April 7, 2025 | Indiana Law
Disobeying traffic laws in Indiana can have several consequences. A traffic violation may result in fines, and in some cases, your driver’s license could be suspended. If you continue to violate traffic laws, you could be at risk of being classified as a habitual traffic violator (HTV), which could impact many different aspects of your life. This article will explore what a habitual traffic violator is, what you need to know about them, and what may happen if you become one.
The Definition of a Habitual Traffic Violator
A habitual traffic violator is a person who commits multiple traffic violations within ten years. Indiana Code 9-30-10-4 defines the circumstances that can lead to habitual violator status.
There are several ways someone could be designated as a habitual traffic violator. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles gives examples of the offenses that can result in HTV status:
Two Major Traffic Violations Resulting in Death or Injury Within 10 Years
If you have been convicted of two traffic offenses resulting in someone’s injury or death within 10 years, you are designated a habitual traffic violator.
Examples of major traffic offenses that could qualify for this designation include:
- Involuntary or voluntary manslaughter from operating a vehicle
- Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated resulting in death (driving under the influence or DUI)
- Reckless homicide from operating a motor vehicle
A person guilty of two major traffic offenses resulting in death within 10 years loses their driving privileges for 10 years. If both offenses were driving while intoxicated with a BAC over the legal limit, causing death or injury, it would result in the suspension of driving privileges for life.
Three Major Offenses Within a 10-Year Period
Being convicted of three major traffic offenses within a 10-year period can also result in habitual traffic violator status.
Examples of major traffic offenses include:
- Any of the traffic offenses listed above
- Reckless driving
- Resisting a law enforcement officer
- Driving while intoxicated with a BC of .08 or higher
- Any felony offense under the Indiana motor vehicle statutes
- A felony in which the operation of a motor vehicle is an element of the offense
- Failing to notify the police of an accident when required or leaving an accident scene
- Violating the law by engaging in a speeding contest or drag racing
Being designated as a habitual traffic violator by committing three major offenses results in a suspended driver’s license within 10 years.
Nine Traffic Violations and One Major Offense
A person may also be designated as a habitual traffic violator if they are guilty of 10 traffic offenses within 10 years, including one major offense. Major offenses are those listed in the above two sections.
Traffic violations include speeding, failing to yield, unsafe lane movement, not using brake lights, following too closely, etc. Being designated as an HTV under this section results in a five-year suspended driver’s license.
What Happens if Someone Operates a Motor Vehicle as a Habitual Traffic Violator in Indiana?
Being designated an HTV results in suspended driving privileges for 5 years, 10 years, or life. Operating a motor vehicle as a HTV can lead to severe penalties, including a felony charge and potentially a life-long suspension of driving privileges.
Possible Defenses for Driving With a Suspended License in Indianapolis
There could be several defenses to driving without a license. For example, the prosecutor must prove that you were informed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your status as a habitual traffic offender. If you were never informed, the penalties could be less, or your case may be dismissed entirely.
Proving you were driving with a suspended license because of an extreme emergency may also be a valid defense. You may have been granted special driving privileges to allow you to drive to and from work. If so, proving you were traveling to and from work is a defense.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
Disobeying traffic laws in Indiana can have several consequences, especially if you have been designated as a HTV. If you are facing criminal charges, you need an aggressive attorney on your side. Contact one today to talk about your case and assess your legal options.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
(317) 759-2599
