In Illinois, you usually have a couple of different options for dealing with a speeding ticket. For a simple speeding ticket, the path of least resistance is to pay the fine by mail. Check the back of the ticket for instructions. It will tell you the amount to pay and when the fine is due. 

However, just because this way is easiest does not mean that it's your best option. Consider this: paying the fine is an admission of guilt. That means the violation will go on your driving record, and you may end up paying that fine amount over and over again in the form of increased insurance costs. Fortunately, there is a better way. If you have a good driving record, you may be able to request court supervision in exchange for taking a defensive driving class.

Unless were speeding in a school zone, a work zone, or going more than 30 miles per hour over, many Illinois courts do not require you to got to court if you are going to plead guilty, even if you are requesting to take defensive driving. However, if you are going to plead not guilty and try to fight your Illinois speeding ticket, you will have to appear in court and argue your case. If you are lucky and have a credible defense, you might actually get the charges dropped. If you are unlucky, you will spend an hour or more out of your life doing something that you could have accomplished by mail.