the department shall inspect the ambulance for compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the department of business affairs and consumer protection hereunder. (e) Prior to the issuance of an initial or a renewal of an ambulance license the fire department shall inspect and approve the ambulance's communication system. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-035 License - Renewal.

4-68-035 License - Renewal. Ambulance licenses shall expire on October 31st following the date of issue unless an application for renewal is filed with the department of business affairs and consumer protection prior to that date. No ambulance license shall be renewed unless the renewal application is approved by the departments of business affairs and consumer protection and fire. An applicant for a renewal license shall submit with the application evidence that a State of Illinois license has been granted, and is in force and effect, for the ambulance for which the license is sought along with documentation that reflects the completion of any required state inspection. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-040 Maintenance - Change of ownership.

4-68-040 Maintenance - Change of ownership. Each ambulance shall, at all times when in use as such, be suitable for the transportation of patients from the standpoint of health, sanitation and safety, and be maintained in suitable premises and contain equipment conforming with the standards, requirements and regulations provided for herein. Said equipment shall be in proper and good condition for such use and comply with all applicable laws and local ordinances relating to health, sanitation and safety and be equipped with such lights, sirens and special markings to designate it as an ambulance, as may be prescribed in rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Commissioner of Public Health, and federal and State of Illinois laws and any other applicable provisions of this Code. It shall be the duty of every company licensed under this chapter to notify the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection whenever any change in its address is made, either business or residence. Any notice required to be given to a licensee shall be sufficient if addressed to the last address recorded in the office of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Any change of ownership of a licensed company shall terminate the ambulance-operating license and shall require a new application and a new license, and conformance with all the requirements of this chapter as upon original licensing. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-24-21, p. 27657, Art. III, § 17)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-050 License - Fee.

4-68-050 License - Fee. (a) The annual license fee for an ambulance license shall be as set forth in Section 4-5-010. (b) Ambulance licenses issued by the department of business affairs and consumer protection which have not expired by October 31, 1997 shall pay a fee for any renewed license effective November 1, 1997 on a pro rata basis of the unused period for the ambulance license issued by the department of finance. (c) Ambulance licenses are not transferable between parties. (d) An ambulance licensee may change a vehicle currently operating under a valid license upon the inspection and approval of the departments of business affairs and consumer protection, health and fire and upon the payment of a non-refundable fee of $50.00. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 7-27-05, p. 53211, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. I, § 4)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-060 Inspection authority.

4-68-060 Inspection authority. Each licensed ambulance, its equipment, the premises designated in the application for its operation and maintenance, and all records relating to its maintenance, personnel and operation shall be made available for inspection by the departments of health, fire and business affairs and consumer protection at all times. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-062 Applicability of Illinois Emergency Medical Services Systems Act.

4-68-062 Applicability of Illinois Emergency Medical Services Systems Act. Every person who operates or maintains an ambulance within the City of Chicago shall observe all requirements imposed by the Illinois Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, 210 ILCS 50/1, et seq., as amended, and any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. (Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-064 Availability of names of state-licensed emergency medical technicians.

4-68-064 Availability of names of state-licensed emergency medical technicians. Any person who is granted an ambulance license under this chapter shall provide to the department of business affairs and consumer protection, upon its request: (1) a list of names of all emergency medical technicians employed by the licensee who perform duties in the city; and (2) evidence of the state licensure of such technicians. (Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-070 Exemption from certain traffic laws.

4-68-070 Exemption from certain traffic laws. While transporting a patient in situations where reasonable grounds exist to believe that a life threatening or potentially life threatening situation is present, emergency medical technicians may park irrespective of the otherwise applicable provisions of law, ordinance or regulations, and proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down or stopping as may be necessary for safe operation. No ambulance shall exceed the lawful speed, but the emergency medical technician may disregard laws or ordinances or regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions, when such activity is specifically provided for in State of Illinois guidelines. The exemptions herein granted shall apply only when the emergency medical technician, while in motion, sounds an audible signal by siren as may be reasonably necessary and when the vehicle is equipped with lights and markings, as required by federal and state specifications for ambulance vehicles. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve emergency medical technicians from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the emergency medical technicians from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others. No private or public ambulance shall operate in the city without at least two attendants who are duly licensed by the State of Illinois as emergency medical technicians, professional nurses, or physicians. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-080 Rules.

