Indiana suspends your license when you reach 15 points within a two-year period
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles tracks driving violations as points. Each violation adds a set number of points to your record. When your total reaches 15 points in any two-year rolling window, the BMV automatically suspends your license for a set period. The suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended before.
Points stay on your record for two years from the violation date, then drop off. This means you can reduce your point total by staying violation-free — but only time removes points. You cannot pay to have them erased or take a course to clear them early.
Understanding which violations carry how many points helps you see how quickly suspension can happen. A single serious violation can put you halfway to suspension; multiple minor ones add up faster than many drivers expect.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana suspends your license automatically when you accumulate 15 points within two years, with no warning suspension before that threshold.
- Points range from 2 points for minor violations like speeding 1–15 mph over the limit, to 8 points for reckless driving or driving with a suspended license.
- Your first suspension lasts 30 days; a second suspension within five years lasts 60 days; a third or later suspension lasts 180 days.
- Points fall off your record two years after the violation date, but only time removes them — you cannot take a course or pay a fee to clear them early.
- If you receive a ticket, you have the right to contest it in court, which is the only way to prevent points from being added to your record.
Common violations and their point values in Indiana
Minor speeding violations carry 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Speeding 1–15 mph over the limit is 2 points; 16–25 mph over is 4 points; 26 mph or more over is 8 points. A single ticket for speeding 26 mph over the limit puts you more than halfway to suspension.
Reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run all carry 8 points each. Unsafe lane change, following too closely, and improper passing each carry 4 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 4 points. Driving without a valid license (but not suspended) is 2 points.
At-fault accidents add points based on the violation that caused them. If you caused an accident by speeding, you get both the speeding points and points for the accident itself. Minor at-fault accidents are typically 4 points; serious ones can be 6 or 8 points.
The BMV publishes the complete point schedule on its website. If you received a ticket and are unsure of the point value, you can call the BMV at 317-615-7293 or check your ticket — it should list the violation code, which you can cross-reference with the official schedule.
How the two-year rolling window works
Indiana counts points within a rolling two-year period, not a calendar year. This means the BMV looks back 24 months from today, not January 1 to December 31. If you received a ticket on March 15, 2023, those points stop counting on March 15, 2025.
Points drop off automatically on their two-year anniversary — you do not need to request removal or submit paperwork. However, the BMV does not send you a notice when points fall off. You can check your driving record through the BMV website or by mail to see your current point total at any time.
Because the window is rolling, you can be suspended even if you have not received a violation in months. For example, if you got three tickets in January 2024 totaling 14 points, then one ticket in March 2024 for 2 points, you would be suspended in March even though you had no violations for two months before that.
Suspension length based on your history
Your first suspension lasts 30 days. During this time, you cannot drive legally in Indiana or any other state. Driving on a suspended license is itself a violation worth 8 points and can result in criminal charges.
A second suspension within five years of your first suspension lasts 60 days. A third suspension within five years lasts 180 days — six months. If more than five years pass between suspensions, the clock resets and a new suspension is treated as a first suspension (30 days).
The BMV mails you a suspension notice at the address on your driver's license. The notice tells you the suspension start date, length, and the reason. You have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension, though the hearing must be requested within 10 days of the notice date.
What happens when you reach 15 points
The suspension is automatic — there is no warning period or chance to avoid it once you hit 15 points. The BMV does not call or email you. You will receive a mailed notice, but your license is technically suspended as of the date shown on that notice, even if you have not received it yet.
Driving on a suspended license carries serious consequences. In Indiana, a first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
You cannot legally drive to work, to the store, or anywhere else during your suspension. Some people pursue a work permit or probationary license, but these are not automatic and require a separate request to the BMV with documentation of hardship.
How to check your current point total
You can view your driving record online through the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations from the past three years and your current point total.
You can also request a copy of your driving record by mail. Fill out the BMV's request form and send it with a check or money order. Processing takes about one week. The cost is a few dollars depending on the type of record you request.
If you see violations on your record that you do not recognize or believe are incorrect, contact the BMV directly. Errors do happen — a ticket might be recorded under the wrong date or violation code. The BMV can investigate and correct the record if you provide documentation.
Contesting a ticket to prevent points
The only way to prevent points from being added to your record is to contest the ticket in court before you are convicted or plead guilty. If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the points are added automatically.
You have the right to request a court date when you receive a ticket. You can appear in person, request a trial by mail, or hire an attorney. If the officer does not appear or the evidence is insufficient, the ticket may be dismissed and no points are added.
Some people negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge — for example, pleading guilty to a non-moving violation that carries no points instead of the original speeding charge. This is called a plea deal and is common in traffic court. Whether this is an option depends on the specific violation and the prosecutor's policies in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get points removed from my record before two years?
No. Indiana law does not allow points to be removed early through a defensive driving course, payment, or any other method. Points fall off automatically two years after the violation date. Some states offer this option, but Indiana does not.
What if I get a ticket out of state — does it count toward my Indiana suspension?
Yes. Indiana is part of the Interstate Compact, which means violations in other states are reported to Indiana and added to your record. The points may differ from Indiana's scale, but they are converted and counted toward your 15-point threshold.
Can I get a work permit while my license is suspended?
You can request a probationary or work permit license, but it is not automatic. You must show the BMV that suspension causes undue hardship — typically meaning you cannot get to work, school, or medical treatment. The BMV reviews each request individually and may deny it.
How long does it take to get my license back after suspension ends?
Your license is automatically reinstated on the suspension end date. You do not need to explore or pay a reinstatement fee in Indiana. However, you must pay any outstanding fines or fees before you can renew your license next time.
If I move out of Indiana, do the points follow me?
Yes. Your Indiana driving record stays with you. If you move to another state and get a new license there, Indiana violations are still on your record and can affect your driving history in the new state through the Interstate Compact.