Indiana Traffic Laws
By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed November 21, 2023
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Fines aren't the only problem to worry about after getting a traffic ticket. Indiana drivers can face steep penalties, including an arrest or a ban from public roads.
Breaking the law can disrupt your regular life. That's why you should know the rules about right of way, speed limits, and other factors you'll consider while driving. Also, be aware of your legal rights and options.
This article explains the traffic laws and penalties in the state of Indiana. You can also find information and driver services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Driving Laws in the Indiana Code
Knowing the state's laws can help you avoid a ticket or determine how to contest one. The chart below lists statutes for topics that often affect traffic cases.
| Drinking & Driving Violations | Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 30, Chapter 5) |
|---|---|
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | Driver's Licenses: General Penalty Provisions (Indiana Code 9-24-18)Driver's Licenses: Penalty Provisions for Operating a Motor Vehicle With Suspended or Revoked Driving Privileges, Licenses, or Permits (Indiana Code 9-24-19) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | Financial Responsibility (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 25) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | Motor Vehicle Registration and License Plates Expired (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 18) |
| Habitual Traffic Violator | Habitual Violator of Traffic Laws (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 30, Chapter 10) |
| Illegal U-Turn | Vehicle Operation (Indiana Code 9-21-8-22) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Accidents and Accident Reports (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 26) |
| Mechanical Violations | Vehicle Equipment (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 7)Motor Vehicle Equipment (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 19) |
| Reckless Driving | Reckless Driving; Class B Misdemeanor; Damage to Property; Suspension (Indiana Code 9-21-8-52) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | Traffic Control Signals (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 3)Traffic Control Devices (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 4) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Passenger Restraint Systems (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 19, Chapter 10)Passenger Restraint Systems for Children (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 19, Chapter 11) |
| Speeding | Speed Limits (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 5) |
| Unlawful Vehicle Modifications | Motor Vehicle Equipment (Indiana Code Title 9, Article 19) |
Traffic Ticket Fines
Most tickets require you to pay a fine based on Indiana law. Law enforcement officers typically list the fine amount on the citation.
A few examples of moving violation fines include:
- Operating while intoxicated (OWI): up to $500 for a Class C misdemeanor, $5,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, and $10,000 for a felony
- Racing or holding a speed contest: up to $1,000 for a Class B misdemeanor
- Operating with no driver's license: up to $500 for a Class C misdemeanor
Paying a fine is often a quick way to put a violation behind you, but it also means acknowledging the traffic violation and accepting the mark on your driving record.
Indiana's Point System
For each traffic violation on your record, you can accumulate points against your license. The point value increases depending on the severity of the offense. Title 140 of the Indiana Administrative Code sets the traffic point system rules (Article 1: Safety and Responsibility, Rule 4.5).
For example, reckless driving is worth six points. Reckless driving that causes property damage in a crash is worth eight points instead.
Points stay on your record for 24 months. If you get 20 points, you can face license suspension for at least one month. Your record's total amount of points determines how long the suspension lasts.
What Is a Habitual Traffic Violator?
A habitual traffic violator (HTV) is a driver who shows a pattern of unsafe behavior over a ten-year period. An HTV faces losing their driver's license for a long time. The BMV reviews your driving record after a violation to see if you fit one of the HTV categories.
The three scenarios that can classify you as an HTV in Indiana include:
- Two serious traffic offenses that caused bodily injury
- Three serious offenses without injuries
- One serious offense and nine other infractions
If you qualify as a habitual traffic violator, the BMV can issue a five or 10-year suspension. Weigh your legal options carefully when deciding whether to challenge violations before they affect your record.
Fight a Traffic Charge in Indiana
Get answers to your legal questions when you face high fines or jail time. A local traffic attorney can help you review your options, while a personal injury lawyer can see how strong your case is if another driver's violation caused a car accident.
Protect Your Rights During and After a Traffic Stop
- Certain traffic violations carry significant penalties under Indiana law
- An attorney can help you protect your rights during and after a traffic stop
Want on-demand legal guidance when you are pulled over? The award-winning TurnSignl app has launched in Indiana!
If you face a traffic violation and need an attorney, find one right now.
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