Indiana Driving Laws
Updated: August, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Indiana – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute website.
Speed Limits
In Indiana, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is only 65 mph. Maximum speeds may only apply to small sections of designated roads - not all highways. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Indiana allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16 years and 6 months. An Intermediate License allows you to drive yourself without a qualified co-pilot in the car. However, driving restrictions still apply including the time-of-day you can drive and the maximum number of passengers allowed.
In Indiana, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 18.
License Renewal
Indiana requires you to renew your license every 6 years. Older drivers face additional renewal requirements:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Indiana enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhancements can be enforced even if workers are not present as long as road work signs are posted. In Indiana, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. States often enforce more strict mandatory penalties for drivers above a certain BAC. In Indiana, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in most but not all states. In Indiana, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in Indiana. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Indiana, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Indiana requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Indiana is $25.00. Seatbelt use laws depend on the driving experience of the driver and which seat of the car a passenger is sitting in.
Data Source
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
