2012 Indiana Code
TITLE 9. MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 18. MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATES
CHAPTER 2. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR REGISTERING MOTOR VEHICLES AND OBTAINING LICENSE PLATES

IC 9-18-2
Chapter 2. General Procedures for Registering Motor Vehicles and Obtaining License Plates

IC 9-18-2-1
Registration; state residents
Sec. 1. (a) A person must register all motor vehicles owned by the person that:
(1) are subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5; and
(2) will be operated in Indiana.
(b) A person must register all commercial vehicles owned by the person that:
(1) are subject to the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5;
(2) are not subject to proportional registration under the International Registration Plan; and
(3) will be operated in Indiana.
(c) A person must register all recreational vehicles owned by the person that:
(1) are subject to the excise tax imposed under IC 6-6-5.1; and
(2) will be operated in Indiana.
(d) A person must register all vehicles owned by the person not later than sixty (60) days after becoming an Indiana resident.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), an Indiana resident must register all motor vehicles operated in Indiana.
(f) An Indiana resident who has a legal residence in a state that is not contiguous to Indiana may operate a motor vehicle in Indiana for not more than sixty (60) days without registering the motor vehicle in Indiana.
(g) An Indiana resident who has registered a motor vehicle in Indiana in any previous registration year is not required to register the motor vehicle, is not required to pay motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5 on the motor vehicle, and is exempt from property tax on the motor vehicle for any registration year in which:
(1) the Indiana resident is:
(A) an active member of the armed forces of the United States; and
(B) assigned to a duty station outside Indiana; and
(2) the motor vehicle is not operated inside or outside Indiana.
This subsection may not be construed as granting the bureau authority to require the registration of any vehicle that is not operated in Indiana.
(h) When an Indiana resident registers a motor vehicle in Indiana after the period of exemption described in subsection (g), the Indiana resident may submit an affidavit that:
(1) states facts demonstrating that the motor vehicle is a motor vehicle described in subsection (g); and
(2) is signed by the owner of the motor vehicle under penalties

of perjury;
as sufficient proof that the owner of the motor vehicle is not required to register the motor vehicle during a registration year described in subsection (g). The commission or bureau may not require the Indiana resident to pay any civil penalty or any reinstatement or other fee that is not also charged to other motor vehicles being registered in the same registration year.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.90-1996, SEC.1; P.L.181-1999, SEC.11; P.L.3-2008, SEC.76; P.L.131-2008, SEC.46; P.L.1-2009, SEC.80; P.L.125-2012, SEC.96.

IC 9-18-2-2
Registration; nonresidents
Sec. 2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a nonresident who owns a vehicle required to be registered under this article may:
(1) operate; or
(2) permit the operation of;
the vehicle in Indiana without registering the vehicle or paying any fees if the vehicle is properly registered in the jurisdiction in which the nonresident is a resident.
(b) An exemption granted to nonresident owners under this section applies only to the extent that Indiana residents are granted exemptions in the jurisdiction that is the residence of the nonresident.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-3
Reciprocity
Sec. 3. An officer of the state charged with the enforcement of this article shall grant to a person who is a nonresident owner of a vehicle privileges of vehicle operation in Indiana equal to the privileges granted to an Indiana resident who owns or operates a vehicle in the person's state of residence.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-4
Commercial vehicles
Sec. 4. A person who owns a vehicle that is required to be registered under this article and that is:
(1) operated upon the highways for the transportation of persons or property for compensation; or
(2) carrying on intrastate business within Indiana and owning and regularly operating in the business a vehicle:
(A) required to be registered under this article in Indiana; or
(B) operated over a regularly scheduled route or having a fixed terminus;
shall register the vehicle and pay the same fees required by this chapter and IC 9-29.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
IC 9-18-2-4.5
Issuance of license plate to owner of at least 25 commercial vehicles
Sec. 4.5. (a) Upon payment of the annual registration fee under IC 9-29-5, and any applicable commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, the bureau may issue a license plate for each commercial vehicle registered to the registered owner of at least twenty-five (25) commercial vehicles. The license plate issued under this section for a commercial vehicle is valid for five (5) years.
(b) If the registered owner of at least twenty-five (25) commercial vehicles submits the application of registration for the commercial vehicles on an aggregate basis by electronic means, the bureau shall issue a certificate of registration that shall be carried at all times in the vehicle for which it is issued.
(c) The registration for a commercial vehicle is void when the registered owner:
(1) sells;
(2) disposes of; or
(3) does not renew the registration of;
the commercial vehicle. Neither the certificate of registration nor the plate may be transferred to another vehicle.
(d) This section does not relieve the owner of the vehicle from payment of any applicable commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5 on a yearly basis.
(e) The bureau shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 necessary to administer this section.
As added by P.L.150-2001, SEC.4.

