This comprehensive guide to Indiana traffic laws provides clear, plain-English explanations of the most commonly searched driving rules in the Hoosier State. From double yellow line passing restrictions to school bus stop laws, speed limits, right turn on red rules, DUI penalties, and pedestrian right-of-way—every section references the official Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles) and guidance from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice; always obey posted signs, signals, and instructions from law enforcement officers.
Indiana roads require strict compliance with lane markings, traffic signals, and right-of-way laws to ensure public safety.
Indiana Code IC 9-21-8-5: No-Passing Zone Regulations
In Indiana, double solid yellow centerlines designate a no-passing zone for traffic traveling in both directions. Under Indiana Code IC 9-21-8-5, drivers are prohibited from crossing double yellow lines to overtake or pass another vehicle. These markings appear on hills, curves, narrow bridges, intersections, and other hazardous locations where passing creates a safety risk. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500, plus 4 points added to your Indiana driving record under the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) point system.
When You Can Legally Cross Double Yellow Lines in Indiana
While passing is forbidden, Indiana law permits crossing double solid yellow lines in specific circumstances:
Left turns into driveways, alleys, or private roads: You may cross when safe to turn left into a private entrance, driveway, alley, or business access point.
Avoiding road hazards: Temporary obstructions such as debris, fallen trees, disabled vehicles, or construction barrels may require briefly entering the opposing lane when no oncoming traffic is present.
Directed by law enforcement or construction personnel: When directed by a police officer, flagger, or authorized traffic control worker, you must follow their instructions even if it requires crossing yellow lines.
Emergency situations: In rare cases, emergency vehicles or avoiding imminent collisions may necessitate crossing the centerline.
These exceptions do not extend to passing slow-moving vehicles, cyclists, or farm equipment. The action must be necessary, brief, and executed only when the opposing lane is completely clear.
Solid Yellow and Broken Yellow Combinations
On many Indiana highways, you will encounter a solid yellow line paired with a broken (dashed) yellow line. In this configuration, traffic on the side with the broken yellow line may pass when safe. Traffic on the side with the solid yellow line must not pass. Always verify which side of the centerline applies to your direction before attempting any passing maneuver. This pairing is common on rural two-lane roads where visibility varies based on terrain.
Two Sets of Double Yellow Lines (Painted Median)
In urban areas and on divided highways, Indiana uses two sets of double yellow lines to create a painted median or center turn lane. You must not drive on or cross this painted median except at designated openings marked for left turns. Treat these zones like physical barriers. For additional guidance, see our detailed article on two sets of double yellow lines.
In Indiana, double yellow lines prohibit passing but permit left turns into driveways when safe.
Indiana Right Turn on Red & Traffic Signal Laws
Indiana Code IC 9-21-3-7: Right on Red After Complete Stop
Indiana law permits drivers to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits the maneuver. Before executing a right turn on red, you must:
Come to a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge
Yield to all pedestrians crossing or entering the crosswalk
Yield to vehicles and bicycles with the right-of-way
Check for "NO TURN ON RED" signs, which may be in effect at all times or during specific hours
Ensure the turn can be completed safely without interfering with cross traffic
Failing to stop completely—commonly called a "rolling stop"—or blocking the crosswalk is a frequent citation. Many Indiana cities use automated red-light cameras to enforce violations. Fines typically range from $100 to $250 plus court costs.
No Turn on Red Signs & Time Restrictions
Some intersections in Indiana prohibit right turns on red during school hours, rush hour, or in high-pedestrian areas. Always check for supplemental plaques beneath the "NO TURN ON RED" sign. For example, a sign reading "NO TURN ON RED / 7-9 AM & 3-5 PM SCHOOL DAYS" means the turn is permitted outside those times. When in doubt, wait for the green signal to avoid a citation.
Left Turn on Red in Indiana (One-Way to One-Way Only)
Indiana permits left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless prohibited by signage. This is less common but legal in downtown areas with one-way grid systems. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. For detailed scenarios, review our guide on left turn on red rules.
Yellow Light Duration & Safe Stopping Zones
Indiana traffic signals follow standards set by INDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for yellow (amber) light timing—typically 3 to 6 seconds depending on the speed limit and intersection geometry. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns red, proceed through safely. Entering on yellow is legal if stopping safely is not possible; entering after the light turns red is a violation.
