Are Ice Cream Trucks Illegal in Illinois?

Are ice cream trucks illegal in Illinois?
The Good Humor Corp. challenged it, and the case landed in the Illinois State Supreme Court, which upheld the ban in 1965. Since then ice cream trucks have been banned in communities such as Flossmoor, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Kenilworth, Lake Villa, Orland Park and Olympia Fields as well as some Chicago wards.
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The American summer has long been associated with ice cream trucks. Children anticipate the ice cream truck’s familiar jingle as it approaches their neighborhood, eager to savor a tasty treat. The legality of ice cream trucks has, however, come under scrutiny in several states. The response is not a straightforward yes or no in Illinois.

Depending on the city, ice cream trucks may or may not be authorized in Illinois. For instance, ice cream trucks in Chicago are required to obtain a Mobile Food Dispenser License, which entails paying a fee and adhering to rules including health and safety requirements. However, due to worries about safety and noise, some other Illinois cities and municipalities have outright forbidden ice cream trucks.

Even with potential legal difficulties, operating ice cream trucks can be a successful company. An Entrepreneur article claims that during the busiest times of the year, ice cream trucks can earn up to $300 per day in profits. However, this number can change based on the area, the climate, and the level of competition. It might be expensive to turn a van into an ice cream truck. Depending on the degree of the alterations and equipment required, the price might range from a few thousand dollars to over $20,000. There are continuous costs like fuel, maintenance, and inventory in addition to the original outlay.

The question of whether or not ice cream trucks are soliciting has been brought up in relation to them. Ice cream trucks are sometimes compared to other door-to-door salespeople, while some claim they should be outlawed because they are an annoyance. Ice cream trucks may or may not be allowed to solicit customers depending on the local rules in each city or municipality.

And last, ice cream trucks are a regular sight across the nation, yet they are conspicuously absent from Florida. This is because of a state regulation that makes it challenging and expensive for enterprises to operate across the state by requiring ice cream trucks to get a different permission for each county they operate in. Ice cream trucks are consequently mainly restricted to exclusive gatherings and festivals in Florida.

In conclusion, it is not clear whether ice cream trucks are permitted in Illinois. While some towns and governments have outlawed ice cream trucks, others demand licenses and adherence to rules. Ice cream trucks can be a successful business despite potential legal obstacles, but the upfront cost and recurring costs might be high. Local rules determine whether or not ice cream trucks are regarded to be soliciting, and the lack of ice cream trucks in Florida is a result of a state legislation that makes it challenging for businesses to operate there.

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