IC 9-18-2-5
Trailers and semitrailers
Sec. 5. A person may operate intrastate, or combined interstate and intrastate, in Indiana a trailer or semitrailer that is properly registered and licensed in another state if the trailer or semitrailer:
(1) does not have a fixed terminus or permanent base in Indiana; and
(2) is at the time being drawn or propelled by a tractor or truck that is properly registered and licensed in Indiana if the trailer or semitrailer is:
(A) properly registered and licensed in a jurisdiction other than Indiana; and
(B) is exempt from registration under this chapter if the owner has complied with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the trailer or semitrailer is registered to the extent that the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered grants the exemptions and privileges to vehicles owned by residents of Indiana and registered under Indiana law.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-6
Nonresident agricultural vehicles
Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), notwithstanding

the time of temporary residence in Indiana, a nonresident who owns a vehicle that:
(1) must be registered under this article; and
(2) is operated intrastate upon the highways of Indiana solely for the purpose of transporting, for hire, nonprocessed agricultural products grown in Indiana;
is not required to apply for annual registration of the vehicle.
(b) A nonresident who owns a vehicle must obtain a permit from the bureau in the form of a decal that must be displayed on the vehicle.
(c) A nonresident agricultural permit:
(1) may be issued by a license branch;
(2) may be issued for a period of ninety (90) days; and
(3) must display the expiration date of the permit.
(d) Only one (1) decal shall be issued for any one (1) vehicle in a year.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-7
Annual registration; license plate display periods; unregistered operation prohibited; collection of fee; staggered registration
Sec. 7. (a) A person who owns a vehicle subject to registration shall register each vehicle owned by the person as follows:
(1) A vehicle subject to section 8 of this chapter shall be registered under section 8 of this chapter.
(2) Subject to subsection (g) or (h), a vehicle not subject to section 8 or 8.5 of this chapter or to the International Registration Plan shall be registered before:
(A) March 1 of each year; or
(B) an earlier date subsequent to January 1 of each year as set by the bureau.
(3) School buses owned by a school corporation are exempt from annual registration but are subject to registration under IC 20-27-7.
(4) Subject to subsection (f), a vehicle subject to the International Registration Plan shall be registered before April 1 of each year.
(5) A school bus not owned by a school corporation shall be registered subject to section 8.5 of this chapter.
(b) Registrations and reregistrations under this section are for the calendar year. Registration and reregistration for school buses owned by a school corporation may be for more than a calendar year.
(c) License plates for a vehicle subject to this section may be displayed during:
(1) the calendar year for which the vehicle is registered; and
(2) the period of time:
(A) subsequent to the calendar year; and
(B) before the date that the vehicle must be reregistered.
(d) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, a person who owns or operates a vehicle may not operate or permit the operation of a

