(a) A defendant responding to a charging document for an ordinance violation may appear and enter a plea, file an answer to the charge, or file other responsive pleadings. A Not Guilty plea will be construed as a general denial. The defendant need not file a written answer unless ordered to do so by the Court.
Rule 575.Appearance of Defendant, Answer; Failure to Appear; Discovery and Pretrial Procedures
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 2025 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 575 covers what happens when a defendant answers an ordinance charge, what happens when they don't show up, and how much pretrial discovery either side can demand.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 575
(b) In the event the defendant fails to appear at any proceeding for which the Court has not excused the defendant’s appearance, an arrest warrant may issue, or default judgment may be entered. If such judgment is entered, the defendant shall be mailed written notice to the defendant’s last known address of: (1) the amount of the judgment, (2) if applicable, the date by which such judgment must be paid, and (3) that a motion to vacate judgment must be filed within 30 days of the date of the mailing of the written notice. “Defendant’s last known address” shall be presumed to be the address provided by the defendant himself or herself upon actual delivery of the charging document.
(c) A party may make a motion for summary judgment prior to any trial· on the merits.
(d) In prosecutions for violations of ordinances, no discovery procedures shall be allowed prior to trial except by leave of court.
Plain-English Summary
A defendant facing an ordinance charge can enter a plea, file an answer, or file another responsive pleading — and a not-guilty plea works as a general denial, so no written answer is required unless the court orders one.
Skipping a required court date carries real consequences: the court may issue an arrest warrant or enter a default judgment. If judgment is entered, the clerk mails notice to the defendant's last known address, spelling out the amount owed, any payment deadline, and a 30-day window to file a motion to vacate.
Before trial, either side can move for summary judgment, but discovery works differently than in an ordinary civil case — it's only allowed with the court's permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a written answer to an ordinance charge?
No, unless the court orders it — pleading not guilty is enough and works as a general denial.
What happens if I miss my ordinance court date?
The court may enter a default judgment against you or issue an arrest warrant.
If a default judgment is entered against me, how do I find out?
The clerk mails notice to your last known address with the judgment amount, any payment deadline, and a 30-day window to ask the court to vacate it.
Can either side ask for discovery before trial in an ordinance case?
Only with the court's permission — discovery isn't automatic in these cases.
Can a case be resolved without a trial?
Yes, either party can move for summary judgment before trial.
Committee Comments and Commentary
(June 3, 2025)
(a) The purpose of this section is to provide for a simple process for those who appear to answer a charge and also in determining the effect of a failure to appear for an ordinance violation charge. Supreme Court Rule 286(a) provides for a general denial in small claims cases and this rule provides a similar procedure for ordinance violations. Supreme Court Rule 556 permits the entry of default judgment in traffic cases. This rule provides a similar procedure for ordinance violations.
(b) This section provides for procedures to follow in the event of a Defendant’s failure to appear at any proceeding for which the Court has not previously excused the appearance.
(c) Village of Beckmeyer v. Wheelan, 212 Ill. App. 3d 287 (5th Dist. 1991), provides for summary judgment motions in ordinance violation cases.
(d) Supreme Court Rule 20l(h) provides: “In suits for violation of municipal ordinances where the penalty is a fine only no discovery procedure shall be used prior to trial except by leave of court. This rule extends the application of the rule to cases in which penalties may include public service work and restitution in addition to fines.”
Amendment History
Adopted December 7, 2011, effective immediately; amended June 3, 2025, eff. 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: default judgment ordinance ticket Illinoisnot guilty plea in ordinance violation casediscovery in ordinance violation casemotion to vacate default judgment ticket