Obtaining a New Credential
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues driver credentials under strict security standards, including REAL ID compliant licenses marked with a star symbol in the top-right corner. New Indiana residents have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver license upon establishing residency, and all drivers must notify the BMV within 30 days of an address or legal name change.
Under Indiana's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, teens age 15 can apply for a learner's permit if enrolled in an approved driver education course (or age 16 without driver education) after passing vision screening (minimum 20/40 acuity) and a 50-question knowledge exam (84 percent / 42 correct pass mark). Permit holders must log 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) and hold the permit for at least 180 days conviction-free. Minor drivers holding a Probationary License are subject to night curfews (11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) and a restriction allowing only one non-family passenger for the first 180 days.
Restrictions and Endorsements
The Indiana BMV places specific restrictions and endorsements on driver credentials based on medical conditions, age, or vehicle operational testing. Standard restriction codes include Code B for corrective lenses and Code G for daylight-only driving.
Endorsements grant specialized driving privileges, including Motor Driven Cycle (MDC) endorsements for riders age 15 and older, Motorcycle Endorsements (Class L/M), and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL Class A, B, or C) for heavy commercial transport.
Indicators, Watercraft, and Parking Placards
Indiana driver credentials allow motorists to register voluntary indicators on their driving record, including organ and tissue donor designations, blood type, and veteran status.
The chapter details motorboat and watercraft operating regulations on Indiana public waters. Misuse of disability parking placards or accessible parking spaces carries statutory fines ranging from $100 to $500.
Renewing, Amending, or Replacing a Credential
Standard Indiana driver licenses are valid for six years (or up to age 21 for minor credentials printed in a vertical format). Motorists may renew credentials online or in-person at any BMV branch up to two years prior to expiration.
Active-duty military personnel stationed outside Indiana receive automatic license extensions. Drivers replacing lost or stolen credentials can request duplicate cards online or at a BMV branch upon presenting primary identification.
Points, Suspensions, and Insurance Requirements
Indiana operates a demerit point system where traffic convictions carry point values ranging from 2 to 8 points, remaining active on a driver's record for two years. Completing an approved Driver Safety Program (DSP) provides a four-point credit on active driving records. Repeated serious moving violations within a 10-year period result in Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) license suspensions ranging from 5 years to lifetime revocations.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) threshold limits are set at a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher for drivers 21 and older, 0.02 percent (zero tolerance) for drivers under 21, and 0.04 percent for CDL holders. Under Indiana's Implied Consent Law, chemical test refusal results in a mandatory one-year license suspension. Motorists must maintain liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per crash, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
Traffic Signs and Signals
Traffic control signals, signs, and pavement markings regulate right-of-way and communicate hazards. A steady red light requires a complete stop; right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop unless posted otherwise. Flashing red signals function as a stop sign, while a flashing yellow arrow permits turns after yielding to oncoming traffic.
Standardized sign shapes communicate legal directives: octagons signal a mandatory stop, triangles indicate yield, pennants mark no-passing zones (placed on the left side of the road), and diamonds warn of upcoming hazards. Work zone signs feature orange backgrounds, requiring drivers to slow down and obey flaggers.
Safe Vehicle Operation
Indiana statutory speed limits establish maximum legal speeds under ideal driving conditions: 20 to 25 mph in active school zones, 30 mph in urban residential or business districts, 55 to 60 mph on rural state highways, and 65 to 70 mph on rural interstate highways. Indiana's basic speed law mandates driving at a safe, reasonable speed for current road and weather conditions regardless of posted signs.
Maintaining proper spatial management requires a minimum two-to-three second following distance under normal conditions, expanding in rain or ice. Turn signals must be activated at least 200 feet before turning when traveling under 50 mph, and at least 300 feet when traveling 50 mph or faster. Under Indiana's Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency or utility vehicles with flashing lights must change lanes or slow down. Parking regulations prohibit stopping within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop sign, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or more than 12 inches from the curb.
Accidents and Emergency Situations
Drivers involved in a motor vehicle crash must stop immediately at or near the scene, render assistance to injured persons, and exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance details. Crashes resulting in injury, death, or total property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported immediately to law enforcement.
In vehicle emergencies, such as a tire blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly straight ahead and ease off the gas pedal without braking until traction is regained. Headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise, during fog or rain, and whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use. High-beam headlights must be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and 200 feet when following.