(a) Sentence. The court shall determine the amount of any fine for an ordinance violation to
which these rules apply, except that any fine imposed shall not be less than the “minimum fine” authorized by ordinance. Court costs shall be imposed.
Rule 579.Disposition and Appeal
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 579 sets the rules for sentencing an ordinance violation — from minimum fines to restitution — and confirms either side can appeal the final result.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 579
(b) Additional Conditions. In addition to any fine imposed, the court may impose a sentence including restitution, or other appropriate penalties or conditions authorized by ordinance. A sentence of conditional discharge or court supervision disposition shall be permitted by ordinance.
(c) Dispositional Considerations. The court may consider evidence and information may be offered by the parties in consideration for the penalties and/or conditions sought.
Plain-English Summary
When a court sentences someone for an ordinance violation, Rule 579 sets the floor: the fine can't go below the minimum the ordinance authorizes, and court costs always get added. Beyond that floor, the court can add restitution or other conditions the ordinance allows, and it can weigh evidence from either side before deciding on a penalty. Conditional discharge or court supervision is also available where the ordinance permits it.
Either side — the defendant or the prosecuting entity — can appeal a final judgment in an ordinance violation case. That appeal follows the same procedure used for civil case appeals, under Rule 303.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the court fine me less than the ordinance's stated minimum?
No, the fine can't go below the ordinance's minimum, though court costs are always added on top.
Can I get restitution or another condition instead of just a fine?
Possibly, if the ordinance authorizes those additional conditions.
Is court supervision available for ordinance violations?
Yes, when the local ordinance permits it.
Can the city appeal if I win my case?
Yes, either party may appeal a final judgment.
What procedure governs an appeal from an ordinance violation case?
The same one used for civil case appeals, under Supreme Court Rule 303.
Committee Comments and Commentary
(December 7, 2011)
(a) In accordance with typical situations in which a range of penalties is authorized by statute, the court in City of Chicago v. Roman, 184 Ill. 2d 504, 511 (1998), held that the fine may not be less than the statutory minimum.
(b) Under the holding in City of Highland Park v. Curtis, 83 Ill. App. 2d 218, 229 (2d Dist. 1967), the court should be permitted to impose restitution. Other dispositions must be provided for by ordinance. Village of Wheeling v. Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Co., Inc., 399 Ill. App. 3d 304 (1st Dist. 2010).
(c) Statutory authorization for imposition of court supervision is found in the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-1-1 et seq.). Village of Wheeling v. Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Co., Inc., 399 Ill. App. 3d 304, 307 (1st Dist. 2010).
(d) Because ordinance violation prosecutions are “quasi-criminal in character, but civil in form,” municipalities may properly appeal from a judgment in favor of a defendant. Neither double jeopardy nor Supreme Court Rule 604 bars such an appeal. Village of Riverdale v. Irwin, 259 Ill. App. 3d 1008, 1009 (1st Dist. 1994); Village of Park Forest v. Bragg, 38 Ill. 2d 225, 227 (1967).
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: ordinance violation minimum fine Illinoisappeal a municipal ordinance ticketrestitution in an ordinance violation casecourt supervision for an ordinance violation