The Indiana Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Indiana driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify drivers who may pose a risk, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) uses a demerit point system.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, you will face serious consequences, including mandatory driver safety programs and the suspension of your license.

How the Indiana Point System Works

The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, that conviction is reported to the BMV, and the corresponding points are added to your driving record. Points remain on your active record for two years (24 months) from the date of the conviction.

The BMV will take action based on the number of points you accumulate.

Point Values for Common Indiana Traffic Violations

It's essential to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations in Indiana:

• 2 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (1-15 mph over the limit)

• 4 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (16-25 mph over the limit)
  • Failure to obey a stop sign or yield sign

• 6 Point Violations:

  • Failure to stop for a school bus
  • Following too closely

• 8 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (26 mph or more over the limit)
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Reckless driving

• Major Offenses: Some violations, like Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI) or Leaving the scene of an accident, result in an immediate and mandatory license suspension that operates outside the standard point system.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The BMV takes progressive action as you accumulate points.

• Warning Letter: If you accumulate several points in a short period, the BMV will likely mail you a Warning Letter. This is your first official notice that you are accumulating points and are at risk of further action if your driving habits do not improve.

• At 14 Points: You may be required to complete a mandatory Driver Safety Program (DSP). You must complete this course or your driving privileges may be suspended.

• At 18 Points: This is a critical threshold. Once you accumulate 18 or more points in a two-year period, you will be required to attend an administrative hearing with the BMV.

The Administrative Hearing

At the hearing, a BMV official will review your driving record. Based on your record, the hearing officer can decide to:

• Suspend your driver's license for a period of one month to one year.
• Place you on probation.

A Powerful Tool: The Driver Safety Program (DSP) Point Credit

Indiana offers a proactive way for drivers to manage their point total. You can voluntarily complete a state-approved Driver Safety Program (DSP), also known as a defensive driving course.

• The Benefit: Upon successful completion of the 4-hour course, you will receive a 4-point credit on your driving record.
• How it Works: This credit is applied to your record and can help offset points from future violations or keep you from reaching a suspension threshold. It does not remove a conviction, but it lowers your active point total.
• Limitations: You can only receive this 4-point credit once every 3 years.

Taking a driver safety course is a smart investment, especially if you have received a ticket. It can help protect your driving privilege and may also qualify you for an insurance discount.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand GDL Laws: For teens, violating your driving restrictions is a moving violation that will add points to your record.
3. Consider the DSP Credit: If you have accumulated some points, consider taking a driver safety course to lower your total before you reach a suspension threshold.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Indiana point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.