Federal Court to Consider Settlement in Warrantless Tire Chalking Lawsuit

For Immediate Release | September 06, 2025
https://olcplc.com/public/media?1757191624

A federal court will soon decide whether to approve a proposed class-wide settlement resolving claims that the City of Ann Arbor violated motorists’ Fourth Amendment rights by “tire chalking” without a warrant.

The case, Yannotti v. City of Ann Arbor, covers all persons and entities whose vehicles were chalked between April 3, 2017, and April 23, 2019 within Ann Arbor city limits. Tire chalking — marking tires with chalk to monitor how long a car has been parked — was found unconstitutional under Taylor v. City of Saginaw.

Under the proposed settlement, eligible class members may receive $1.00 per parking ticket issued as a result of tire chalking during the covered period. To claim the award, individuals will need to complete and submit a claim form to the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office by the stated deadline if the settlement is approved by the court.

The Honorable Anthony P. Patti has scheduled the Fairness and Class Certification Hearing for:

Date: October 17, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Location: Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Room 673, Detroit, MI 48226

At the hearing, the Court will decide whether to:
• Approve the settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate;
• Certify the settlement class;
• Appoint plaintiff Sean Yannotti as class representative; and
• Appoint class counsel.

Important: Class members have the right to participate, object, or opt out of the settlement. Court documents, instructions, deadlines, and other materials are available at www.annarborchalk.com.

“This settlement ensures accountability for residents and visitors who were impacted by an unconstitutional practice,” said attorney Philip L. Ellison. Co-counsel Matthew E. Gronda states that “we encourage anyone who believes they are a class member to visit the website, review their rights, and take action before the deadlines.”

For more information, visit: annarborchalk.com.

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