How Indiana suspends your license and what you can do about it
An Indiana license suspension means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege. You cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you meet the state's requirements to get back on the road. The suspension stays on your record, but it is not permanent — unlike a revocation, which can be.
Indiana suspends licenses for specific reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving under the influence (DUI), or not maintaining car insurance. Each reason has different rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to restore your license.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles all suspensions. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. Reading that notice carefully is your first step — it tells you the exact date the suspension began, how long it will last, and what you must do before you can drive again.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana suspends licenses for unpaid fines, missed court dates, too many traffic points, DUI convictions, or lack of insurance — each with different timelines and restoration steps.
- You will receive a written notice from the BMV explaining the suspension reason, start date, length, and what you must do to restore your license.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Indiana and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, resolve the underlying issue, and then file a restoration request with the BMV before you can drive again.
- Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period; others require you to take action to end them.
Common reasons Indiana suspends your license
Unpaid traffic fines are one of the most common suspension triggers. If you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports you to the BMV. The suspension typically lasts until you pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs.
Failure to appear in court (called an FTA) results in an automatic suspension. If you miss a court date for a traffic violation or criminal charge, the judge can suspend your license when ready. You must appear in court, resolve the case, and then request restoration from the BMV.
Too many traffic points trigger a suspension under Indiana's point system. You accumulate points for violations like speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light. Reaching 12 points in 24 months, 18 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 84 months results in a suspension. The length depends on how many points you have.
DUI conviction brings an automatic suspension. A first-time DUI conviction results in a suspension of at least 180 days. A second or subsequent DUI within 10 years means a longer suspension — sometimes years. You must complete a substance abuse program and other court requirements before the BMV will consider restoration.
Driving without insurance suspends your license if you are caught driving uninsured or if your insurance lapses. You must obtain valid insurance and provide proof to the BMV. Some suspensions for this reason lift automatically once you show proof of coverage; others require a formal restoration request.
How long your suspension lasts
Suspension length varies by reason and your driving history. Some suspensions are fixed — they end automatically on a specific date. Others are indefinite — they stay in place until you take action to resolve the underlying issue.
A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay. A suspension for too many points typically lasts 30 to 180 days, depending on how far over the point limit you are. A first DUI suspension lasts at least 180 days; a second DUI suspension lasts at least two years. A suspension for failure to appear lasts until you go to court and resolve the case.
Once the suspension period ends (if it is automatic) or once you complete the required steps (if it requires action), you still must formally request restoration from the BMV. The suspension does not lift on its own just because time has passed — you have to file the paperwork and sometimes pay a restoration fee.
What you must do to restore your license
The first step is always to resolve the underlying reason for the suspension. If it was unpaid fines, pay them. If it was a court date you missed, go to court. If it was too many points, wait out the suspension period. If it was a DUI, complete the required substance abuse program and any other court-ordered conditions.
Once you have resolved the reason, contact the BMV to request restoration. You can do this online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a local BMV branch. You will need to provide proof that you have met all requirements — a receipt showing fines paid, a court document showing your case was resolved, a certificate from a substance abuse program, or proof of insurance.
Some suspensions require a restoration fee, which varies by reason. The BMV will tell you the amount when you request restoration. After you submit your request and any required fee, the BMV processes it — this usually takes a few business days to a few weeks. Once approved, your license is restored and you can drive legally again.
Driving on a suspended license: consequences
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Indiana. If you are caught, you face arrest, a fine of up to $500, and possible jail time. A first offense can result in up to 60 days in jail; a second offense within five years can mean up to 180 days.
Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license extends your suspension. The BMV will add additional time to your current suspension or impose a new suspension on top of the existing one. This makes it much harder to get back on the road and much more expensive overall.
If you are stopped and your license is suspended, be honest with the officer. Do not attempt to drive around or hide the suspension — the consequences are far worse than the original reason for the suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license, though this is not available for all suspension reasons.
Hardship licenses and limited driving privileges
Indiana allows limited driving privileges in some cases. A hardship license (also called a work permit) lets you drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs during your suspension. You cannot use it for any other purpose.
Hardship licenses are not available for all suspension reasons. You generally cannot get one for a DUI suspension, though there are limited exceptions after a certain period. You may be able to get one for suspensions due to unpaid fines, too many points, or failure to appear — but the court or BMV must approve it.
To request a hardship license, you must file a petition with the court that has jurisdiction over your case, or with the BMV if there is no court case. You will need to show that the suspension causes genuine hardship — losing your job, being unable to reach medical care, or similar circumstances. The decision is up to the judge or BMV officer reviewing your request.
How to check your suspension status
You can check whether your Indiana license is currently suspended by visiting the BMV website or calling the BMV directly. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The BMV can tell you the reason for the suspension, when it began, how long it will last, and what you must do to restore your license.
You can also visit a local BMV branch in person. Bring your ID and ask to speak with a representative about your suspension. They can explain your options and help you understand what steps to take next. If you received a suspension notice in the mail but are unsure what it means, bring it with you — the BMV staff can walk you through it.
Checking your status early is important. The sooner you understand what caused the suspension and what you need to do, the sooner you can take action to resolve it. Do not wait until you are pulled over to find out your license is suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
Not without a hardship license. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even if you are only going to work. You must request a hardship license from the court or BMV and receive approval before you can drive for any reason. If you are denied, you will need to find alternative transportation.
How do I know if my license is suspended?
The BMV mails you a notice when your license is suspended. Check your mail carefully — do not ignore official-looking letters from the state. You can also check the BMV website or call the BMV directly to confirm your status. If you are unsure, contact the BMV before you drive.
What if I pay my fines after my license is already suspended?
Paying the fines is the first step toward restoration, but it does not automatically restore your license. After you pay, you must file a restoration request with the BMV. The BMV will process your request and restore your license once they confirm payment. This usually takes a few business days.
Can a suspended license be revoked instead?
Yes. If you accumulate multiple suspensions, fail to comply with suspension terms, or commit serious violations like a second DUI, the BMV can revoke your license instead. A revocation is more serious than a suspension — it can last years and requires you to reapply for a license, not just request restoration.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. Some restorations are free; others require a fee that ranges from $25 to $100 or more. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you request restoration. You must pay the fee before your license is restored.