Indiana's Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License

Driving on a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket. The penalties depend on why your license was suspended and how many times you have been caught driving while suspended. A first offense carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $500 to $1,000 and jail time up to 180 days. A third or subsequent offense within five years can result in a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.

Beyond the when ready fine and jail time, a suspension conviction creates a separate criminal record. This record appears on background checks for employment, housing, and loans. Indiana courts may also impose additional costs: court fees, probation fees, and the cost of getting your license reinstated once the suspension ends. Your insurance rates will increase significantly if you are insured at all — many insurers will not cover a driver with an active suspension conviction.

Key Takeaways

  • A first offense for driving on a suspended license in Indiana carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
  • A second offense within five years increases penalties to $500 to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
  • Driving while suspended creates a criminal record that appears on background checks for jobs and housing.
  • You must pay reinstatement fees to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before your license can be restored, even after the suspension period ends.

How Police Identify Suspended Licenses During Traffic Stops

When an officer runs your license plate or your driver's license number during a traffic stop, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles database shows the suspension status when ready. The officer will see the reason for the suspension — whether it is for unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or another cause. There is no way to hide a suspension; it is flagged in real time.

If you are pulled over and your license is suspended, the officer will likely issue a citation for driving while suspended in addition to any citation for the original traffic violation. You will be asked to sign the citation, which is a promise to appear in court. In some cases, officers may impound your vehicle on the spot, depending on local police policy and the severity of the suspension.

Reinstatement Fees and How to Restore Your License

After your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically become valid again. You must pay a reinstatement fee to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension: administrative suspensions (like those for unpaid child support) typically cost $50 to $100, while suspensions tied to alcohol or drug convictions may cost more. You must also resolve the underlying reason for the suspension — pay outstanding fines, complete a DUI education program, or satisfy a child support obligation.

To reinstate your license, visit the BMV in person with proof of payment for any outstanding fines or fees, your driver's license, and a photo ID. Processing usually takes a few minutes if all documents are in order. If you cannot visit in person, some BMV services can be handled by mail, though you should call your local branch first to confirm what documents they need and whether mail processing is available for your specific situation.

Criminal Record and Employment Consequences

A conviction for driving on a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana. This means it appears on your criminal record permanently unless you later petition for expungement. Employers conducting background checks will see this conviction, and many employers — particularly those in transportation, security, healthcare, and positions requiring a valid driver's license — will not hire someone with this record.

Some employers will consider the circumstances: a single offense from years ago may be viewed differently than multiple convictions. However, you cannot control how an employer weighs the conviction. If you are currently employed and convicted, your employer may terminate you if your job requires a valid license or if company policy prohibits employees with criminal records. If you are seeking work, you will need to disclose the conviction on job applications in Indiana, and lying about it can result in when ready termination if discovered later.

Insurance and Driving on a Suspended License

Most insurance companies will not insure a driver with an active license suspension. If you somehow obtain coverage, the policy will likely exclude any claims related to driving while suspended — meaning the insurer will not pay for damage or injuries you cause. If you are in an accident while driving on a suspended license, you are personally liable for all damages, medical bills, and property damage. The other driver's insurance company can sue you directly to recover their costs.

After a suspension conviction, even after your license is reinstated, you may be classified as a high-risk driver. High-risk insurance is significantly more expensive — often two to three times the cost of standard coverage — and some insurers will refuse to cover you at all. You may be limited to specialty insurers that focus on high-risk drivers, and you will likely need to maintain an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) for three years after the conviction.

Hardship Licenses and Limited Driving Permits

Indiana offers a hardship license (also called a restricted driving permit) in some suspension cases, but not all. You may be able to obtain a hardship license if your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or certain administrative reasons — but not if your suspension is for a DUI conviction or a serious traffic offense. A hardship license allows you to drive only for specific purposes: work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs.

To request a hardship license, you must petition the court that issued your suspension or contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You will need to demonstrate financial hardship and explain why you need to drive. The court or BMV will review your request and may grant a limited permit with strict conditions. Violating the terms of a hardship license — driving outside the permitted times or locations — results in additional criminal charges and when ready revocation of the permit.

What Happens If You Are Caught a Second Time

A second conviction for driving on a suspended license within five years is treated much more seriously. The fine jumps to $500 to $1,000, and jail time increases to up to 180 days. The court may also impose a longer suspension period or require you to complete a driver safety course before reinstatement is even possible. A second conviction also makes you ineligible for a hardship license in most cases.

Additionally, a second conviction signals to the court and to future employers that you are a repeat offender. This affects how judges view you in any future legal proceedings and how employers view your reliability and judgment. Insurance companies will almost certainly deny coverage, and if you somehow obtain it, the rates will be substantially higher than after a first offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI?

No. Indiana does not grant hardship licenses for suspensions related to DUI convictions or refusal to take a breath test. You must wait out the full suspension period. However, you may be able to request a work permit in limited circumstances — contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the court that issued your suspension to ask about alternatives specific to your case.

What if I did not know my license was suspended?

Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense in Indiana. The BMV mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you did not receive the notice, you are still responsible for knowing your license status. You can check your license status anytime on the BMV website or by calling your local BMV branch.

Will a driving on suspended license conviction show up on a background check?

Yes. It is a criminal conviction and will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and loans. Some background check services allow you to see what appears on your record. You can also request your own criminal history report from the Indiana State Police.

How long does a driving on suspended license conviction stay on my record?

Indefinitely, unless you petition for expungement. Indiana allows expungement of certain misdemeanors after a waiting period, but you must file a petition with the court. Consult with a criminal defense attorney about whether your conviction is may be able to access and what the process requires in your county.

Can I get my license back early if I pay the reinstatement fee?

No. The reinstatement fee allows you to restore your license after the suspension period ends, but it does not shorten the suspension itself. You must wait out the full suspension period set by the court or the BMV, then pay the fee to reactivate your license.