4-68-080 Rules. The Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection shall write and adopt appropriate rules pertaining to the safety of operation and conditions appropriate to the exterior, interior signage, and general usage of private ambulances. Such rules shall include, but shall not be limited to, the size of lettering and identifying information displayed on the ambulance, or the volume, frequency ranges, and use of sirens. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection may also adopt rules pertaining to applications for an ambulance license and establishing standards for the professional conduct of ambulance personnel. The Department of Health shall adopt health-related rules regarding the operation and maintenance of private ambulances. These rules shall adopt regulations pertaining to the operation and maintenance of private ambulances which have been promulgated by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-1-23, p. 60491, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-100 Patient destination.

4-68-100 Patient destination. Any public ambulance, when rendering basic life support services to a patient, shall convey the patient from the place where care was initiated to the nearest emergency medical facility approved by the City of Chicago department of health for the provision of emergency medical care services. Any public ambulance, when offering advanced life support services to a patient, shall convey the patient from the place where care was initiated to that hospital where as determined by the resource or associate hospital, the most appropriate and needed service can be rendered to the specific patient; provided that, except as provided below, the destination hospital shall be a participant in a State of Illinois Emergency Medical Services System. Whenever any private ambulance is offering basic life support services, no sick or injured person shall be conveyed against his/her will by the private ambulance from the place where he/she was overcome by sickness or from the scene of the crash in which he/she was injured, nor to a place to which he/she is unwilling to go; provided, that if such sick or injured person is unable to give any direction in his/her own behalf and there is no immediate relative present to direct where he/she shall be taken, such sick or injured person shall be conveyed to the nearest emergency medical facility approved by the City of Chicago department of health for the provision of emergency medical care services. Whenever advanced life support services are initiated by a private ambulance, the patient must be conveyed to that hospital where, as determined by the resource or associate hospital, the most appropriate and needed service can be rendered to the specific patient; provided that, except as provided below, the destination hospital shall be a participant in a State of Illinois Emergency Medical Services System. In instances where advanced life support services are indicated, and the patient demands transport to a hospital not participating in the State of Illinois Emergency Medical Services System, the patient or his/her immediate relative shall sign an appropriate release form absolving the company, the emergency medical technicians and the resource or associate hospital from responsibility related to the medical care rendered and the continuity thereof, resulting from the inability to offer fully appropriate services. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 88; Amend Coun. J. 11-17-21, p. 41319, Art. III, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-110 Peace officer assistance during emergencies.

4-68-110 Peace officer assistance during emergencies. A peace officer may assist an emergency medical technician, as defined in the Illinois Emergency Medical Service Systems Act, 210 ILCS 50/1, et seq., in transporting a person to a hospital licensed to provide comprehensive emergency treatment services when the officer is informed by an emergency medical technician that the situation constitutes an emergency as defined in the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act and that person is in need of immediate hospitalization to protect such person or others from physical harm. The provisions of this section shall not apply when the person sought to be transported objects to transportation or medical treatment on religious grounds. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-120 License suspension and revocation.

