Indiana suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points within a rolling 24-month period

Indiana uses a point system tied to traffic violations. Each violation carries a point value. When your total reaches 12 points in any 24-month window, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will suspend your driving privileges. The suspension is automatic — you do not receive a warning at 11 points.

The 24-month window is rolling, not calendar-based. If you received 8 points on March 15, 2023, and 5 points on March 10, 2025, those points do not count together because more than 24 months have passed. But if you received 8 points on March 15, 2023, and 5 points on March 10, 2025, and then 2 more points on April 1, 2025, the March 2023 violation has now aged out — only the two 2025 violations count toward your total.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve points accumulated within 24 months triggers an automatic license suspension in Indiana.
  • The 24-month period is rolling, meaning older violations drop off as time passes, not on a calendar year basis.
  • Different violations carry different point values, ranging from 2 points for minor infractions to 8 points for serious offenses like reckless driving.
  • You can request a BMV hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice.
  • Completing a defensive driving course may reduce your point total by up to 4 points, though you can only do this once every 24 months.

Point values for common Indiana traffic violations

Not all violations carry the same point weight. Speeding 1–15 mph over the limit is 2 points. Speeding 16–25 mph over the limit is 4 points. Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit is 8 points. Reckless driving is 8 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 4 points. Improper lane change is 3 points. Following too closely is 4 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points.

Serious violations that carry 8 points include reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license (in some circumstances), and certain hit-and-run offenses. Minor violations like parking infractions do not carry points — only moving violations do. If you received a ticket and are unsure of the point value, the citation itself should list the points, or you can contact the BMV at 317-232-2000 to ask.

How the BMV notifies you of suspension

The BMV does not call or email you when you reach 12 points. Instead, you will receive a Notice of Suspension by mail to the address on file with your license. This notice tells you the effective date of the suspension, the violations that triggered it, and your right to request a hearing.

The suspension becomes effective on the date stated in the notice, which is typically 10 to 15 days after the notice is mailed. If you do not receive the notice, you are still legally suspended on the effective date. You should check your driving record regularly through the BMV website or by calling to avoid being caught driving on a suspended license, which is itself a criminal offense in Indiana.

Requesting a hearing to contest the suspension

You have the right to request a BMV administrative hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing officer will review whether the points were correctly assessed and whether the violations were properly recorded. However, the hearing officer cannot reduce the point value of a violation or dismiss it based on your driving history or personal circumstances.

To request a hearing, contact the BMV in writing or by phone at 317-232-2000. You must include your driver's license number and the date of the suspension notice. The BMV will schedule a hearing, which may be conducted in person or by phone. Bring any documents that support your case — for example, proof that a ticket was dismissed, or documentation that you were not the driver at the time of the violation.

Defensive driving courses and point reduction

Indiana allows you to reduce your point total by up to 4 points by completing an approved defensive driving course. The course must be taken before your suspension takes effect to prevent the suspension, or after suspension to help you regain your license sooner. You can take a defensive driving course only once every 24 months.

Courses are offered online and in person by various providers approved by the BMV. The cost varies but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Upon completion, the course provider will send a certificate to the BMV, which will credit the 4-point reduction to your record. If you had 12 points and complete a defensive driving course, your total drops to 8 points, and your suspension will be lifted if it has already taken effect.

Length of suspension and reinstatement requirements

A suspension for accumulating 12 points lasts a minimum of 90 days. After 90 days, you may request reinstatement by paying a reinstatement fee to the BMV. The fee is $50 for a suspension due to point accumulation. You must also provide proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance) before your license is reinstated.

If you accumulate 12 points again within five years of a previous suspension, the second suspension lasts 180 days. A third suspension within five years lasts one year. Each subsequent suspension within the five-year window increases the minimum suspension period. Once five years have passed since your last suspension, the clock resets.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, 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 penalties up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. You can also be charged with a felony if you cause an accident or injury while driving suspended.

Law enforcement can stop you for any reason and check your license status. If you are caught, your vehicle may be impounded, and your insurance company may deny coverage for any accident that occurs. Your suspension will also be extended. The safest course is to stop driving until your license is reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back before 90 days if I complete a defensive driving course?

No. A defensive driving course reduces your points but does not shorten the suspension period itself. If you complete the course before suspension takes effect and drop below 12 points, the suspension will not happen. If you are already suspended, the course does not end the suspension early — you must wait the minimum 90 days and pay the reinstatement fee.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Indiana suspension?

Yes, if the violation was reported to Indiana through the National Driver Register. Most states report serious violations to each other. Minor violations may not be reported. Contact the BMV to find out whether a specific out-of-state violation appears on your Indiana record.

What if I was not the driver when the ticket was issued?

You can request a BMV hearing and bring proof that someone else was driving — for example, a police report, witness statement, or court documents. If you can show you were not the driver, the violation will be removed from your record and the points will be reversed.

Can I transfer my license to another state to avoid the suspension?

No. Indiana will report your suspension to other states through the National Driver Register. If you move and explore for a license in another state, that state will see your Indiana suspension and will not issue you a license until the suspension is lifted in Indiana.

How do I check my current point total?

You can check your driving record through the BMV website at in.gov/bmv or by calling 317-232-2000. You can also visit a BMV branch in person with your driver's license. There is a small fee for an official driving record, but the online check is free.