Find Fayette County Traffic Court Records
Fayette County traffic court records are managed by Circuit Clerk Kathy Emerick at the courthouse in Vandalia, Illinois. The clerk's office handles all traffic case filings, fine collection, and record maintenance for the county. You can search Fayette County traffic court records online through Judici, pay fines using CourtMoney, or visit the office in person during business hours. Fayette County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, District 5. This page walks you through how to find, search, and pay for your Fayette County traffic court records.
Fayette County Quick Facts
Fayette County Circuit Clerk Office
The Fayette County Circuit Clerk's Office is at 221 South 7th Street in Vandalia, IL 62471. Kathy Emerick serves as Circuit Clerk. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. You can reach the office by phone at (618) 283-5009 or by fax at (618) 283-4490.
Anyone who wants to view case files and documents can do so at the clerk's office during business hours. Most court records are open to the public. The exceptions are juvenile, adoption, and cases that have been impounded or sealed by the court. For public cases, info is also available through Judici online. A public access computer is available at the office for case-related searches.
The Illinois Courts Directory page for Fayette County has official courthouse info. The Fayette County website also links to other county departments and services.
| Office | 221 South 7th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (618) 283-5009 |
| Fax | (618) 283-4490 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Clerk | Kathy Emerick |
Search Fayette County Traffic Records Online
You can search Fayette County traffic court records through Judici, the online case lookup tool used by courts across Illinois. Search by name or case number. The system shows case status, charges, court dates, and fine amounts. It is free and does not require you to create an account.
The OSAD Circuit Court Offices Directory lists all circuit clerk offices in the state, including Fayette County. The Illinois State Archives page for Fayette County has historical records if you need to look up older case data that may not be in the digital system.
Note: Online case data is a summary view and may not match the official court file exactly.
Fayette County Traffic Ticket Options
If you got a traffic ticket in Fayette County, check the citation to see if a court appearance is required. Minor violations typically let you pay without going to court. More serious offenses will have a mandatory court date.
Your options when dealing with a Fayette County traffic ticket:
- Pay the fine and accept a conviction on your driving record
- Request court supervision and complete traffic safety school
- Plead not guilty and request a court hearing
Under 625 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Vehicle Code sets the rules for traffic violations. Some offenses like DUI, driving on a suspended license, and reckless driving always require a court appearance in Fayette County. Court supervision is available for eligible drivers who have not had supervision in the past 12 months. The judge makes the final call based on your driving record and the nature of the violation.
Traffic Court Fees in Fayette County
Fayette County does not accept personal checks for fines or fees. Payment options include cash, money orders, certified checks, and debit or credit cards. You can pay in person at the clerk's office, online at CourtMoney, or by phone at 1-800-352-9870. Under 705 ILCS 135/, the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act determines the fee structure.
If you need copies of Fayette County traffic court records, the fee is $1 for the first page, $0.50 for each of the next 19 pages, and $0.25 per page after that. Emailed copies may cost slightly more due to research fees. These copy fees apply to any court documents you request from the clerk's office.
Most minor traffic tickets in Fayette County range from about $120 to $250 with all costs included. Serious violations will cost more depending on the charge and any additional penalties.
Cities in Fayette County
Fayette County includes Vandalia, which is the county seat, along with smaller towns like Brownstown, Ramsey, and St. Elmo. All traffic cases from these areas go through the Fayette County Circuit Court in Vandalia. No cities in the county meet the population threshold for a separate page on this site.
Nearby Counties
If your traffic stop happened near a county line, check which county issued the ticket. Fayette County borders these counties.