Indiana Driving Records

Driving records are your personal report card for your time behind the wheel. These driving history reports reflect your driving behavior and can include your violations, license status, and any history of suspensions.

Your driving records can impact many aspects of life, such as insurance premiums, employment opportunities, and overall driving privileges. Each state governs these records, and their content and means of access can vary.

Staying aware of your DMV driving records not only protects your legal standing but also empowers you to drive more responsibly and make smarter decisions on the road.

What Is an Indiana Driving Record?

In Indiana, a driving record is officially known as a driver record. It is an official document that provides a detailed history of an individual's driving behavior. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains and issues such documents to interested parties.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driver Records and Public Driver Records

The main difference between official and public driving records is how they are accessed and used.

Official driver records are maintained exclusively by the Indiana BMV. They are confidential and only accessible to authorized individuals or entities, such as law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, employers, and drivers themselves. The BMV certifies them and includes an official seal or certification, which makes them valid for formal and legal purposes.

In contrast, public driving records are compiled by third-party services using publicly accessible information. These records are typically not certified and therefore unsuitable for official or legal use. Instead, they serve an informational role and may be used for general background checks or personal reference.

Generally, anyone may access public driving records since they are not bound by the same confidentiality restrictions as official records. Services such as RecordsFinder typically offer quick and convenient access to this type of data, usually for a fee.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Here are common reasons why someone would need a driving record in Indiana:

• Employment Purposes: Employers, especially those hiring for driving positions (e.g., delivery drivers, commercial truckers), may require a driving record to assess the applicant's reliability and insurability.
• Insurance Rate Determination: Insurance companies may review driver records to determine your risk level. A clean record can lower premiums, while multiple violations or accidents may increase your rates.
• Legal Proceedings or Court Orders: If you're involved in a court case related to traffic violations, the court may request a copy of your driving history. It can also be used as evidence in civil cases like personal injury lawsuits.
• License Reinstatement: Individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked may need their driving records to show proof of compliance with reinstatement requirements.
• Personal Review and Record Accuracy: Reviewing your record helps ensure all information is accurate and current. Even minor mistakes can affect employment or insurance, so it's important to catch and correct them.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Applications: When applying for or renewing a CDL, applicants often need to provide their driving history to verify eligibility and demonstrate a safe driving track record.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Generally, you may find the following information in an Indiana driver report:

• Driver's personal information (name, address, date of birth, driver's license number)
• License status (valid, suspended, revoked, etc.)
• License issuance and expiration dates
• Driver's license classifications and endorsements
• Convictions for traffic violations
• Points assessed for each violation
• Accidents reported
• Suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements
• Administrative actions
• Driver improvement course completions

Refer to this Driver Record Legend to interpret the abbreviations found within the document.

Types of Driver Records Available in Indiana

The Indiana BMV offers two types of driver records: the Viewable Driver Record (VDR) and the Official Driver Record (ODR).

• Viewable Driver Record (VDR): The VDR is available online for free, allowing state motorists to view their driving history. It includes personal details, license status, recent traffic offenses, points on the license, and history of suspensions. This record is intended for personal use only.
• Official Driver Record (ODR): The ODR is an official, certified document that typically includes all information found in the VDR but with additional details such as a complete list of violations, suspensions, or revocations, and detailed accident reports. It is accepted for legal purposes and requires payment and proper identification for access.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Indiana

Traffic rules in the state are codified in the Indiana Code Title 9, or officially known as the Indiana Motor Vehicle Code. These laws cover a wide range of driving behaviors and safety regulations designed to guarantee public safety on the roads. Familiarity with these rules is vital to avoid committing violations, which can result in serious consequences.

If a driver violates any provision in the Indiana Motor Vehicle Code, they may receive a traffic ticket from a traffic enforcer or authority, which necessitates a prompt response. Being found guilty may lead to various penalties such as fines, points on record, license suspension, or even jail time.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Indiana categorizes its traffic violations into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies depending on their severity.

Infractions are minor violations of traffic laws. These are usually non-moving violations and result in fines. Examples of these are:

• Driving without registration or tags
• Driving without a valid license
• Parking violations
• Broken tail lights or headlights
• No seatbelt
• Illegal window tint

On the other hand, misdemeanors and felonies are more serious violations. These often include moving violations and may result in jail time, heavy fines, license suspension or revocation, and a permanent criminal record in severe cases. Examples of these are:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI) or driving under the influence (DUI)
• Hit and run involving property damage
• Hit and run involving injury or death

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

It is important to act promptly and understand your options when you receive a traffic ticket in Indiana. Below is a guide on what you may do to prevent any further penalties when you are handed a ticket for a road violation:

• Read the Ticket Carefully
• Check the violation you're being charged with.
• Note the response deadline (usually 40 days from the ticket date).
• Find the court information on the ticket (you'll need it to respond.)
• Decide How You Want to Respond

You have several options when responding to an Indiana traffic ticket:

• Pay the Ticket: If you believe you are guilty or wish to resolve the matter quickly, you may pay the fine. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at the court listed on your ticket. By paying, you forfeit your right to contest the ticket, and points may be added to your driving record.
• Request a Court Hearing: If you believe the ticket was unjust, you may plead not guilty. To do this, indicate your plea on the ticket and submit it to the court. A hearing will be scheduled for you to present your case. You may represent yourself or hire an attorney. If found not guilty, no fine will be imposed, but if the court upholds the charge, you may need to pay the fine and any associated court fees.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course: If eligible, you may complete a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket and avoid points on your license. This option is unsuitable for major offenses like DUI or reckless driving.
• Monitor Your Driving Record

After resolving the ticket, check your driving record to confirm it correctly reflects the outcome. If there are discrepancies, address them with the appropriate authorities.

