What is a Habitual Traffic Violator?

Any person in Indiana who is classified as a habitual traffic violator can face serious consequences when it comes to their ability to drive, the length of a driver’s license suspension, and criminal penalties for an offense upon conviction. The term “habitual traffic violator” an individual who has accumulated the required number of qualifying infractions over the requisite time period. A habitual traffic violator can face criminal consequences (including felony charges), in addition to significant and lengthy restrictions on their driver’s licenses. If you have been classified as a habitual traffic violator, or if you are at risk of being classified as a habitual traffic violator, it is important to discuss your available options with an experienced lawyer.

One of the Indianapolis license rehabilitation lawyers at our firm can discuss the consequences of being a habitual traffic violator, and we can speak with you about options for regaining your driving privileges.

Defining a Habitual Traffic Violator After Two Judgments 

Who can be classified as a habitual traffic violator under Indiana law? Under IC 9-30-10-4, a habitual violator is defined as a “person who has accumulated at least two (2) judgments within a ten (10) year period” for any of the following violations that did not arise out of a single incident:

• Reckless homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Failure of the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or injury to any other person to stop at the scene of the accident and give required information and assistance;
• Operating of a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in death; or
• Operating a vehicle while having the equivalent of a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher and resulting in death (after June 2001).

Defining a Habitual Traffic Violator After Three Judgments

A person can also be classified as a habitual violator if they have “accumulated at least three (3) judgements within a ten (10) year period” for any of the following violations that did not arise out of a single incident:

• Operation of a vehicle while intoxicated;
• Operating a vehicle while having the equivalent of a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher (after June 2001);
• Operating a motor vehicle while the person’s license to do so as been suspended or revoked;
• Operating a motor vehicle without ever having obtained a license to do so;
• Reckless driving;
• Criminal recklessness involving the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Drag racing or engaging in a speed contest in violation of law; or
• Any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle.

Defining a Habitual Traffic Violator After Ten Judgments 

Finally, you can also be classified as a habitual violator if you have 10 judgments against you in a 10 year period for any traffic violation.

Contact an Indianapolis License Rehabilitation Attorney Today for Help with Your Case 

Being able to drive in the Indianapolis area is a necessity for many. Driving allows you to get to your place of work, to care for your children, and to engage in a wide range of tasks that are part of daily living. Losing your driving privileges can be devastating, especially if you are at risk of an especially lengthy license suspension. If you have questions about your license suspension as a habitual traffic violator or otherwise, it is important to seek legal advice. One of the experienced Indianapolis license rehabilitation lawyers at Rigney Law LLC can speak with you today about your case and your options.

Source: 

statecodesfiles.justia.com/indiana/2013/title-9/article-30/chapter-10/chapter-10.pdf