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Understanding the Indiana Driver’s License Point System

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If you have ever been pulled over for a traffic offense in Indiana, you could be subject to points being added to your driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can lead to losing your driving privileges and increased insurance rates. The Indianapolis defense attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team can explain the system to you and how we can help defend against a traffic violation when you call for a free case review. 

What Is the Driver’s License Point System in Indiana?

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains a record of all moving violations in Indiana. Points do not accumulate until a person is convicted of the traffic violation, not when the offense is alleged to have occurred. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Indiana law enforcement can review these records to understand a driver’s record and provide uniform penalties based on previous violations. 

The record is maintained for the most recent ten years. Each violation is assigned a particular number of points. If the driver accumulates too many points, their driver’s license can be suspended for a time set by Indiana law. Consumers can check their driver’s record online to determine if they are getting close to the limit. While the online service is convenient, it may not provide the latest information. Consumers can request their official record with the BMV.

Common Point Assessments for Indiana Traffic Violations

Indiana has over 120 traffic offenses that can result in points, but some of the most commonly assessed points are for:

  • Failure to signal: 2 points
  • Improper U-turn: 4 points
  • Speeding 16-25 mph over the speed limit: 4 points
  • Speeding more than 25 mph over the speed limit: 6 points
  • Reckless driving: 6 points
  • Speeding 25 mph over the speed limit in a school zone: 8 points
  • Driving on a suspended or revoked license: 8 points
  • Reckless driving with bodily injury: 10 points

Potential Penalties for Driver’s License Points in Indiana 

Once a person accumulates 20 points within a 24-month period, the BMV sets an administrative hearing, and the driver’s license is automatically suspended. The BMV will generally provide a warning notice once the driver has accumulated 14 to 18 points to advise them of the impending possibility of a suspension.

The length of the driver’s license suspension depends on how many points the driver has accumulated, as follows:

  • 20 points: One month
  • 22 points: Two months
  • 24 points: Three months
  • 26 points: Four months
  • 28 points: Five months
  • 30 points: Six months
  • 32 points: Seven months
  • 34 points: Eight months
  • 36 points: Nine months
  • 38 points: Ten months
  • 40 points: Eleven months
  • 42 or more points: Twelve months 

Should I Just Pay the Ticket?

Many people who are ticketed by police simply pay the ticket and move on. They never consider they may have plausible defenses to the allegation. However, paying the ticket admits fault for the violation and can result in significant penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and insurance premium hikes. An experienced traffic violation attorney can determine if you have defenses, see if you qualify for a deferral program, or can take other proactive action to avoid these consequences.

Call Us Today

If you’re facing driver’s license suspension or a traffic violation that could impose significant consequences, call or contact The Criminal Defense Team today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.