Indiana speeding ticket fines start at $25 for 1–5 mph over the limit and climb to $500 or more for 25+ mph over

Indiana's speeding fine depends on how far over the posted limit you were driving. The state uses a tiered system: 1–5 mph over costs a minimum of $25, 6–10 mph over costs $50, 11–15 mph over costs $75, 16–20 mph over costs $100, and 21–25 mph over costs $200. Anything 26+ mph over the limit carries a fine of at least $500. These are the base fines only — the actual amount you pay will be higher once court costs and administrative fees are added.

The total cost also depends on where you received the ticket. Indiana counties and municipalities add their own court processing fees, which typically range from $50 to $150. Some courts charge additional "local option" fees that fund specific county services. A ticket for 15 mph over the limit might cost $75 in base fine plus $80 in court fees in one county, but $75 plus $120 in another. The only way to know the exact total is to check the citation itself or contact the court listed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's base fine for speeding ranges from $25 for minor violations to $500+ for speeds 26 mph or more over the limit.
  • Court costs and administrative fees, which vary by county, are added on top of the base fine and often equal or exceed it.
  • Paying the ticket by the due date shown on the citation avoids additional late fees and potential license suspension.
  • Contesting the ticket in court requires you to appear before a judge; you can represent yourself or hire an attorney.

How Indiana calculates the base fine

Indiana Code 9-21-5-3 sets the fine schedule. The state does not use a formula that multiplies your speed over the limit by a dollar amount per mph — instead, it groups violations into five-mph bands, and each band has its own minimum fine. The officer's radar or laser reading determines which band you fall into, and that band determines the starting fine.

The judge has discretion to increase the fine up to twice the minimum amount listed in the statute. So a ticket for 12 mph over the limit, which carries a $75 minimum, could be raised to $150 at the judge's discretion. Judges typically increase fines when the violation occurred in a school zone, construction zone, or residential area, or when the driver has prior violations on record. If you pay without contesting, you are usually paying close to the minimum unless the court has already added the increase.

Court costs and where they vary

Every Indiana county court adds a "court cost" or "administrative fee" to the base fine. This fee covers the cost of processing the ticket, maintaining the court system, and other county services. The amount is set by each county and is not optional — you cannot pay just the fine and skip the court cost.

Marion County (Indianapolis) typically charges around $80–$100 in court costs. Lake County (Gary, Hammond) often charges $100–$120. Smaller rural counties may charge $50–$75. Some courts also add a "local option" fee of $10–$30 that funds specific county programs. The citation you receive should list the total amount due, but if it does not, call the court's traffic division and ask for the breakdown of fine plus court costs.

License suspension and points

Indiana does not use a points system for traffic violations. Instead, the state tracks violations for suspension purposes. A single speeding ticket does not automatically suspend your license. However, if you fail to pay the fine and court costs by the due date, or if you fail to appear in court when required, the court can suspend your license for non-payment or non-compliance.

Accumulating multiple violations within a short time frame can also trigger a suspension. If you receive three moving violations (including speeding) within a 12-month period, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles may suspend your license. If you are under 18, the threshold is lower — two violations within 12 months can result in suspension.

Paying the ticket or contesting it

You have two main options: pay the ticket or request a court hearing. The citation will show a due date, usually 30 days from the date of issue. If you pay by that date, the case closes and you avoid additional penalties. Payment can usually be made online through the court's website, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.

If you want to contest the ticket, you must request a hearing before the due date. You will appear before a judge, and the officer who issued the ticket will present their evidence (usually radar or laser readings, observations of your driving, and the posted speed limit). You can cross-examine the officer and present your own evidence or testimony. The judge will decide whether the violation occurred and, if so, whether to impose the fine as written or adjust it. If you lose, you still owe the full fine and court costs, plus any additional costs the court charges for the hearing itself.

Hiring an attorney for a speeding ticket

You have the right to hire a traffic attorney to represent you. An attorney can review the officer's evidence, challenge the accuracy of the radar or laser device, question whether the speed limit was properly posted, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. Some attorneys specialize in traffic cases and have relationships with local prosecutors and judges.

The cost of hiring an attorney typically ranges from $200 to $500 for a straightforward speeding case, though complex cases or cases involving high speeds can cost more. Before hiring, ask the attorney what they charge and what they typically achieve in similar cases in your county. Some attorneys can reduce a speeding ticket to a non-moving violation, which avoids the license suspension risk and may not be reported to your insurance company, though you will still pay the fine and court costs.

Impact on insurance rates

A speeding conviction in Indiana will likely increase your auto insurance rates. Most insurers check your driving record and adjust premiums based on violations. The increase depends on your insurer, your current rate, and how far over the limit you were going. A ticket for 10 mph over the limit typically raises rates less than a ticket for 25 mph over. The increase usually lasts three to five years, though some insurers remove it sooner if you maintain a clean record.

If you are concerned about the insurance impact, ask the attorney whether they can negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation. Some prosecutors will agree to reduce a speeding ticket to a parking or equipment violation, which does not appear on your driving record and does not affect insurance. This option is not available in every case and not every prosecutor will offer it, but it is worth asking about before you decide whether to contest the ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Indiana speeding ticket online?

Most Indiana courts allow online payment through their website. Search for the county court's traffic division website and look for a payment portal. You will need the ticket number or case number from your citation. If online payment is not available, you can pay by mail or in person at the courthouse during business hours.

What happens if I do not pay by the due date?

The court will issue a notice of non-payment. If you ignore it, the court can suspend your driver's license and may issue a warrant for your arrest. You may also face additional late fees. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the court and ask about a payment plan or extension.

Will a speeding ticket show up on my driving record?

Yes, unless the charge is reduced to a non-moving violation. A moving violation conviction stays on your Indiana driving record for at least three years and is visible to insurance companies and potential employers. Some violations remain longer. A non-moving violation (like a parking or equipment violation) does not appear as a moving violation and typically does not affect insurance rates.

How much does a traffic attorney cost in Indiana?

Most traffic attorneys charge between $200 and $500 for a speeding case. Some charge a flat fee; others charge hourly. Ask the attorney upfront what they charge and what they typically achieve in your county. The cost of an attorney may be worth it if they can reduce the ticket to a non-moving violation or negotiate a lower fine.

Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed?

Dismissal is possible but not common. An attorney can challenge the officer's evidence, the accuracy of the speed-measuring device, or whether the speed limit was properly posted. If the officer does not appear at your hearing, the ticket may be dismissed. However, most speeding cases result in a conviction or a negotiated reduction rather than a dismissal.