Indiana Driving Records

Indiana driving records offer a thorough account of a motorist’s interactions with state traffic laws, detailing incidents such as violations, license suspensions, and accidents. These records hold significant value for both individuals and businesses.

For drivers, a clean record is key to securing lower insurance rates, avoiding legal complications, and preserving their driving privileges. Additionally, good driving history can be a deciding factor in employment opportunities, particularly in jobs that require driving.

For businesses, especially in sectors like transportation and logistics, driving records are critical for assessing the suitability of potential employees.

These records help companies ensure that their drivers meet safety standards and comply with regulations to reduce the risk of accidents and legal liabilities. By carefully reviewing driving histories, businesses can make informed hiring decisions that protect their operations and reputation.

Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA) guarantees transparency by allowing public access to driving records, which promotes accountability within the traffic system. Under APRA, the public can request driving records.

However, the law requires that personally identifiable information be removed from these records unless specific legal conditions are met to protect individual privacy.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains and distributes these records in compliance with state and federal laws, including the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). To obtain records containing personal details, individuals and companies must create a government account and follow the IN BMV’s regulated procedures.

Types of Driving Records Available in Indiana

The IN BMV offers two distinct types of driving records, each serving different needs and purposes.

Viewable Driver Record (VDR)

The Viewable Driver Record (VDR) is a free online option for Indiana motorists to review their driving history. The VDR typically includes:

Personal information (name, address, date of birth)
Driver's license details (number, class, expiration date)
Current license status
Recent traffic violations and convictions
Accumulated points
License suspensions or restrictions

Note that the VDR is not an official document and may not be accepted for formal purposes.

Official Driver Record (ODR)

For certified records, the Official Driver Record (ODR) is available for $4. It includes all VDR information plus:

Certification seal from the IN BMV
Official letterhead
Detailed accident history (if applicable)
A complete record of all traffic violations and dispositions
Comprehensive list of license suspensions, revocations, or cancellations

The ODR can be obtained online, by mail, or at an IN BMV branch. Employers, educational institutions, and insurance companies often require it. Proper identification and payment are necessary for processing.

How To Request an Indiana Driving History Report?

Indiana residents can choose from three methods to acquire their driving history reports: digital access, postal request, or in-person retrieval. Each approach has its own set of requirements, so drivers can select the most suitable option for their specific circumstances.

Digital Access

The IN BMV's online platform simplifies access to driving records. To begin, motorists must create a BMV I-Records account by visiting the Subscriber Center and providing their Indiana driver's license number, the first five digits of their postal code, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

Once set up, drivers can request either a free viewable record or an official driving record for $4, payable via e-check or bank card.

Postal Request

For those who prefer mail, drivers can request records by completing the Request for Driver Records (Form 53789) and sending it with a $4 check or money order to the IN BMV's specified address. Cash is not accepted for mail requests.

On-Site Retrieval

Indiana residents can also visit a local IN BMV office to obtain their driving records in person. This method requires the same documentation and payment as the postal request (Form 53789 and the $4 fee), with the benefit of immediate processing and more payment options.

Uses of Indiana Driving Records

Indiana driving records serve multiple purposes and are essential for various stakeholders in the state. Here's an overview of the different uses of driving records in Indiana:

Insurance assessment: Insurers review records to set premiums based on driving history and risk factors.
Employment screening: Employers check records for positions requiring vehicle operation or clean driving history.
Legal proceedings: Courts use records as evidence in traffic-related cases or motor vehicle incidents.
License reinstatement: The IN BMV consults records when considering reinstatement of suspended or revoked licenses.
Point system management: Officials track violations and assign points, potentially leading to suspensions or mandatory courses.
Vehicle registration: The IN BMV verifies eligibility and compliance with state laws using driving records.
Law enforcement: Police access records during stops to check for violations, warrants, or license status.
Personal information: Drivers can request their records to review history or provide documentation.
Commercial licensing: The state examines records when issuing or renewing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for regulatory compliance.
Traffic safety programs: Agencies analyze records to develop targeted safety initiatives and educational programs.

Understanding Indiana Driving Laws

Motorists and individuals in Indiana must fully acquaint themselves with the state's driving laws and regulations to avoid potential hefty penalties and serious consequences for violations.

Below are some of the most essential driving laws in Indiana, along with their associated penalties:

Licensing Laws and Penalties

Indiana Code (IC) Section 9-24-19-3 mandates severe penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license stemming from offenses like driving uninsured, impaired driving, or accumulating 20+ traffic points within two years.

For a first-time Class A infraction involving a suspended license due to unpaid tickets or child support, fines can be up to $10,000. If the suspension results from an offense like a DUI, repeat violations may lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge with up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

More serious violations causing injury or death may be charged as Level 5 or 6 felonies, with prison terms ranging from six months to six years. Reinstating a suspended license involves fees starting at $250.

Speeding Laws and Penalties

IC Section 9-21-5-1 enforces Indiana’s speeding laws, covering basic speed requirements and absolute speed limits. Drivers must adjust speeds according to conditions, with typical limits of 30 miles per hour (mph) in urban areas and 70 mph on interstate highways.

Speeding violations are generally Class C infractions, with fines between $100 and $200, which are higher in construction zones.

Offenses also add two to eight points to a driver’s record, and accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.

Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Under IC Section 9-21-8-52, Indiana’s reckless driving laws target dangerous behaviors such as excessive speeding, obstructing traffic, and passing a stopped school bus.

Penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, to a Class A misdemeanor, which may result in up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.

Reckless driving that causes property damage is a Class B misdemeanor, while causing injury elevates it to a Class A misdemeanor, leading to more severe penalties.

