Driving on a Suspended License in Indiana

Indiana motorists might face license suspension or revocation for driving without insurance, delinquency on child support, accumulating too many traffic violation points, or numerous other reasons. And if you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you might face criminal charges with the possibility of fines and even jail time.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

Some of the more common reasons that a driver's license might be suspended or revoked include:

• driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• intentionally failing to pay child support
• committing a criminal offense that causes serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle
• committing reckless homicide in a vehicle, and
• committing 3 reckless driving offenses within 12 months.

(Ind. Code §§ 9-14-8-3, 9-30-4-6.1, 9-30-16-1, 9-30-16-2, 31-16-12-7 (2026).)

Repeat traffic offenses can lead to suspension because Indiana uses a point system whereby each violation is assigned a certain number of points. Drivers who accumulate 20 or more points within 24 months face license suspension. (140 Ind. Admin. Code § 1-4.5-4 (2026).)

Reinstating Your License

Suspension and revocation periods vary with the circumstances. But once the period expires, you'll typically have to pay a reinstatement fee before you'll be allowed to drive again. Generally, the fees are:

• $250 for a first suspension
• $500 for a second suspension, and
• $1,000 for a third or subsequent suspension.

(Ind. Code § 9-25-6-15 (2026).)

Depending on the situation, you might have to complete additional conditions or requirements before your license is valid again, such as getting caught up with child support payments. Drivers who can’t afford to pay the reinstatement fee might be eligible for a fee waiver, but they will need to petition the criminal court for a waiver. (Ind. Code § 9-25-6-15.1 (2026).)

Infraction and Misdemeanor Driving After Suspension or Revocation

Depending on the circumstances, driving on a suspended or revoked license can be an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. In addition to the penalties below, a court may suspend the license of a person convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license for an additional period. (Ind. Code § 9-30-16-1 (2026).)

In many situations, your first charge for driving with a suspended or revoked license will be a class A infraction. A class A infraction carries a fine of up to $10,000. (Ind. Code § 9-24-19-1, 34-28-5-4 (2026).)

Drivers with a previous violation within 10 years can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. Driving on a suspended license can also be a class A misdemeanor for a first offense if the suspension was imposed for certain crimes. Class A misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5000. (Ind. Code §§ 9-24-19-2, 9-24-19-3, 35-50-3-2 (2026).)

Felony Charges

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a level 5 or level 6 felony in some circumstances, such as driving with a suspended or revoked license and being involved in an accident that kills or seriously injures someone. (Ind. Code § 9-24-19-3 (2026).)

Level 6 felonies carry up to $10,000 in fines and six months to 2 1/2 years in jail. Anyone convicted of a level 5 felony faces up to $10,000 in fines and one to six years in prison. (Ind. Code §§ 35-50-2-6, 35-50-2-7 (2026).)

Getting Help for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Consider hiring a lawyer if you’re charged with driving after suspension or revocation. You could face fines, imprisonment, and further license suspensions if you’re convicted. You might have difficulty keeping a job, going to school, or maintaining insurance. Although the law provides specific penalties for driving after suspension or revocation, your sentence will be shaped by the view your city and court system have of the crime. An attorney who is familiar with these charges in your community will be able to provide you with guidance about your individual case.