Red Light Camera Enforcement in Indiana
Several Indiana cities, including Indianapolis, Gary, and Hammond, have deployed red-light camera systems. Under Indiana Code IC 9-21-3-16, automated enforcement is permitted at designated intersections. Fines for red-light violations via camera are typically $100-$200. Review the citation carefully for payment deadlines and contest procedures.
Common Defenses for Red Light Tickets
Valid defenses may include proving a full stop before the turn, demonstrating unsafe stopping conditions (wet pavement, vehicle following too closely), or showing that the yellow light interval was improperly timed. If you plan to contest a red-light citation, consider consulting a traffic attorney for guidance.
Always stop completely and yield to pedestrians before executing a right turn on red in Indiana.
Indiana School Bus Stop Laws & Severe Penalties
Indiana Code IC 9-21-12-13.5: Stopping for School Buses
Indiana has some of the strictest school bus stop laws in the United States. When a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends the stop arm, the following rules apply:
Undivided roads (no median): All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 10 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts.
Divided highways (physical median or barrier): Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposing traffic may proceed with caution but should reduce speed.
Multi-lane roads without a physical median: All lanes in both directions must stop. A painted center turn lane or double yellow line does not count as a divider.
Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor in Indiana. Penalties include:
Fines up to $10,000
License suspension for 90 days to 1 year
Up to 1 year in jail for first offense
Possible felony charges if a child is injured or killed
Flashing Yellow vs. Flashing Red Lights on School Buses
Before activating red lights, Indiana school buses display flashing yellow lights to warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop. You should slow down and prepare to stop but are not yet required to do so. Once the red lights flash and the stop arm extends, you must stop immediately. Do not proceed until all signals are deactivated and the bus begins moving.
School Bus Camera Enforcement in Indiana
Indiana law permits school buses to be equipped with stop-arm cameras that record vehicles illegally passing. Under IC 9-21-12-18, video evidence may be used to issue citations to violators. If you receive a camera-based citation, review the footage carefully and consult an attorney if you believe the citation was issued in error.
Additional School Zone Speed Limits
Many Indiana schools establish reduced speed zones (typically 25 mph) during arrival and dismissal times. Signs reading "SCHOOL ZONE / SPEED LIMIT 25 WHEN FLASHING" indicate when the lower limit applies. Fines for speeding in active school zones can be doubled. For more on school safety, see our comprehensive school bus stop laws guide.
On undivided roads in Indiana, all traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights.
Indiana Speed Limit Laws & Traffic Enforcement
Indiana Code IC 9-21-5-2: Basic Speed Rule
Indiana's basic speed law requires drivers to operate at speeds that are reasonable and prudentfor existing conditions. Even if you are traveling at or below the posted speed limit, you can be cited if your speed is unsafe for weather conditions, traffic density, road surface, or visibility. Conversely, driving too slowly can also be a violation (IC 9-21-5-7) if it impedes the normal flow of traffic.
Default Speed Limits in Indiana
When no speed limit signs are posted, Indiana's default limits are:
Always adjust for conditions. Posted limits represent the maximum safe speed under ideal conditions, not a minimum or target speed.
Construction Zone Speed Limits & Doubled Fines
Indiana law mandates reduced speed limits in active construction zones. Signs reading "WORK ZONE / FINES DOUBLED" signal these areas. Under IC 9-21-5-11, fines for speeding in a work zone when workers are present are automatically doubled. Standard speeding fines in Indiana range from $100 to $500 depending on speed and jurisdiction; in construction zones, a 15-over ticket could cost $500-$1,000 after court fees.
School Zone Speed Limits
Indiana school zones typically enforce 25 mph limits when children are present or during posted hours. Flashing beacons or electronic signs indicate when the reduced limit is active. Some school zones use time-based plaques (e.g., "SCHOOL DAYS 7-9 AM / 2-4 PM"). Always slow down near schools, even if the zone is not officially active.
Indiana BMV Point System for Speeding
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) assigns points for traffic violations. Speeding violations add:
1-15 mph over limit: 2 points
16-25 mph over limit: 4 points
26+ mph over limit: 6 points
Reckless driving: 6 points
Accumulating 18 points or more within a two-year period results in license suspension. Drivers age 18-20 face suspension at 14 points, and drivers under 18 at 12 points. Some violations may be reduced or dismissed by attending a defensive driving course.
Speed Enforcement Technology in Indiana
Indiana law enforcement uses radar, LIDAR (laser), aircraft patrol, and pacing to measure vehicle speed. Radar detectors are legal for passenger vehicles in Indiana but prohibited in commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Using a detector does not exempt you from speed limits. Officers must be trained and certified on their speed measurement equipment; you may request calibration records if contesting a speeding ticket in court.
