Indiana’s Traffic Violation Point System

How traffic convictions can lead to license suspension under Indiana’s demerit point system.

For an Indiana traffic violation conviction, the court will assess fines and fees and report the conviction to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV keeps track of these convictions in order to identify persons "in need of improving his or her driving habits." Drivers with too many points face license suspension.

How Does Indiana's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

In Indiana, most traffic violation convictions will result in points. The BMV will assess a certain number of points depending on the severity of the traffic offense (see chart below).

However, points won't stay on your record forever. There are always ways to proactively take points off your record.

License Suspension and Consequences of Getting Too Many Points in Indiana

A driver who accumulates 14 points will generally receive a warning letter from the BMV indicating the penalties of future traffic violations. A driver with 20 or more points will receive a notice of suspension. The duration of the suspension depends on the number of points the driver has.

  • 20 points. One-month suspension.
  • 22 points. Two-month suspension.
  • 24 points. Three-month suspension.
  • 26 points. Four-month suspension.
  • 28 points. Five-month suspension.
  • 30 points. Six-month suspension.
  • 32 points. Seven-month suspension.
  • 34 points. Eight-month suspension.
  • 36 points. Nine-month suspension.
  • 38 points. Ten-month suspension.
  • 40 points. 11-month suspension.
  • 42 points. 12-month suspension.

However, drivers who receive a notice of suspension have 18 days to request an administrative hearing to contest the suspension. The administrative law judge in charge of the hearing can review all the relevant information and is permitted to stay the suspension under certain circumstances, including the driver completing a safe driving course.

How Long Do Traffic Violation Points Stay on Your Record in Indiana?

In Indiana, traffic violation points expire two years after the conviction date. The conviction will remain on the driver's record, but the points will no longer be counted.

Getting Traffic Violation Points Reduced in Indiana

A driver can reduce his or her point total by four points for completing a BMV-approved driver safety program. This reduction is available only once every three years.

Point Values for Indiana Traffic Tickets

Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic offenses.

Violation

Points Assessed

Brake equipment violation

4

Bumper violation

2

Headlight or blinker violation

2

No motorcycle helmet or goggles (under 18 years old)

4

Traffic signal violation

4

Stop or yield sign violation

4

Failure to yield to emergency vehicles

6

Failure to slow for stopped emergency vehicle

8

Improper passing

4

Improper passing in worksite

8

Following too closely

6

Railroad crossing violation

6

Speeding 1 to 15 miles per hour over limit

2

Speeding 16 to 25 miles per hour over limit

4

Speeding over 25 miles per hour over limit

6

Driving too fast for conditions (not posted)

2

Minimum speed violation

2

Speeding on bridge

4

Speed contest (racing)

8

Disobey officer order

6

Improper U-turn

4

Failure to properly signal

2

Violation of due care for pedestrian

2

Driving in a pedestrian safety zone

4

Disregard worksite traffic control

6

Failure to dim lights

2

Reckless or aggressive driving

6

Reckless driving resulting in property damage

8

Reckless damage resulting in injury

10

Reckless driving in work zone

8

Texting while driving

4

Motorcycle passenger violation

4

Improper passing of school bus

8

Driving without a license

4

Learner's permit violation

4

Probationary or restricted license violation

4

License violation resulting in injury or death

10

Driving while suspended

8

Driving while suspended resulting in injury or death

10

Insurance violation

2

Leaving the scene of accident

8 (10 if injury or death)

Driving with suspended registration

8

Operating under the influence

8

Operating under the influence resulting in injury or death

10

Criminal mischief with vehicle

8

Consumption of alcohol while driving

6

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