Originally Posted by BettyZ

If the officer doesnt show up or if there's a defect on the ticket the judge will dismiss it.

Otherwise, no. Remember that the state/district attorneys assigned to traffic courtrooms are brand-new and itching to have some trial experience.

And in Cook County, at least, you get a whole other set of statutory fines leveled on you if you show up and contest the ticket. Victim Reimbursement Fund, DUI Fund, Illinois-Be-Broke Fund.