The Illinois Supreme Court has divided all traffic violations (other than parking) into two categories. The difference is simply that some violations can be settled without a court appearance while the remainder require attendance at court.
The issuing police officer will designate on the ticket how you must respond to settle the violation. Check your ticket carefully. The ticket will state that either you:
The distinction between which violations require a court appearance and which do not is found in
Supreme Court Rule 551.
For example, persons must appear in court if charged with the following:
- a Class A or Class B misdemeanor
- any violation where the minimum fine is greater than $95.00 (except truck overweight cases)
- any violation resulting in death or personal injury to someone other than the ticketed driver
- violation of the Child Passenger Safety Act
- driving under the influence (DUI)
- driving on a suspended or revoked license
- speeding 30 mph or more in excess of the limit
- drag racing
- reckless driving
- leaving the scene of a property damage accident
- speeding in a construction zone
- operating an uninsured motor vehicle
- fleeing or attempting to elude the police
- driving a commercial vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or driver has been placed out of service