4-68-120 License suspension and revocation. When the department of business affairs and consumer protection finds or is notified by another department or agency of the city of a violation of any requirements of this chapter or of the rules and regulations adopted by the department of business affairs and consumer protection hereunder, it may make a second inspection after a lapse of whatever time it deems necessary for the correction of the violation. Provided, however, that whenever an inspection indicates that conditions create an imminent hazard to the public, the license for any ambulance may be immediately suspended. After receipt from the department of business affairs and consumer protection of a notice of violation by the licensee, as evidenced by said inspection report, but before the allotted time has elapsed for compliance, the licensee may request a hearing to file exceptions to the inspection report or may request an extension of the time allowed for compliance. Such appeal must be filed within three days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and official city holidays) of the receipt of such notice of violation. If, upon such second inspection, it is found that the licensee is in continued violation of this chapter or the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of business affairs and consumer protection hereunder, the license may be temporarily suspended. Upon suspension of the license the Chicago Police Department shall be notified of the suspension and shall enforce the cessation of operation of the ambulance. The holder of a license may, at any time, make application for a restoration of the license. After receipt by the department of business affairs and consumer protection of such application, accompanied by a statement signed by the licensee indicating that the provision or provisions previously violated have been complied with, a reinspection shall be made on the next regular City of Chicago government business day to assure the department of business affairs and consumer protection consumer services that the applicant is complying with requirements of this chapter. When the reinspection indicates full compliance, the license shall be restored, and the Chicago Police Department so notified. Upon a record of repeated violations of this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted by the department of business affairs and consumer protection hereunder, or repeated suspensions of a license, the department of business affairs and consumer protection may revoke such license in the manner prescribed by law. When the department of health finds or is notified by another department or agency of the city of a violation of any requirement of this chapter, or of the rules and regulations adopted by the department of health hereunder, it may make a second inspection after a lapse of whatever time it deems necessary for the correction of the violation. Provided, however, that whenever an inspection indicates that conditions create an imminent hazard to the public health, the license for any ambulance may be immediately suspended. After receipt from the department of health of a notice of violation by the licensee, as evidenced by said inspection report, but before the allotted time has elapsed for compliance, the licensee may request a hearing to file exception to the inspection report or may request an extension of the time allowed for compliance. Such appeal must be filed within three days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and official city holidays) of the receipt of such notice of violation. If, upon such second inspection, it is found that the licensee is in continued violation of this chapter or the rules and regulated promulgated by the department of health hereunder, the license may be temporarily suspended. Upon suspension of the license, the Chicago Police Department shall be notified of the suspension and shall enforce the cessation of operation of the ambulance. The holder of a license may, at any time, make application for a restoration of the license. After receipt by the department of health of such application, accompanied by a statement signed by the licensee indicating that the provision or provisions previously violated have been complied with, a reinspection shall be made on the next regular City of Chicago government business day to assure the department of health that the applicant is complying with the requirement of this chapter. When the reinspection indicates full compliance, the license shall be restored, and the Chicago Police Department so notified. Upon a record of repeated violations of this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted by the department of health hereunder, or repeated suspensions of a license, the department of health may recommend the revocation of the license to the department of business affairs and consumer protection which may revoke such license in the manner prescribed by law. The department of health shall notify the Illinois Department of Public Health of any ambulance license suspension or revocation. Nothing in this section shall preclude the initiation of any court action based on any violations of this Code. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 7-27-05, p. 53211, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-130 Fees for ambulance services.

4-68-130 Fees for ambulance services. (a) TThe City of Chicago may levy reasonable fees, as determined by the Comptroller, for ambulance services rendered by public ambulances, including but not limited to, for (i) basic life support; (ii) advanced life support; (iii) a per-mile fee for ambulance transportation; (iv) oxygen service; and (v) other services rendered by public ambulances that do not include ambulance transportation. (b) The City will bill the patient for any services rendered. The patient shall be responsible for any amount billed. If the patient has insurance, the City may also bill the insurance company. (c) After the City receives payment by an insurance company, and after the patient has paid any amounts required by the insurance company, such as a co-pay, the City shall waive any remaining amount owed by the patient. (d) If at the time of service the patient is uninsured, the following shall apply. (1) The Department of Finance shall credit the amount billed to cap the bill to the patient at the fee cap set forth by the Comptroller in rules. (2) A patient may participate in a payment plan in which the balance owed is divided equally into monthly payments, not to exceed 24 payments. (3) If the patient participates in any of the following programs or has the status of being in one of the following categories, the Comptroller shall waive any ambulance fee remaining after any payment from any non-insurance assistance. (A) Government Issued Unemployment Compensation. (B) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). (C) Federal Public Housing / Section 8. (D) Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). (E) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF). (F) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (G) Worker's Compensation Income Benefits. (H) Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast Program. (I) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / Food Stamps). (J) Enrollment in an organized community-based program that assesses and documents limited low income financial status as criteria. (K) Household income of 300 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Level. (L) Foreclosure (received a notice of foreclosure, entered into a consent foreclosure, gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or had a judgment of foreclosure entered on primary residence within last three years). (M) Eviction. (N) Bankruptcy (liability for fines and penalties remain after obtaining a bankruptcy discharge). (O) Student (attending high school, college, trade or vocational school with a valid student ID card). (P) Senior Citizen (65 and older). (Q) Active Military (including reservists and national guard). (R) Recently Inactive Military (discharged from the military in the last 180 days). (S) Homelessness. (T) Unemployment. (U) Domestic Violence Victim. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-14, p. 98037, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-24-20, p. 24619, Art. VI, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. X, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-20-25, p. 39283, Art. V, § 15)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-150 Insurance.

