What Are the Consequences of a Speeding Ticket in Indiana?

What Are the Consequences of a Speeding Ticket in Indiana?

A flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror is an immediate source of stress for most drivers. If you’re worried about receiving a speeding ticket, you’re likely concerned about more than just the associated fines. Recognizing the full consequences of a speeding ticket in Indiana can be the first step in actively protecting your driving record and your future.

A speeding ticket in Indiana can result in several penalties, including:

• Fines and court costs
• Demerit points added to your driving record
• Increased insurance premiums
• Potential license suspension
• In severe cases, criminal charges

At Worthley Law, we believe that simple mistakes shouldn’t define your life. With over 30 years of combined experience defending clients in Northwest Indiana, we have helped numerous clients navigate various traffic law hurdles, including handling speeding violations.

What Is Considered Speeding in Indiana?

Indiana has two main categories when it comes to speeding laws: “absolute limits” and a “basic speeding law.”

Absolute speed limits are the posted numbers you see on signs. Since they are absolute, driving even one mile per hour over this limit counts as a violation. The standard speed limits in Indiana apply if no other limits are posted, and include:

• 70 mph on most interstate highways
• 65 mph on highways that are managed by the Indiana finance authority
• 60 mph on most divided state highways with four or more lanes outside urban areas
• 30 mph in urban districts
• 15 mph in alleys

The basic speeding law further requires Indiana motorists to drive at a speed that is “reasonable and prudent” for the current conditions. This means that even if you are driving at or below the posted limit, you could still receive a ticket if road or weather conditions like ice, heavy rain, or fog make your speed unsafe.

What Are the Penalties for a Speeding Ticket?

The penalties for speeding in Indiana depend on the specific circumstances of your violation, but can include fines, points on your license, and possible criminal charges.

Fines

In general, a speeding ticket is categorized as a Class C infraction. While the exact cost varies by county and how fast you were driving, you can typically expect to pay between $100 and $200 for the fine. Fines are normally significantly higher for speeding in a work or construction zone.

Demerit Points on Your Driving Record

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to track driving infractions, including speeding convictions. The number of points added to your record depends on how fast you were going:

• 1-15 mph over the limit: 2 points
• 16-25 mph over the limit: 4 points
• 26+ mph over the limit: 6 points

Points stay on your record for two years after a conviction. 

License Suspension and Criminal Charges

While a single speeding ticket is unlikely to result in a suspended license, accumulating too many active points on your record can trigger a suspension. Furthermore, excessive speeding can sometimes also lead to a criminal charge of reckless driving. If a speeding violation results in someone’s death, the driver could face reckless homicide charges.

Your Future Is Our Priority

A speeding ticket may seem like a minor issue, but its consequences can end up impacting your life for years. An increase of points on your record and the potential for your license to be suspended in extreme cases can create significant financial and personal strain.

However, you don’t have to accept the consequences of a speeding ticket without taking action against it. An experienced attorney can help you explore your legal options, from negotiating a lesser charge to fighting the ticket in court. At Worthley Law, we believe your case is worth it. Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can help protect your driving record and your future.