Law enforcement in Indiana has an eye out for habitual traffic violators (HTVs). State law mandates at least a 10-year driver’s license suspension when someone qualifies as an HTV.
What qualifies as ‘habitual’?
According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you could qualify as a habitual traffic violator after just two major traffic offenses within 10 years – if they both resulted in injury or death. That means a second OWI conviction, for example, involving an injury or death automatically gets you a 10-year license suspension. If both incidents involved a death, your license would be suspended for life.
But what if none of your traffic violations have involved injuries or death? Indiana also considers you an HTV if you commit three major traffic offenses within 10 years. And, even minor violations put your license at risk. Nine general traffic violations and one major violation qualify you as an HTV.
What are considered major traffic offenses?
- Reckless homicide resulting from operating a motor vehicle
- Manslaughter resulting from operating a motor vehicle
- Failing to stop after being in a car accident
- Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated resulting in death
- Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more resulting in death
- Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more
- Reckless driving
- Criminal recklessness as a felony involving the operation of a motor vehicle
- Drag racing or engaging in an illegal speed contest
- Leaving the scene of an accident or failing to notify the authorities of an accident when required
- Resisting law enforcement
- Any motor vehicle felony or any felony in which the operation of a vehicle is an element of the offense
- Driving a commercial vehicle without a proper license
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license*
- Driving without ever having obtained a license*
*These only count as major offenses for the purpose of qualifying someone who has been convicted of nine general traffic offenses and one major offense.
You don’t dare drive after your license is suspended as an HTV
Once the state of Indiana suspends your license for being a habitual traffic violator, you can’t afford to continue driving. For one thing, you could get another ticket for driving on a suspended license. But for another, the court can suspend your license for any period it deems fit.
If you could be labeled an HTV, you need to fight this ticket
As you can see, a series of minor traffic citations could ultimately get your license suspended for 10 years or longer. If you are charged with an offense that puts you in the HTV category, it’s time to get help.