Speeding Tickets and Penalties in Indiana

Read about Indiana’s speeding laws and the consequences of getting a speeding ticket.

Indiana has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." This article explains the differences between the two and the consequences of a speeding violation.

Basic Speeding Law

Indiana's basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed "greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing." In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Absolute Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Indiana's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Indiana's absolute speed limits include (unless otherwise posted):

  • 15 miles per hour in alleys
  • 30 miles per hour in urban districts
  • 25 miles per hour in residential districts
  • 60 miles per hour on most divided state highways that have four or more lanes and are located outside urban areas
  • 65 miles per hour on highways that are the responsibility of the Indiana finance authority, and
  • 70 miles per hour on most interstate highways.

Costs of a Speeding Ticket

Generally, speeding is a class C infraction. Fines for a violation vary by locality, but typically, a speeding ticket will cost the driver between $100 and $200 (including the fine and court costs). However, citations for speeding in a construction zone can be substantially more expensive.

Also, you may have other options for dealing with your ticket. For instance, if you fight a speeding ticket and win, you won't have to pay the fine or worry about a conviction on your record.

Reckless Driving and Reckless Homicide

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation can lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. And for speeding violations that result in the death of another person, reckless homicide charges are possible.

Traffic Violation Points

A speeding ticket will typically add two to six demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.

Get Professional Help

Talk to a Traffic Ticket attorney.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you

Talk to a Lawyer

Need a lawyer? Start here.

How it Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you