Points remain on your Indiana license for two to five years, depending on the violation
Indiana's point system tracks traffic violations on your driving record. When you receive a ticket for speeding, running a red light, or other violations, the state assigns points to your license. The length of time those points stay on your record depends on what violation you committed — minor infractions disappear faster than serious ones.
Most moving violations stay on your record for two years from the date of conviction. However, serious violations like reckless driving, DUI, or driving with a suspended license remain for five years. This matters because points accumulate: if you collect too many within a certain period, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will suspend your license.
Understanding your specific violation and its point value helps you know when your record will clear and how close you are to suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Most traffic violations stay on your Indiana record for two years from the conviction date, while serious violations like DUI or reckless driving remain for five years.
- Indiana suspends your license if you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, or 18 or more points within a five-year period.
- Points are assigned based on the specific violation — a speeding ticket might be 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving.
- You can check your current points and violation history through the Indiana BMV website or by visiting a local BMV branch in person.
How Indiana's point system works
Indiana assigns a specific number of points to each traffic violation. A minor speeding violation (1 to 15 mph over the limit) is typically 2 points, while speeding 16 to 25 mph over the limit is 4 points. More serious violations carry higher point values — reckless driving is 6 points, and a DUI conviction is 8 points.
The BMV tracks these points cumulatively. If you receive multiple tickets over time, the points add up. Once you hit 12 points in any two-year period, your license is automatically suspended. If you accumulate 18 points in any five-year period, you face a longer suspension. The suspension length depends on how many points you had when you crossed the threshold.
Points begin counting from the date you were convicted of the violation, not the date you received the ticket. If you contest a ticket in court and win, no points are added to your record.
Timeline for points to disappear from your record
Two years is the standard removal period for most moving violations in Indiana. This means a speeding ticket, failure to stop at a stop sign, or improper lane change will no longer appear on your driving record two years after your conviction date. The BMV automatically removes these points — you do not need to request removal.
Serious violations follow a longer timeline. A DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or driving with a suspended or revoked license stays on your record for five years. These violations carry higher point values and remain visible longer because they represent more dangerous driving behavior.
Non-moving violations — such as parking tickets or equipment violations — do not add points to your driving record at all, so they have no removal timeline related to the point system.
What happens when you accumulate too many points
Reaching 12 points within two years triggers an automatic license suspension. The BMV will mail you a notice of suspension, and your license becomes invalid on the date specified in that notice. You cannot legally drive during the suspension period, which typically lasts 30 to 90 days depending on how many points you had.
If you accumulate 18 points within five years, you face a longer suspension — usually 90 days to one year. A third suspension within five years can result in a one-year revocation, which is more serious than a suspension because you must reapply for your license rather than straightforward waiting for it to be reinstated.
To reinstate your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the BMV and wait out the suspension period. You cannot drive during this time, even with a restricted license, unless you have obtained a hardship license through a separate process.
How to check your current points and violation history
You can view your driving record through the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Select "Check Your Driving Record" and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations, points assigned, and conviction dates.
If you prefer not to check online, you can visit any BMV branch in person and request a copy of your driving record. Bring your driver's license or state ID. The staff will print your record on the spot, and you can see exactly which violations are still active and when each one will be removed.
Your record also shows any suspensions or revocations currently in effect. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access to drive, this is the fastest way to find out.
Violations that stay on your record longer than points
While points disappear after two to five years, some violations remain on your driving record permanently for other purposes. A DUI conviction, for example, stays on your record indefinitely — even after the points are removed. This matters if you are explore for certain jobs, insurance, or professional licenses that require a background check.
Similarly, at-fault accidents stay on your record for three to five years for insurance purposes, even if no points were assigned. Insurance companies use this history to set your rates, separate from the BMV's point system.
The point removal timeline is specifically about when violations stop affecting your license suspension may be able to access. Other consequences — like higher insurance premiums or employment background checks — may persist longer.
Steps to take if you received a ticket
If you received a traffic ticket in Indiana, you have several options. You can pay the fine, which means you are admitting guilt and points will be added to your record. You can contest the ticket in court, which gives you a chance to have the violation dismissed or reduced. You can also request traffic school in some cases, which may reduce or eliminate points.
If you choose to pay the fine, do so before the due date listed on your ticket. Paying late can result in additional penalties and may affect your license status. If you plan to contest the ticket, you must appear in court on the date specified or request a continuance in advance.
Some Indiana courts offer traffic safety school programs that allow first-time offenders to reduce points by completing an online or in-person course. Ask the court clerk whether this option is available for your specific violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove points from my license before two years?
Points are removed automatically by the BMV after the time period expires — you cannot request early removal. However, if you were convicted in court, you may be able to petition for a conviction reversal or expungement through the court system, which would remove the violation and its points. This requires an attorney and is not may provide.
Does my license suspension end automatically after the suspension period?
No. After your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the BMV and submit proof of payment before your license is restored. Your license does not automatically become valid again. Check the BMV website or call your local branch for the current reinstatement fee amount.
Will traffic school reduce my points?
Some Indiana courts allow traffic safety school as an option for certain violations, typically for first-time offenders. Completing the course may reduce or eliminate points, but this depends on the court and the specific violation. Ask the court clerk handling your case whether this option is available.
Do out-of-state violations count toward my Indiana point total?
Yes. Indiana participates in the Driver License Compact, which means violations you receive in other states are reported to Indiana and added to your driving record. These points count toward your suspension threshold just like in-state violations.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary — your license becomes valid again after you pay the reinstatement fee and the suspension period ends. A revocation is more serious and typically lasts longer. After a revocation, you must reapply for your license and may need to pass a written test or driving test again.