Indianapolis Traffic Laws to Know

As Indiana’s most populous city, one of America’s major traffic hubs, and a leading tourist destination, Indianapolis’s roads are busy year-round. From the major interstates circling the town to the downtown streets, motorists often find themselves close to tractor-trailers, construction vehicles, buses, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Due to its traffic patterns, Indianapolis has the most traffic accidents statewide yearly. In 2022, more than 30,000 accidents were reported in Indianapolis, many of which were attributable to drivers not obeying traffic laws.

This data underscores the importance of understanding and following local and state laws when commuting in the city.

As the leading Indianapolis car accident lawyer, we see the devastating consequences when motorists fail to understand and follow our local and state traffic laws. These regulations are designed to keep everyone safe on our roads.

Understanding our traffic laws is critical to keeping yourself and others safe on the roadways while also understanding your legal rights if you are involved in an accident.

Basic Information About Indiana’s Traffic Laws

Indiana’s traffic laws cover virtually any situation motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians may encounter on the state’s roadways. These regulations are designed to keep everyone who uses the roads safe by preventing and reducing the severity of accidents.

Of course, the effectiveness of these laws depends on motorists understanding and following the rules.

Some foundational laws include:

• Speed Limits: Speed limits are designed to keep motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians safe. In urban areas like Indianapolis, the speed limit is typically 30 mph unless otherwise posted. Speed limits on the state’s highways and interstates range between 55 and 70 mph. Violations of posted speed limits can cause severe accidents and are punishable by fines or, in some cases, license suspension.
• Seat Belt Laws: All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts under Indiana law. While seat belt use has climbed recently, some motorists fail to follow this important safety rule. Unbelted drivers and passengers are more likely to suffer serious injuries or death in an accident.
• DUI Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Indiana and a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents on the state’s roadways. Indiana’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08 percent. Motorists found guilty of driving under the influence face steep sanctions, including hefty fines, suspension or loss of license, increased insurance rates, and possible jail time.

As Indianapolis’s most trusted car accident attorney, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands how basic traffic law violations can lead to devastating accidents. We hold negligent drivers accountable when disregarding the law causes innocent victims to suffer.

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The Rise of Distracted Driving

Distracting driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents on Indianapolis’s roadways. More and more motorists, especially young drivers, are diverting their attention from driving to using phone apps, including texting, talking, and social media.

Distracted driving also includes talking with passengers, eating, playing with the car’s sound system, and anything else that takes a driver’s attention away from the road.

Indiana law prohibits drivers from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. Failure to abide by this law can cause serious accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians and leave the driver liable for damages caused. Additionally, drivers may be fined or receive points on their driving record for violating distracted driving laws.

As the top-rated car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, our dedicated team will investigate the evidence if you are involved in an accident to determine whether distracted driving contributed to the accident. We help uphold the law by holding distracted drivers accountable and recovering compensation that helps victims recover after an accident.

Laws for Pedestrians and Cyclists

As a bustling city noted for its thriving downtown, tourist attractions, and thriving business district, Indianapolis is busy with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists sharing the roads daily. Indiana’s traffic laws are designed to protect those on foot, bicycles, and motor vehicles.

Some essential rules designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists include:

• Pedestrian Right-of-Way: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers who disregard these laws can seriously injure or kill innocent victims and be subject to heavy fines or even prison time. Motorists who violate these laws may also be liable for any damages they inflict upon victims.
• Bicyclist Regulations: According to state law, bicyclists enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on Indianapolis roads. Cyclists are required to ride with traffic flow and use hand signals when turning. On the other hand, motorists must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle and follow the same rules for yielding as other vehicles on the road.

Unfortunately, Indianapolis has seen increased collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2024, more than 850 pedestrians or cyclists were involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, resulting in 40 fatalities. These statistics highlight the importance of following traffic laws to help protect pedestrians and cyclists.

At Vaughn A. Wamsley, we strive to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe by fiercely advocating for victims injured by motorists who disobey the law. Our dedicated team is driven to achieve favorable results that fully compensate victims for all their damages.

Winter Driving Laws and Tips

Indianapolis is no stranger to severe weather, particularly in wintertime. Clear and sunny skies can quickly change to heavy snow and ice, creating dangerous driving conditions. Motorists must adjust their speed based on the conditions to safely navigate their vehicles while allowing ample space to stop in hazardous conditions.

Indiana motorists must also remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. These regulations help ensure clear visibility through all windows and prevent dangerous objects from flying from a moving car.

Drivers who fail to adhere to laws related to hazardous driving conditions may face fines or receive points on their driving records. Additionally, they may be liable for damages if their negligence causes an accident resulting in injuries or property damage.

Commercial Vehicles Traffic Laws

Indianpolis’s motto, the Crossroads of America, is based on the city’s prominence as a transportation hub throughout North America. As such, its highways see large numbers of commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, pass through daily.

Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles pose extreme risks to other motorists when they are involved in accidents. Commercial vehicles must follow various federal and state regulations to protect all motorists.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulates commercial vehicles for weight restrictions, mandatory rest periods, and licensing requirements.

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we understand the complex laws governing commercial vehicles operating in Indianapolis. If you are involved in an accident with a truck or bus, we can help you pursue justice and compensation by holding negligent parties accountable.

Indiana’s Points System

Indiana tracks traffic violations by motorists by using a points system. Points are added to a driver’s record when they commit traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can cause a driver to have their license suspended or increase their insurance premiums.

Common violations and the points they are awarded in Indiana are:

• Speeding (1-15 mph over the limit): 2 points
• Speeding (16-25 mph over the limit): 4 points
• Running a red light or stop sign: 6 points
• Reckless driving: 8 points

Points remain on your record for two years in Indiana, though attending a driver safety program can help reduce points. The best way to protect your driving privileges and avoid having them suspended is to follow that law, which will also help keep you and others safe.

Recent Changes to Indiana Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are continually evolving to address emerging safety trends and technology. In recent years, Indiana has introduced stricter penalties for aggressive driving and road rage accidents. These actions can lead to expensive fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.

Another new law change is the expansion of the Move Over Law. This regulation requires drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle with flashing lights, including tow trucks and utility vehicles. Violations of this law can result in fines and increased liability in the event of an accident.

A trusted car accident lawyer near me can help you stay current on the ever-changing state laws governing motorists. We pride ourselves on helping keep our city’s streets safe by informing motorists about traffic safety issues and fighting to protect their rights after an accident.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help

At Vaughn A. Wamsley, our dedicated team offers personalized attention to each of our clients, treating them as a family member. We take the time to get to know you personally and understand how events have impacted your life on the road.

No matter how careful we are, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and permanently alter lives. We fiercely advocate for justice and fair compensation by holding negligent parties accountable. Backed by knowledgeable and experienced attorneys who enjoy the benefits of extensive resources and networks, we have an outstanding track record of achieving just outcomes through negotiation and litigation.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident on Indianapolis roads or are dealing with the aftermath of a violation, call us today. We are ready to help fight for your rights and help you achieve the justice you deserve.