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