What are the consequences of driving underage in Indiana?

In Indiana, driving underage can have serious consequences, including legal penalties, fines, and potential license suspension or revocation. Here are the consequences of driving underage in Indiana:

1. Legal Penalties: Driving underage is an infraction in Indiana and is considered a civil offense. However, if the underage driver causes an accident or commits other traffic violations, they may face criminal charges.

2. Fines: Underage drivers caught driving may face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $2,500 for subsequent offenses.

3. License Suspension or Revocation: Indiana's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program establishes different stages through which teenage drivers gradually earn increased driving privileges. Underage drivers caught driving may face license suspension or revocation, depending on the circumstances and whether it's a first or subsequent offense.

4. Community Service: In addition to fines and potential license suspension, underage drivers may be required to complete community service hours as part of their punishment.

5. Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, law enforcement may impound the vehicle driven by an underage driver, especially if the driver is repeat offender or if the vehicle belongs to a parent or guardian who knowingly allowed the underage person to drive.

6. Notification of Parents or Guardians: Law enforcement authorities will notify the parents or guardians of an underage driver caught driving to discuss the situation and potentially impose additional consequences and restrictions.

7. Impact on Insurance: Driving underage can adversely affect the underage driver's insurance rates or the insurance policy of their parents or guardians. They may face higher premiums or even policy cancellations due to the increased risk associated with underage driving.

8. Employment and Educational Opportunities: A conviction for driving underage may have long-term consequences, as it can appear on the underage driver's criminal or driving record and potentially affect their future employment or educational opportunities.

9. Potential Jail Time: In certain cases, such as if the underage driver was involved in a serious accident or violated multiple traffic laws, they may face potential jail time as part of their punishment.

To avoid these consequences, it's crucial for teenage drivers to wait until they meet the minimum age and licensing requirements before getting behind the wheel and to always drive responsibly and obey traffic laws.