OWI Laws and Penalties

IC Section 9-30-5 prohibits operating while intoxicated (OWI). The law defines it as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher or with any Schedule I or II controlled substance in the system.

First-time OWI offenses can lead to up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a 60-day license suspension. A BAC of .15% or more increases penalties to one year of incarceration and a $5,000 fine.

Repeat offenses within seven years are classified as felonies, with three to five years prison terms and mandatory ignition interlock devices. More severe OWI offenses, resulting in injury or death, carry harsher penalties.

Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties

IC Section 9-26-1-1.1 outlines penalties for hit-and-run offenses. It requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, remain at the scene, and provide information or assistance if injuries occur.

Failure to comply is a Class B misdemeanor, adding eight demerit points and potentially leading to license suspension. If the accident causes injury, the offense escalates to a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.

Accidents resulting in serious injury or death may be charged as Level 4 or 6 felonies, with prison terms of up to 12 years and fines of up to $10,000. Intoxicated drivers may face Level 3 felony charges.

The Point System in Indiana

The IN BMV assigns points for traffic violations, which influence penalties and driving privileges. The system encourages safe driving by evaluating the severity of offenses.

For instance, exceeding the speed limit by over 25 mph in a school zone or driving with a suspended license incurs eight points, while reckless driving adds six points. Severe violations like reckless driving causing injury or manslaughter result in ten points.

Impact of Accumulating Points and Reduction Strategies

Indiana caps demerit points at 20 within 24 months, factoring in driver safety course credits. A warning is issued at 14 points, and reaching 20 triggers a suspension, with the length based on total points and violation severity.

Administrative hearings may be required, especially for repeated offenses or those involving emergency vehicles.

Drivers can reduce points through the Driver Safety Program, which removes four points every three years. With eligibility varying by county, traffic infraction deferral programs can also help avoid points.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Indiana

In Indiana, driving offenses are classified as either criminal or civil. Criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors, involve significant harm or potential harm and carry penalties like jail time and fines.

In contrast, civil offenses or infractions are less severe. They result in fines and points on a driver's record without criminal charges. Below is a summary of each type and its penalties.

Criminal Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

Criminal driving offenses in Indiana are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies involve severe violations like reckless homicide or OWI leading to death, with penalties ranging from six months to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Repeated driving under the influence (DUI) offenses within 5-10 years can also be elevated to felonies.

Misdemeanors, though less severe, include offenses like aggressive driving, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license.

These carry penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. A first-time DUI offense is typically a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.

Civil Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

Civil driving offenses in Indiana, known as infractions, are non-criminal violations typically resulting in fines rather than imprisonment. These include minor breaches of traffic laws, such as speeding, improper stopping, and failure to yield.

While infractions don't lead to criminal records or jail time, repeated violations can result in increased insurance premiums and, in extreme cases, suspension of driving privileges.

Indiana Driving Statistics and Goals

In Indiana, traffic safety remains a critical issue as the state strives to lower traffic fatalities. In 2023, Indiana experienced a troubling increase with 1,103 fatalities. This rise has prompted a strong response from state authorities.

For 2024, Indiana has set a goal to decrease traffic deaths by 10%, aiming to reduce fatalities to around 993. This objective reflects a dedicated effort to improve road safety through enhanced law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

Focus areas for achieving this goal include minimizing speeding, addressing impaired driving, and boosting seat belt use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Driving Records

Below are common questions regarding driving records in Indiana. These cover the processes for obtaining records, correcting errors, and expunging or sealing traffic violations.

Is It Possible to Purchase a Driving Record for Someone Else?

In Indiana, purchasing a driving record for someone else is possible, but it requires specific conditions. Individuals must obtain written consent from the person whose record is being requested.

This consent is necessary to comply with privacy regulations and legal requirements outlined in IC Section 9-14-13-2. Without proper authorization, accessing someone else's driving record would be a violation of privacy laws.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

For motorists needing to correct an error on their Indiana driving record, contacting the IN BMV at (888) 692-6841 is essential.

Individuals should ensure their driving record is accurate, as errors can result in higher insurance premiums, fines, or even license suspension.

Can Driving Records and Traffic Violations Be Expunged or Sealed?

Traffic violation records in Indiana can be expunged or sealed, which makes them inaccessible to the public except by court order. Indiana law permits expungement for dismissed or overturned convictions one year after the initial arrest.

For other traffic-related misdemeanors and felonies, such as DUIs and OWIs, there are specific waiting periods: five years for misdemeanors, eight years for non-violent felonies, and ten years for serious felonies.

During these periods, offenders must maintain a clean criminal record and ensure their driver’s license is not suspended or revoked. All court obligations, including fines and probation, must be fulfilled before filing for expungement.

Helpful Links and Resources

Indiana provides resources on driving records, traffic laws, and crash statistics to help drivers stay informed and compliant. They can access these tools for detailed insights into safe driving in the state.

IN BMV’s driver record resources: https://www.in.gov/bmv/resources/driver-record/
Indiana traffic laws: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2017/ic/titles/009
Huntington County’s document on IN BMV’s point system: https://www.huntington.in.us/egov/documents/1242071142_832031.pdf
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s (ICJI) crash statistics: https://www.in.gov/cji/research/crash-statistics/

Counties in Indiana

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Indiana
1. Viewable Driver Record (VDR)
2. Official Driver Record (ODR)
How To Request an Indiana Driving History Report?
Uses of Indiana Driving Records
Understanding Indiana Driving Laws
The Point System in Indiana
1. Impact of Accumulating Points and Reduction Strategies
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Indiana
1. Criminal Driving Offenses and Their Penalties
2. Civil Driving Offenses and Their Penalties
Indiana Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources