Indiana Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Indiana are maintained by the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These records contain comprehensive details of traffic citations, violations, suspensions, and other details that the state keeps as part of the traffic records. Note that some traffic violation records are maintained in the state court system for matters that are handled by the state judiciary.

Per recent data, about 10.5% of motorists nationwide have a speeding ticket on their record. However, in Indiana, this figure is lower, with only about 9.52% of drivers having a previous speeding ticket on their driving record. Speeding violation records remain one of the top traffic violation records in Indiana.

Typically, traffic violations result in the addition of demerit points to a driver's record, which may lead to increased insurance premiums. One speeding ticket may increase insurance rates by up to 24% in Indiana.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Indiana?

Basic traffic violation information, such as traffic violation and points, is public information, but complete driving records are not fully public. State and federal laws such as the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) ensure that personal information contained in traffic records and complete driver records are non-public. However, a driver and certain authorized entities such as insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement agencies may request complete driving records.

Also, traffic records relating to reckless driving, DUI, and other serious traffic offenses maintained by Indiana's city and superior courts are publicly accessible. Note that in Marion County, the traffic court within the Marion County Superior Court handles traffic-related offenses and makes traffic crime records available to the public.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Indiana?

You may look up a traffic ticket online in Indiana using the Indiana Public Access portal. You may perform the search using the Ticket or UTT number, driver's license number, or name and date of birth information. Note that the ticket number is printed in the upper right corner of the ticket. You may also perform a traffic ticket lookup via the Indiana mycase.IN.gov portal.

Alternatively, since basic traffic citation information is public record in Indiana, you may use reliable third-party websites like publicrecords.us to perform a ticket look-up.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Indiana traffic tickets typically contain information on how to pay them. Typically, these tickets may be paid online via the online ticket payment system available on the Indiana courts website. You may also be able to pay the fines in person, by mail, or over the phone, depending on the county policy for traffic fines payment. If you are paying in person, visit the courthouse with jurisdiction over the matter. Although acceptable payment methods vary from one country to another, most counties accept cash and money orders. You will also need to bring a copy of your traffic ticket and va alid ID.

Note that not all traffic violation fines are eligible for direct payment in Indiana. Some traffic violations require a mandatory court appearance before payments may be made.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The Indiana BMV issues two types of driver records: the Viewable Driver Record (VDR) and the Official Driver Record (ODR). The VDR may be viewed online free of charge by accessing your account on the Indiana myBMV portal. The ODR is a certified driver record copy that also has a letter of certification issued by the BMV. The ODR may be purchased from your myBMV portal for $4. An Indiana driver record contains 10 years of driving history. The record reveals current and resolved suspensions, violations, citations, and other entries impacting a driving record.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Indiana?

A moving violation occurs in Indiana when a traffic regulation is violated by a vehicle in motion. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane changes
• Following too closely
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

On the other hand, non-moving violations occur when a vehicle is not moving. Examples of non-moving violations include:

• Parking violations
• Expired registration or license plate
• Broken or missing taillights
• Vehicle equipment violations, such as faulty headlights
• Failure to display a license or insurance
• Window tint violations

The penalties for moving and non-moving violations differ significantly based on the nature and severity of the offense. Common penalties for moving violations typically include monetary fines, which vary depending on the violation and the county in which it occurred. Additionally, moving violations result in driver's license points, with the Indiana BMV assigning anywhere from 2 to 8 points per offense. Accumulating too many points over a short period may lead to license suspension or mandatory defensive driving courses.

The penalties for non-moving violations usually include smaller fines but not the addition of demerit points on a driving record. While non-moving violations do not typically affect driving privileges directly, failure to address them, such as not paying fines or renewing a registration, may eventually lead to vehicle registration suspension or other administrative consequences. However, repeated or ignored non-moving violations may also escalate to court involvement.

How Long Does OWI Stay on Your Record in Indiana?

An OWI conviction in Indiana becomes a part of your criminal history forever. OWI arrest rates in the state are low compared to many other states in the nation. The Hoosier State records about 278 DUI arrests and 5.8 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers annually.

OWI offenses are taken seriously in Indiana, with a conviction having multiple consequences and impact on the driving records and life. For a first-time offense, individuals may face up to one year in jail, fines reaching up to $5,000, and a license suspension lasting up to two years. If an individual is convicted of a second OWI, the penalties become harsher, including a minimum jail sentence of five days, fines up to $10,000, and a mandatory license suspension.

