Indiana's Speed Limit Laws and Ticket Penalties

Most Indiana drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains Indiana's speed limits and the consequences of a speeding violation.

How Do Indiana's Speed Limits Work?

Indiana has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." Below, we explain how these speed limits differ.

Indiana's 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. (Ind. Code Ann. § 9-21-5-1.)

Indiana's Absolute (Maximum) 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.

(Ind. Code Ann. § 9-21-5-2.)

Costs of a Speeding Ticket in Indiana

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.

Traffic Violation Points for an Indiana Speeding Ticket

A speeding ticket will typically add two to eight demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. (140 Ind. Admin. Code 1-4.5-10.)

Reckless Driving and Reckless Homicide Charges in Indiana

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.