Article V. Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations · Part F. Rules and Procedures for Civil Law Violations · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 586 gives someone cited for a civil law violation 30 to 45 days to either pay the $120 fine or show up in court, and excuses the issuing officer from that first date.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 586
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The officer or clerk of the circuit court shall give the accused a first appearance date 30 to 45
days from the date of the violation whenever practicable. The accused is to pay $120 per violation pursuant to this Article on or before the appearance date set by the officer or clerk of the circuit court or to appear in court. It is the policy of this court that the issuing officer is not required to appear on this day.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 586 sets the timeline for a civil law violation citation: the officer or circuit clerk gives the accused a first appearance date somewhere between 30 and 45 days out, whenever that's practical. Before that date arrives, the accused can pay $120 per violation and be done with it, or show up in court instead.
One detail sets this apart from a traffic ticket: the court's policy doesn't require the issuing officer to appear on that first date at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have before my court date on a civil law violation?
Between 30 and 45 days from the date of the violation, when that's practical.
How much do I need to pay to resolve it before my court date?
$120 per violation.
Does the officer who issued my citation have to be in court on my first date?
No, court policy doesn't require the issuing officer to appear that day.
What if I don't pay or appear on my court date?
The court follows the procedure in Rule 590 for a defendant who fails to appear.
Is $120 the full amount, or are there added fees?
It's the amount due under this Article; Rule 588 confirms no additional fees apply if you resolve the matter without a court appearance.
Amendment History
Adopted Sept. 1, 2016, 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
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