Indiana Speeding and Traffic Ticket Fines
If you recently received an Indiana traffic ticket, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost and what other consequences you might face. Between points, fines, and other penalties, it all seems pretty overwhelming. Don’t worry – we have all the info you need to take care of your ticket and keep your driver’s license in good standing.
Traffic Ticket Fines and Penalties
The fees associated with traffic violations can vary from one Indiana court to another. Look closely at your citation – you should find information on both the fine for your ticket as well as the court responsible for processing your violation.
In addition to the fee for the actual offense, Indiana drivers can face local court fines and penalties. These are also determined by the court, so contact your local office to find out what fines you might face in your area.
Drivers also need to understand the Indiana point system. All traffic tickets are assessed a point value based on the severity of the crime. If you’re convicted of that violation, points will be added to your driving record. Indiana speeding tickets, for example, can range in point value from 2-8 points depending on how fast you were driving.
OWI Surcharges
A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Indiana will result in an OWI surcharge, on top of other required penalties. If your blood alcohol content is less than .15%, you will be charged $500. If you have a BAC of .15% or higher, your fine will skyrocket to $5,000, plus court costs. And while your license will surely be suspended for a minimum of 180 days if you agree to take a chemical test during your OWI stop, refusal to comply could result in license revocation for 1 year with no chance of earning a hardship license.
Auto Insurance Rates and Increases
The Indiana BMV uses the point system to identify habitual traffic offenders. In addition, auto insurance companies use the point system to evaluate the cost of covering a driver. The more points you accumulate on your driving record, the higher your insurance rates will go. Fortunately, Indiana drivers convicted of minor traffic violations have the opportunity to take a Indiana driving safety course to receive a 4-point driving credit on their record. This can help keep your Indiana insurance rates low while also preventing the risk of a suspended license.
Suspended or Cancelled Drivers License
Your driving privileges can be suspended or cancelled by the Indiana BMV based on a number of criteria. Drivers who accumulate 18 or more points within a 2-year period could lose their license for 30 days to 12 months and/or face probation. If you are convicted of 2 or more traffic violations, you could be ordered by the BMV to complete a driver safety program.
Your Indiana drivers license could be suspended for 10 years if you are convicted of multiple offenses or serious offenses within a 10-year period. You could qualify as a habitual offender if you commit 2 major traffic violations resulting in death, or if you are convicted of 3 major offenses such as OWI, reckless driving, or racing.
While some states will revoke a drivers license, Indiana will instead cancel a drivers license if the driver suffers from certain mental or physical limitations, if they’ve obtained a license using false information, or if they are caught driving while serving a habitual offender suspension.
