License Suspension Attorney Indianapolis, IN

In general, anyone operating a motor vehicle on an Indiana highway must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to present it upon request.

Operating a motor vehicle without ever having received a license can result in a class C misdemeanor conviction. A class C misdemeanor can lead to a maximum of 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A subsequent offense is considered a class A misdemeanor, carrying the potential for up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Exceptions: Non-resident drivers with valid driver’s licenses from their home state or country can drive in Indiana without obtaining an Indiana license as long as they meet the state’s age requirements. New residents have a 60-day grace period before needing an in-state license. There are exemptions for farmers, military personnel, and road workers under specific circumstances. Additionally, Indiana cities have the authority to regulate the unlicensed use of non-highway vehicles and golf carts, so it’s important to check local ordinances for any exemptions.

If a driver holds a valid license but fails to have it on hand, they may receive a class C infraction citation and a fine of up to $500. Within five days of receiving the citation, the driver can present a valid driver’s license at the police station to have the citation dismissed.

Refusal to produce a license: A driver with a valid license who refuses to show it upon an officer’s request may be issued a class C traffic infraction citation, potentially leading to a fine of up to $500.

Individuals who operate a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license may face incarceration and fines. Offense-related suspensions: Many licenses are suspended due to offenses such as DUI convictions. Anyone convicted of driving with a suspended license stemming from such offenses is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Drivers whose licenses were suspended for reasons like failure to pay child support or tickets face a class A infraction for a first offense, resulting in a fine of up to $10,000. A second offense within ten years escalates to a class A misdemeanor, with a potential fine of $5,000 and a maximum one-year jail sentence.

If a person operating a vehicle with a suspended license causes an injury accident, they can be convicted of a class 5 or 6 felony. Habitual violators caught driving while suspended may also face felony charges.

Indiana no longer directly mandates additional suspension periods for driving while suspended or without a license. Instead, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is authorized to regulate suspension periods. The BMV currently assigns points for such violations and may subsequently impose a suspension based on the driver’s history.