Indiana DUI & Drunk Driving Laws
Indiana Code IC 9-30-5-1: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
In Indiana, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Lower limits apply to specific groups:
Drivers under 21: 0.02% BAC (zero-tolerance policy)
Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC
Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can be arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if an officer determines that alcohol or drugs have impaired your ability to drive safely. Indiana law treats prescription medications and illegal drugs the same as alcohol for impaired driving purposes.
First-Offense OWI Penalties in Indiana
A first-time OWI conviction in Indiana (Class C misdemeanor) carries:
Fines up to $5,000
Jail time: Up to 60 days (often suspended for probation on first offense)
License suspension: 180 days (30 days minimum, up to 2 years)
Mandatory alcohol and drug assessment and education programs
Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirement
Court costs, probation fees, and administrative penalties
Penalties escalate significantly for repeat offenses, BAC of 0.15% or higher, OWI causing injury or death, or OWI with a minor passenger in the vehicle.
Indiana Implied Consent Law & Test Refusals
Under Indiana's implied consent law (IC 9-30-6-1), by operating a vehicle on Indiana roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for OWI. Refusing the test results in:
Automatic license suspension for 1 year (first refusal)
Suspension for 2 years (second or subsequent refusal)
Refusal can be used as evidence against you in court
You may still be convicted of OWI even if you refuse the test, based on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and other evidence.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) in Indiana
Indiana courts may require an ignition interlock device for certain OWI offenders. An IID prevents the vehicle from starting unless the driver provides a breath sample below the programmed BAC limit (typically 0.02%). Drivers with an IID restriction may apply for Specialized Driving Privileges that allow limited driving for work, school, medical appointments, and substance abuse treatment.
Indiana Pedestrian & Crosswalk Right-of-Way Laws
Indiana Code IC 9-21-17-11: Yielding to Pedestrians
Indiana law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. An unmarked crosswalk is the imaginary extension of the sidewalk across the roadway at any intersection, even when no painted lines are present. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can result in fines of $50-$200 and 2 points on your Indiana driving record.
Mid-Block Crosswalks & Pedestrian Signals
Many Indiana cities have installed mid-block crosswalks with pedestrian-activated signals such as rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) or standard traffic signals. When the signal is activated or a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, vehicles must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely crossed your travel lane and the adjacent lane.
Jaywalking Laws & Pedestrian Duties
Pedestrians must use crosswalks where provided and obey traffic control signals. Crossing mid-block outside a designated crosswalk or against a signal (jaywalking) is a traffic violation under IC 9-21-17-5, though enforcement varies. Drivers must still exercise caution and avoid striking pedestrians even if they are jaywalking. Indiana applies a modified comparative fault standard in accident liability cases.
Increased Penalties for Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers who injure or kill a pedestrian due to negligence or reckless driving may face enhanced criminal charges, including reckless driving (Class A misdemeanor), criminal recklessness (felony), or vehicular homicide. Civil liability can result in significant damages. Always reduce speed and increase vigilance in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. For more details, review our pedestrian right-of-way guide.
Indiana U-Turn Laws & Restrictions
Indiana Code IC 9-21-8-32: Legal U-Turn Execution
Indiana permits U-turns on most roadways unless prohibited by signs or when unsafe. Under IC 9-21-8-32, U-turns are illegal:
Where a "NO U-TURN" sign is posted
At controlled intersections (traffic lights or stop signs) unless permitted by signage
On curves, hills, or anywhere you cannot see at least 500 feet in both directions
When it would interfere with other traffic or create a hazard
U-Turns Across Double Yellow Lines in Indiana
Making a U-turn across double solid yellow lines is generally prohibited unless you are turning into a driveway or at an intersection where U-turns are permitted. In urban areas, many intersections allow U-turns during green lights unless specifically prohibited. For detailed scenarios, see our article onU-turns across double yellow lines.
U-Turns at Traffic Lights & Intersections
At signalized intersections in Indiana, U-turns are permitted during a green light unless a "NO U-TURN" sign is posted. You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Some intersections provide dedicated U-turn lanes or signals; always obey posted signage and lane markings.
This guide summarizes common Indiana traffic laws based on Indiana Code Title 9 and INDOT guidance. It is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always obey posted signs, signals, and instructions from law enforcement. Consult an attorney for specific legal questions or if you are facing traffic citations.
