Free Guide to Indiana License Points and Driving Records

How Indiana's Point System Works

Indiana uses a points system to track traffic violations on your driving record. When you receive a traffic citation, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) assigns a certain number of points to your record based on the type of violation. Understanding how this system functions helps you see how violations affect your driving status.

The point values vary depending on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions typically result in fewer points, while serious violations result in more points. For example, a speeding violation might add 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving. A reckless driving conviction could add 8 points. At-fault accidents also receive points—usually 4 points for a minor accident and up to 6 points for a serious accident.

Indiana accumulates these points over a rolling 24-month period. This means the BMV looks at violations from the past two years to determine your current point total. Once a violation moves beyond the 24-month window, those points stop counting toward your total, though the violation remains visible on your driving record history.

The consequences increase as your point total climbs. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 24-month period, Indiana can suspend your driver's license. Reaching 18 points results in a mandatory suspension. The state also has separate point thresholds for drivers under 21 years old—they face stricter consequences at lower point totals.

Practical takeaway: Keep track of your point total by checking your driving record annually. You can request your record from the Indiana BMV. Knowing your current points helps you understand how close you might be to a suspension and the seriousness of future violations.

Common Violations and Their Point Values

Different traffic violations carry different point values in Indiana. Knowing which violations add points and how many helps you understand the weight of each citation you might receive. Not all traffic violations result in points—some violations are handled differently or carry other penalties.

Speeding violations are among the most common traffic infractions. In Indiana, speeding 1 to 15 miles per hour over the limit typically adds 2 points. Speeding 16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit adds 4 points. Speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the limit results in 6 points. These points reflect the state's view that excessive speed significantly increases accident risk.

Reckless driving is treated as a serious violation and adds 8 points to your record. This includes aggressive driving behaviors like weaving through traffic, excessive honking, or unsafe passing. Unsafe lane changes typically add 4 points. Improper passing adds 4 points. Running a red light or stop sign adds 4 points for each violation.

Operating with a suspended or revoked license adds 6 points and carries additional criminal penalties. Following too closely adds 4 points. Improper turns add 2 points. Failure to obey traffic control devices adds 2 points. At-fault accidents add points based on severity—typically 4 to 6 points depending on injury or damage involved.

Violations that do not add points but still appear on your record include parking violations, equipment violations (like broken headlights), and some minor infractions. However, repeated violations in these categories can still lead to other penalties.

Practical takeaway: Review the common violations listed above and note their point values. If you receive a citation, ask the officer which violation code appears on the ticket—this helps you understand exactly how many points will be added to your record once you resolve the citation.

Accessing Your Indiana Driving Record

Your driving record is maintained by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and contains information about your license status, violations, accidents, and points. Indiana law allows you to view your own driving record. There are several methods to obtain this information, depending on whether you need it for personal knowledge or official purposes.

The quickest method is to visit the Indiana BMV website. You can request your driving record online through their official portal. This method requires you to provide personal identifying information to verify your identity. The online process typically takes a few minutes, and you can view or print your record immediately. This option works well when you need your record quickly for personal reference.

You can also visit a local BMV branch in person. Bring a valid photo ID and complete the necessary request form. Staff will provide you with a copy of your driving record on the spot or within a short time. This method allows you to ask questions directly to BMV representatives about violations on your record or points on your account.

Mail is another option if you prefer not to visit in person or use the online system. Send a written request to the Indiana BMV with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. Include payment if required. Processing time for mail requests typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Check the BMV website for the current mailing address and any fees.

Your driving record shows your current points total, all violations from the past several years, accidents you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, and any traffic safety school completions. Understanding what each section means helps you identify areas where you may need to improve your driving habits.

Practical takeaway: Obtain a copy of your driving record today, even if you haven't received a recent violation. Reviewing it helps you understand your current point total and identify any errors that should be corrected with the BMV.

License Suspension and What It Means

A license suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges. In Indiana, a suspension means you cannot legally operate a motor vehicle during the suspension period. Understanding when suspensions occur and how long they last helps you know what to expect if you accumulate too many points.

Indiana automatically suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 12 or more points within a 24-month period. The initial suspension lasts 30 days. If you accumulate points again after your license is reinstated, additional suspensions may follow. The length of subsequent suspensions increases—a second suspension within five years may last 60 days, and a third suspension may last 180 days.

Reaching 18 points within a 24-month period results in an automatic mandatory suspension of 180 days. This is a more serious penalty than the standard 30-day suspension. During this time, you may not drive for any reason—not to work, not for medical appointments, not for school. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime that carries criminal penalties and additional license suspension time.

Young drivers face stricter consequences. Drivers under 21 years old face suspension if they accumulate 8 or more points within 24 months. This lower threshold reflects Indiana's concern about young driver safety. The suspension length is typically 30 days for the first offense, but increases with repeated suspensions.

During a suspension, your license plate registration can also be affected. You may face vehicle registration suspension, preventing you from legally registering or renewing your vehicle. Once your suspension ends, you must visit a BMV branch to reinstate your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee.

Practical takeaway: If you currently have points on your record, calculate your total and determine how many more points would trigger a suspension. Use this information to make conscious choices about your driving—one more significant violation could result in losing your driving privileges.

Options for Reducing Points on Your Record

Indiana offers limited ways to reduce points on your driving record. Understanding these options helps you know what steps you might take if you want to lower your point total and reduce the risk of license suspension.

Traffic safety school is the primary method for point reduction in Indiana. If you receive a citation for certain violations, you may be allowed to complete an approved traffic safety school course in place of or in addition to other penalties. Completing this course removes 4 points from your record. However, this option is typically available only once every 24 months, and not all violations allow this option. Serious violations like reckless driving usually do not qualify for traffic safety school.

The traffic safety school course can be completed online or in person, depending on the provider. Most online courses take 4 to 6 hours to complete and can be done on your own schedule. You must pass a final exam to receive a certificate of completion. Your court or the police officer who issued the citation can tell you whether your specific violation qualifies for traffic safety school.