Driving in Indiana comes with the responsibility of understanding the state’s license point system. But fear not – this blog post is here to help you navigate this often-confusing topic. With knowledge comes power, and by understanding the ins and outs of the Indiana license point system, you can avoid penalties and keep your driving record in good standing. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of Indiana license points.

Indiana License Points at a Glance:

  • Indiana’s license point system assigns points to traffic violations and can lead to penalties or suspension.
  • The Indiana BMV is responsible for monitoring the point system and determining penalties for accumulating points.
  • Drivers in Indiana have options such as the Driver Safety Program (DSP) & Traffic Infraction Deferral Programs, which can help reduce or remove points from their licenses.

Understanding Indiana’s License Point System

Navigating the Indiana license point system is like playing a high-stakes game. In this system, managed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), points are assigned to traffic violations based on their severity. Accumulating points on your license can lead to penalties and even license suspension. Major violations such as reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or operating while intoxicated (OWI) can result in a higher number of points.

Understanding the point system and knowing how to minimize or eliminate traffic ticket points from your license is critical to avoiding the fines, penalties, and danger associated with unsafe driving in Indiana.

The Role of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Monitoring and updating the point system for traffic violations in Indiana is a pivotal responsibility of the BMV. Identifying drivers who need improvement in their driving practices is achieved by the BMV through tracking speed limit violations and other traffic offenses. One way the BMV updates the point system is by granting a 4-point credit to an individual’s driving record upon completing a BMV-approved Driver Safety Program (DSP).

The BMV also determines penalties for accumulating points. For example, when drivers reach 14 points, they may receive warning letters indicating the potential consequences of future traffic violations. If drivers continue to rack up points, their license may be automatically suspended.

How Points are Assigned for Traffic Violations

The degree of severity and potential danger or damage caused by a moving violation determines how many points are assigned to each traffic violation. Indiana law gives a point value to each conviction of moving violations, with point values ranging from zero to ten, depending on the offense.

As a driver, you can accrue up to 20 Indiana driver’s license points within 24 months for traffic offenses, factoring in any credits that may be granted for completing a DSP. Remember that in Indiana, points on a license, including those for violations involving emergency vehicles, remain active for two years.

The Impact of Accumulating Points on Your Driving Record

The adage “knowledge is power” is particularly relevant when understanding the consequences of accumulating points on your driving record. Based on violation point values, earning points can result in warning notices, suspension, or even revocation of your license.

The Indiana BMV will suspend your license if you accumulate too many points, especially for moving violations.

Racking up 20 points on your Indiana driver’s license triggers a hearing and an automatic suspension. If you operate a motor vehicle while your license is suspended, it will lead to the addition of further points to your license and prolong the suspension.

Warning Notice and Thresholds

In Indiana, reaching the 14-point threshold will trigger a warning notice from the BMV. This notice serves as a reminder of the penalties you may face for future traffic violations. Accruing 20 or more points, however, will result in receiving a notice of suspension, with the duration dependent on the number of points you have.

Under these circumstances, an automatic suspension of your license ensues, necessitating attendance at an administrative court hearing, especially in cases involving an emergency vehicle or a school bus.

Suspension and Revocation Procedures

License suspension procedures in Indiana involve a court hearing to ascertain the duration of the suspension. Habitual traffic violators may face longer suspensions. If you receive a notice of suspension, you have 18 days to submit a request for an administrative hearing to contest the suspension. The administrative law judge can consider all pertinent information and may suspend the suspension upon successful completion of a driver improvement course, re-examination, or probation period.

A defense attorney can argue on your behalf for a reduction in suspension time or even for a cancellation of further suspension. If necessary, the attorney can also request specialized driving privileges on your behalf.

Strategies to Reduce or Remove Points from Your License

Even if you find yourself with points on your license, don’t despair. There are strategies available to Indiana drivers to reduce or remove points, such as participating in the Driver Safety Program (DSP) or traffic infraction deferral programs available in certain counties.

For drivers aiming to improve their driving records and evade the consequences of point accumulation, these programs present a viable solution.

Driver Safety Program Benefits

Every 3 years, successful completion of a DSP can result in the removal of 4 points from your license. The program, approved by the BMV, comprises:

  • Video content
  • Reading materials
  • Open-book quizzes
  • A 4-hour course

It is designed to help drivers enhance their skills and obtain a 4-point credit on their driver’s license. However, failing to complete the program within 90 days will result in the suspension of the driver’s license.

Traffic Infraction Deferral Programs

By meeting certain conditions and requirements, traffic infraction deferral programs offer another avenue for drivers to prevent points from being added to their licenses. These programs are available in certain counties and generally involve:

  • Applying for the deferral program within a specific time frame after the infraction
  • Paying a fine
  • Avoid further moving violations and/or criminal involvement for a certain time period.

Given that eligibility criteria for these programs may differ according to the specific program and the county where the traffic infraction occurred, consulting with the respective county or jurisdiction is advisable for the most accurate information.

Monitoring Your Driving Record and Points

To evade penalties and suspension, vigilantly monitoring your driving record and points is imperative. The Indiana BMV provides free driver’s record checks, and you can purchase official copies from the BMV website for $4.

For a free driver’s record check, visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, complete the online request form, or download and mail the form. It is recommended to check your driving record in Indiana at least once every three years or annually through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

Bringing it Together

In summary, understanding the Indiana license point system is crucial for maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding penalties such as license suspension. By staying informed about the point system, participating in programs like the Driver Safety Program or traffic infraction deferral programs, and regularly monitoring your driving record, you can take control of your driving future and stay on the right side of the law. Drive safely and responsibly, and keep your license point-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points can you have on your license in Indiana?

In Indiana, you can receive up to 20 points within 24 months before your license is suspended for a month. Accruing three moving violations within 12 months will also result in a hearing from the bureau.

How many points is a ticket in Indiana?

In Indiana, speeding tickets are assigned points based on the severity of the citation, with 2 points for 1-15 mph over the limit, 4 points for 16-25 mph, and 6 points for 26+ mph over the speed limit.

How do I lower my license points in Indiana?

You can take an Indiana defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic citation and prevent points from reaching your driving record. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will apply a 4-point credit to your Indiana Official Driver Record. You can take advantage of this benefit once every three years.

How many points is 15 over in Indiana?

In Indiana, a speeding citation of 15 miles over the speed limit will result in 2 points on your driving record.

Are traffic infraction deferral programs available in all Indiana counties?

Yes, traffic infraction deferral programs are available in certain Indiana counties, although eligibility criteria and program requirements may vary.