How Does the Indiana Point System Work?

The BMV uses a point system to monitor and penalize driving violations. Under this system, points are added to a person's driver record each time they commit a qualifying traffic offense.

Each violation carries a point value ranging from 2 to 8 points, depending on the severity of the offense. Below are some common violations and their corresponding point values:

• Speeding: 2 to 6 points, based on how far the driver exceeded the speed limit
• Failure to use headlights: 2 points
• Disregarding a stop sign or traffic signal: 4 points
• Tailgating (following too closely): 6 points
• Driving while suspended: 8 points
• Racing on the road: 8 points

As points accumulate, the BMV imposes escalating penalties. When a driver reaches 14 points, the BMV typically issues a warning. If a driver accrues 20 points or more, they may face a license suspension, which can range from one month to 12 months, depending on the situation and prior offenses.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

The length of time a traffic violation remains on your Indiana driving history depends on the type and severity of the offense.

• Minor violations, such as speeding or failure to use headlights, typically remain on the record for two years.
• Serious violations, including offenses like reckless driving or driving while suspended, can stay on a driver's record for five to ten years, depending on the nature of the offense.
• For drivers classified as Habitual Traffic Violators (HTV), violations may remain on their driving record indefinitely and could have long-term consequences on driving privileges.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Indiana, individuals with criminal convictions related to traffic violations, such as misdemeanors or felonies, may be eligible to have those convictions expunged from their records, making them inaccessible to the public. To qualify for expungement, the following conditions must be met:

• A certain amount of time must have passed since the conviction: typically, one year for traffic-related arrests and five years for misdemeanors and felonies.
• You must not have any new convictions during that period.
• All fines, court costs, and restitution associated with the conviction must be fully paid.

On the other hand, traffic infractions such as speeding or running a red light cannot be expunged from a person's driving record. However, their impact can be reduced over time.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by completing a BMV-approved Driver Safety Program (DSP). Completing the course allows a driver to remove up to four points from their record. This option is available once every three years and only affects the point total, not the actual violation, which will still appear on the driving history.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Generally, you may request your motor vehicle driving history report in Indiana through the following options:

• Online Request: Both VDR (Viewable Driver Record) and ODR (Official Driver Record) are generally accessible online through the myBMV website. To request this document, follow the screen prompts. Note that an account is needed to make a request. You may create a myBMV account using your license number, Social Security number, or the last four digits of your I-94, postal code found on your license, and other details.

• By Mail: For mail requests, complete the Request for Certified Records - State Form 53789. Mail the completed form along with the payment to:

  Bureau of Motor Vehicles

  Attn: Records Request

  100 N, Senate Ave., Rm N412, Indianapolis, IN 46204

• In-Person: You may also request your driver record personally at any Indiana BMV location. This process requires completing the State Form 53789 and paying the necessary fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Indiana?

The Indiana BMV charges a $4 flat fee for anyone requesting an ODR. This fixed fee applies uniformly regardless of how the request is made.

Note that processing times vary depending on the method used. Online requests are typically processed instantly, allowing users to download their ODR immediately after payment. In-person requests at a BMV branch are usually fulfilled on the same day, while mail-in requests may take up to two weeks to process and deliver.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

Accessing your VDR online in Indiana allows you to check your driving history for free. While it cannot be used for official purposes, it is beneficial for personal review and monitoring.

In addition to the VDR, some third-party services offer access to driving history information. However, exercise caution with these platforms, as they may provide inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated data.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically includes a history of moving violations such as speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and DUIs. These violations are more serious and can impact your driving record more than non-moving violations.

Non-moving violations like parking tickets usually do not appear on your driving record. However, failing to pay your parking tickets could lead to your vehicle being impounded or your license being suspended, which would then appear on your record.

Warnings also do not appear on your Indiana driving record. But repeated warnings for the same offense could escalate to a moving violation, which can affect your record.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Usually, a poor driving history allows insurance companies to view you as a higher risk. As a result, they may charge you higher premiums to cover the increased risk of accidents or claims. Besides that, you may face difficulty securing insurance at all, as some insurers may refuse coverage outright for those with bad driving records.

Regarding employment, if your job requires driving, a bad driving record may become a major hindrance. Employers often reject applicants if their record shows serious violations. They may also terminate employees with too many violations or lose their driving privileges.

Who Can Access Your Indiana Driving History?

Your Indiana driving history is considered public record, but its access is regulated to protect your privacy.

The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts access to personally identifiable information from state motor vehicle records. This law is consistent with Indiana Code Section 9-14-13-2, which may only disclose sensitive information to specific entities, including law enforcement officers, employers, insurers, legal representatives, and government agencies.

FAQs About Indiana Driving Records

Below are answers to common questions regarding Indiana driving records.

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