This system was developed to monitor and identify people who need to improve their driving habits and to provide requirements for suspending driving privileges.
If you or anyone you know has an Indiana license and has received a traffic ticket, whether in Indiana or another state, then there is a good chance it is for a violation that would cause points to be assessed to your driving record. Call the experienced traffic law attorneys at Banks and Brower.
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call us: (317) 870-0019What is the Indiana Driver’s License Point System?
The Indiana Driver’s License Point System is used by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to track and penalize unsafe driving behaviors. Every traffic violation carries a specific point value based on its severity, and accumulating too many points can result in harsh consequences, including license suspension. This system aims to improve public safety by encouraging drivers to follow traffic laws and avoid violations.
How does it work?
- Points are assessed once the BMV is notified of a traffic conviction.
- The points for each violation remain on your record for two years.
- Accumulating a certain number of points within a short timeframe can result in penalties, such as mandatory driver safety courses or even license suspension.
For instance, exceeding the speed limit by 1–15 mph results in two points, while operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) incurs eight points, as outlined by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ official guidelines.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
Traffic violations in the state are assigned specific point values depending on their severity. These points are added to your driving record once the BMV processes a conviction, and they remain on your record for two years. Below are examples of some frequent violations and their corresponding point values:
- Speeding 1–15 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Speeding 16–25 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Failure to yield: 6 points
- Disregarding a traffic signal or stop sign: 6 points
- Driving while suspended: 8 points
- Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): 8 points
More serious violations, such as aggressive or reckless driving, may carry higher point values and result in additional penalties like fines or mandatory court appearances. According to the Indiana BMV, understanding these violations is crucial in avoiding penalties and protecting your driving privileges.
How Many Points Can You Have Before Getting a Penalty?
In Indiana, accumulating 18 or more points within a two-year period triggers action by the BMV. At this threshold, drivers may face mandatory attendance at a Driver Safety Program (DSP), probationary driving privileges, or even license suspension. The BMV reviews the driving record to determine appropriate penalties, which could include the following:
- A required Driver Safety Program to reduce points and avoid suspension.
- Potential license suspension for severe or repeat violations.
- Increased difficulty securing affordable auto insurance.
Drivers should monitor their point totals and address violations proactively to avoid these outcomes. Enrolling in an approved driver safety course, which generally includes interactive content designed to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices, is an effective way to lower points and improve driving habits.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your License?
Points for traffic violations remain on your Indiana driving record for two years. This applies to all violations, regardless of severity. However, the convictions themselves may remain visible for more extended periods, especially for offenses like OWI, which can stay on your record for life.
While points drop off after two years, repeated violations can have compounding consequences, such as higher insurance premiums or stricter penalties for future infractions.
How Do I Check My Points?
You can check your Indiana driver’s license points by requesting a copy of your driving record from the BMV. This can be done online through the BMV’s official website or by visiting a local branch.
Knowing your current point total is fundamental to understanding your risk for suspension and staying proactive about resolving any issues. Requesting your record is straightforward and provides clear insight into any potential problems.
How Do I Check to See if My License Is Suspended
The fastest way to check if your license is suspended in Indiana is through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ online portal. The BMV maintains an official record of each driver’s status, including suspensions, points, and reinstatement requirements. By creating or logging into a myBMV account, individuals can see whether the agency has placed a hold on their driving privileges and view the steps required for reinstatement. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles notes that this account system provides the most accurate, up-to-date status of your driving record.
When reviewing your information online, the BMV lists whether a suspension is active and the cause. Some of the most common reasons include point accumulation, failure to pay fines, or administrative actions following criminal cases, such as OWI charges. Each category may trigger different reinstatement requirements, so confirming the details is essential.
For clarity, the online BMV portal provides:
- A real-time summary of your driver record.
- The length and type of suspension.
- Reinstatement fees or requirements specific to your case.
If you prefer not to use the online account system, the BMV allows drivers to obtain a copy of their official record in person at a local branch. This record can be reviewed alongside Indiana Code provisions governing license suspensions and reinstatement obligations.
The BMV system connects directly to court records and administrative actions, so relying on third-party websites or informal sources often results in incomplete or outdated information. To avoid delays in resolving your case, starting with the official record and then seeking legal guidance is best. Criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis can interpret the BMV report, explain how statutes apply, and, where appropriate, petition the court for relief such as Specialized Driving Privileges.
How Do I Remove Points from My Indiana Driver’s License?
Indiana allows drivers to reduce points by completing a Driver Safety Program (DSP). Successfully finishing a DSP can reduce your point total by four, but this credit can only be applied once every three years.
Some approved DSP providers offer convenient online courses, allowing you to complete the program at your own pace. For example:
- The Comedy Defensive Driving Course provides a certified online program designed to be engaging and easy to follow
- Local Indianapolis options may also provide in-person classes for drivers who prefer face-to-face learning.
Enrolling in a DSP not only reduces points but can also demonstrate your commitment to improving your driving habits.
Facing an Indiana Driver’s License Suspension?
If your license is at risk of suspension or has already been suspended, seeking legal help is essential. Banks & Brower’s experienced traffic attorneys in Indianapolis can help you navigate the complexities of the BMV point system and work to minimize the impact on your record.
Consequences of suspension may include:
- Loss of driving privileges for a specified period.
- Mandatory completion of court-ordered programs.
- Increased difficulty commuting for work or personal needs.
Learn more:
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A Look at the Driver License Compact
Receive a Ticket for Passing a School Bus with the Stop Arm Extended?
Our team can assist with all aspects of your case, from appealing a suspension to seeking reinstatement of your driving privileges. Call the experienced traffic law attorneys at Banks and Brower. at 317-870-0019 or visit our office at 8770 Purdue Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 for a consultation today.