4-68-150 Insurance. Every ambulance owner shall maintain in full force and effect at all times throughout the duration of the license period commercial general liability insurance and commercial automobile liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance for employees with insurers authorized to insure in the State of Illinois. The commercial automobile liability insurance policy may cover one or more ambulance vehicles, but each ambulance shall be insured for the sum of at least $350,000.00, combined single limit, per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage. The commercial general liability insurance shall have limits of not less than $350,000.00 for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage for liability arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license. Each insurance policy shall: (1) name the City of Chicago as an additional insured on a primary, noncontributory basis for any liability arising directly or indirectly from the licensee's operations, and (2) provide for the payment and satisfaction of any final judgment rendered against the owner, or any person driving any insured vehicle, and (3) so that suit may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction upon such policy or contract by any person having claims arising from the operation or use of such ambulances contain a description of each ambulance vehicle insured, the manufacturer's name and serial number, the State license number, and the ambulance-operating license number. All insurance policies required by this section or copies thereof certified by the insurers shall be filed with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, and no insurance shall be subject to cancellation or lapse, except on 30 days' advance notice to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. If any insurance is canceled or permitted to lapse for any reason, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection shall suspend the license for the ambulance affected for a period not to exceed 30 days, to permit the insurance to be supplied in compliance with the provisions of this section. If such other insurance is not supplied within the period of suspension of the license, the Commissioner shall revoke the certificate of inspection for such ambulance. Every company licensed pursuant to this chapter shall pay each judgment or award for the loss or damage in the operation for use of an ambulance rendered against such licensee by any court or commission of competent jurisdiction within 90 days after its judgment or award shall have become final, and not stayed by supersedeas. If any such judgment shall not be so paid, the Commissioner shall revoke the ambulance-operating license of the applicable ambulance company in accordance with Section 4-4-280. (Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 38; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. VI, § 15; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. II, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. VII, § 10)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-180 Discrimination.

4-68-180 Discrimination. There shall be no discrimination against any person employed or seeking employment with a company licensed under this chapter on account of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry; likewise, it shall be unlawful for any individual licensed or authorized to provide services under this chapter to refuse aid or transportation to any patient on account of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, or in a life-threatening situation, the inability to pay. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-190 Violation - Penalty.

4-68-190 Violation - Penalty. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $300.00 nor more than $500.00 per violation. Each day that such violation exists shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. A second or subsequent offense may also be punishable as a misdemeanor by incarceration in the county jail for a term not to exceed six months under procedures set forth in Section 1-2-1.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code. In addition to the above penalties, the city may seek appropriate equitable relief. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-195 Impoundment of vehicle - Notification of owner - Penalty.

4-68-195 Impoundment of vehicle - Notification of owner - Penalty. (a) The owner of record of any motor vehicle that is used in violation of Section 4-68-020 shall be liable to the City for an administrative penalty of $500 plus any towing and storage fees applicable under Section 9-92-080. Any such vehicle shall be subject to seizure and impoundment pursuant to this section. This subsection shall not apply if the vehicle used in the violation was stolen at that time and the theft was reported to the appropriate police authorities within 24 hours after the theft was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. (b) Whenever a police officer has probable cause to believe that a vehicle is subject to seizure and impoundment pursuant to this section, the police officer shall provide for the towing of the vehicle to a facility controlled by the City or its agents. Before or at the time the vehicle is towed, the police officer shall notify any person identifying himself as the owner of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or any person who is found to be in control of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, if there is such person, of the fact of the seizure and of the vehicle owner's right to request a vehicle impoundment hearing to be conducted under Section 2-14-132 of this Code by serving such person with a copy of the vehicle impoundment seizure report. (c) Section 2-14-132 shall apply whenever a motor vehicle is seized and impounded pursuant to this section. (Amend Coun. J. 7-30-97, p. 50612; Amend Coun. J. 4-29-98, p. 66564; Amend Coun. J. 7-22-20, p. 18957, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-68-200 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 39, repealed former § 4-68-200, which pertained to severability.

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2632508Fetched: 10/24/2026