For persons who commit a third OWI or more, the offense is classified as a felony. This may result in significant prison time, long-term revocation of the driver's license, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Indiana?

Section 9-21-5-2 of the Indiana Code specifies absolute speed limits in the state as follows:

• Alleys: 15 mph
• Residential districts: 25 mph
• Urban districts: 30 mph
• Divided state highways outside urban areas: 60 mph
• Highways managed by the Indiana Finance Authority: 65 mph
• Interstate highways: 70 mph

Except where otherwise posted, going over these limits attracts penalties. Speeding is typically classified as a class C infraction, with fines ranging from $25 to $200, depending on the severity of the violation. Speeding in a construction zone can result in higher fines. Driving significantly over the speed limit, especially in sensitive areas like school zones, may lead to higher fines and more severe penalties. Note that fines are also significantly increased for speeding in construction zones.

Speeding violations in Indiana may affect driving privileges via the addition of demerit points to their driving records. Accumulating 20 or more points within two years may result in license suspension. Also, repeated offenses may lead to an HTV (Habitual traffic violator) designation, carrying severe penalties, including prolonged license suspension. Certain violations, such as reckless driving or excessive speeding, may lead to immediate license suspension.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Indiana?

In Indiana, a speeding ticket stays on a driver's record for two years from the date of conviction.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may fight a traffic ticket in Indiana in the following ways:

• Challenge the Officer's Judgment: If the traffic citation was issued based on the officer's assessment, such as deeming a maneuver unsafe, you may argue that your actions were reasonable given the circumstances.
• Question the Officer's Observations: Dispute the factual basis of the ticket by presenting evidence that contradicts the officer's account. This may include witness testimonies or video footage demonstrating that the alleged violation did not occur as stated.
• Prove a 'Mistake of Fact': Demonstrate that external factors, such as obscured traffic signs or malfunctioning signals, led to an unintentional violation.
• Show Necessity: Argue that you committed the violation to prevent imminent harm. For instance, swerving to avoid an obstacle or another vehicle could be justified as a necessary action to ensure safety.
• Participate in a Deferral Program: Some Indiana counties offer infraction deferral programs that, upon successful completion, may lead to the dismissal of the ticket. You may check with the local prosecutor's office, as eligibility varies.

Although these are defenses you may use when you represent yourself in court, you should consider hiring a traffic attorney in Indiana when facing serious penalties, such as high fines, potential jail time, or significant license points. An attorney may help reduce charges, negotiate plea deals, or even get the ticket dismissed, especially in complex cases or if you are a repeat offender.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Two driver reciprocity agreements in the Driver License Compact (DLC) and Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC) allow participating states to share traffic violation information among member states. According to the NVC, if you receive a traffic ticket in another NVC member state and fail to pay or respond, the issuing state notifies your home state. Consequently, your home state may suspend your driver's license until the matter is resolved.

If you want to fight an out-of-state traffic ticket in Indiana, consider the following steps:

• Affidavit Submission: Some jurisdictions allow drivers to contest tickets by submitting a written affidavit, enabling you to present your defense without appearing in court.
• Remote Court Appearances: Certain courts may permit remote appearances via video conferencing, allowing you to contest the ticket without traveling.
• Negotiating a Plea: Contacting the prosecutor's office to negotiate a plea deal could result in reduced charges or fines, potentially minimizing the impact on your driving record.
• Hiring Local Legal Representation: Engaging an attorney in the state where the violation occurred can provide expertise on local traffic laws and court procedures, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
• Requesting a Deferral or Mitigation: Some states offer deferral programs or mitigation hearings that may lead to reduced penalties or the dismissal of the ticket upon meeting specific conditions.

How Do Indiana Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

All states have traffic laws. However, each state has distinctive traffic laws, such as:

• Hands-Free Driving Requirement: Indiana mandates that drivers use hands-free or voice-operated technology when operating telecommunications devices while driving. Holding or using a mobile device without such technology is prohibited except in emergencies.
• Move Over Law Expansion: Indiana's Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching any stationary vehicle with hazard lights activated, extending protections beyond emergency vehicles to include all disabled vehicles.
• Roundabout Right-of-Way for Large Vehicles: In Indiana, drivers must yield the right-of-way to semi-trailer trucks, buses, and other vehicles over 40 feet in length when navigating roundabouts, acknowledging the additional space these larger vehicles require.