Chicago, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered sites
- O'Hare, Midway, McCormick Place
- Allowed pickup spot
- designated taxicab stand or loading zone
- Who can expand it
- BACP commissioner, via rulemaking
- Enforcing agency
- BACP Public Passenger Vehicle Division
Summary
Uber and Lyft drivers can't pick up at O'Hare, Midway, or McCormick Place except at designated taxicab stands or loading zones.
No transportation network driver shall pick up a passenger on any portion of (1) O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport or McCormick Place unless the commissioner determines, in duly promulgated rules, following consultation with the commissioner of aviation, that such pickups can be accomplished in a manner that preserves security, public safety, the orderly flow of traffic and compliance with all applicable tax ordinances; and (2) designated taxicab stands or loading zones.
(c) No person may drink any alcoholic liquor while such person is operating or being transported by a transportation network vehicle, nor may any person transport, carry, possess or have any alcoholic liquor while being transported by a transportation network vehicle, except in the original package with the seal unbroken. For purposes of this subsection the term "alcoholic liquor" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chicago's transportation network provider ordinance bars TNC drivers from picking up passengers anywhere on O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, or McCormick Place unless the pickup happens at a designated taxicab stand or loading zone. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner can only allow broader pickup areas at those three sites through duly promulgated rules issued after consulting the aviation commissioner, and only if the arrangement preserves security, public safety, orderly traffic flow, and compliance with the city's ground transportation tax rules. In practice this means rideshare pickups at O'Hare and Midway are funneled to specific curb zones (commonly a dedicated rideshare lot or curb, reached via the app's designated pickup point) rather than curbside anywhere a driver chooses.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 9-115 operating regulations are enforced by BACP's Public Passenger Vehicle Division; a driver or licensee found in violation is subject to fines under the chapter's general penalty provisions and possible suspension of the driver's TNC credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Uber or Lyft driver pick me up anywhere at O'Hare?
Does this rule also cover Midway and McCormick Place?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.