An opportunity to avoid a court appearance through settlement of the dispute may be provided
for by ordinance. The manner and time limit for settlement before which a court appearance will be required may be set forth in the charging document.
Rule 574.Opportunity to Settle
Article V. Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations · Part E. Rules and Procedures for Non-Traffic/Non-Conservation Ordinance Violations · Last amended 2011 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 574 lets a municipality's ordinance offer a way to resolve a ticket before it turns into a court date.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 574
Plain-English Summary
Rule 574 is short and permissive: an ordinance can build in a way to settle a violation and avoid a court appearance altogether. When it does, the charging document can spell out the manner and deadline for settling before a court date becomes required.
Not every municipality offers this option, and terms vary depending on the local ordinance — so the charging document itself is the place to look for the specifics of any settlement offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I settle an ordinance violation without going to court?
Yes, if the local ordinance provides a settlement option.
Where would I find the settlement deadline for my ticket?
It's typically printed on the charging document itself.
Is settlement available for every ordinance violation?
No, it depends on whether the local ordinance sets up that option.
What happens if I don't settle in time?
The case proceeds toward the required court appearance.
Does settling avoid a court judgment on my record?
Settlement resolves the matter outside court, so it doesn't lead to a court judgment — check the specific ordinance for how it treats a settled case.
Committee Comments and Commentary
(December 7, 2011)
This rule permits settlement of a violation. This allows for more efficient processing and court time management.
Amendment History
Adopted December 7, 2011, effective immediately.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: settle a ticket before court Illinoispay a municipal ticket to avoid courtordinance violation settlement optionavoid a court date on an ordinance ticket