vehicle that:
(1) is required to be registered under this chapter; and
(2) has expired license plates.
(e) If a vehicle that is required to be registered under this chapter has:
(1) been operated on the highways; and
(2) not been properly registered under this chapter;
the bureau shall, before the vehicle is reregistered, collect the registration fee that the owner of the vehicle would have paid if the vehicle had been properly registered.
(f) The department of state revenue may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to issue staggered registration to motor vehicles subject to the International Registration Plan.
(g) Except as provided in section 8.5 of this chapter, the bureau may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to issue staggered registration to motor vehicles described in subsection (a)(2).
(h) After June 30, 2011, the registration of a vehicle under IC 9-18-16-1(1) or IC 9-18-16-1(2) expires on December 14 of each year. However, if a vehicle is registered under IC 9-18-16-1(1) or IC 9-18-16-1(2) and the registration of the vehicle is in effect on June 30, 2011, the registration of the vehicle remains valid:
(1) throughout calendar year 2011; and
(2) during the period that:
(A) begins January 1, 2012; and
(B) ends on the date on which the vehicle was due for reregistration under the law in effect before this subsection took effect.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.125-1995, SEC.1; P.L.93-1997, SEC.3; P.L.1-2005, SEC.99; P.L.147-2005, SEC.1; P.L.79-2006, SEC.1; P.L.31-2008, SEC.1; P.L.26-2011, SEC.1.

IC 9-18-2-8
Registration schedule; issuance of plates and renewal tags; registration of rental trucks; initial registration
Sec. 8. (a) Except as provided in section 7(h) of this chapter and subsection (f), the bureau shall determine the schedule for registration for the following categories of vehicles:
(1) Passenger motor vehicles.
(2) Recreational vehicles.
(3) Motorcycles.
(4) Trucks that:
(A) are regularly rented to others for not more than twenty-nine (29) days in the regular course of the corporation's business; and
(B) have a declared gross weight of not more than eleven thousand (11,000) pounds.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, a person that owns a vehicle shall receive a license plate, renewal tag, or other indicia upon registration of the vehicle. The bureau may determine the device required to be displayed. (c) A corporation that owns a truck that has a declared gross weight of not more than eleven thousand (11,000) pounds that is regularly rented to others for periods of not more than twenty-nine (29) days in the regular course of the corporation's business must register the truck before March 1 of each year.
(d) A person that owns a vehicle in a category required to be registered under this section and desires to register the vehicle for the first time must apply to the bureau for a registration application form. The bureau shall do the following:
(1) Administer the registration application form.
(2) Issue the license plate.
(3) Collect the proper registration and service fees in accordance with the procedure established by the bureau.
(e) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, the bureau shall issue a semipermanent plate under section 30 of this chapter, or:
(1) an annual renewal tag; or
(2) other indicia;
to be affixed on the semipermanent plate.
(f) After June 30, 2011, the registration of a vehicle under IC 9-18-16-1(1) or IC 9-18-16-1(2) expires on December 14 of each year. However, if a vehicle is registered under IC 9-18-16-1(1) or IC 9-18-16-1(2) and the registration of the vehicle is in effect on June 30, 2011, the registration of the vehicle remains valid:
(1) throughout calendar year 2011; and
(2) during the period that:
(A) begins January 1, 2012; and
(B) ends on the date on which the vehicle was due for reregistration under the law in effect before this subsection took effect.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.125-1995, SEC.2; P.L.176-2001, SEC.3; P.L.210-2005, SEC.21; P.L.79-2006, SEC.2; P.L.107-2008, SEC.12; P.L.26-2011, SEC.2.

IC 9-18-2-8.5
Registration of school buses owned by a person other than a school corporation
Sec. 8.5. (a) Notwithstanding section 8 of this chapter, a school bus owned by a person other than a school corporation shall be registered before July 29 of each year.
(b) Registration and reregistration for a school bus under this section is for one (1) year.
(c) A certificate of inspection as required under IC 20-27-7-16 must accompany a registration and reregistration application of a school bus under this section.
(d) A person registering a school bus under this section shall pay the annual registration fee required under IC 9-29-5-8 and any fees and service charges required of a vehicle registered under this chapter.
(e) Upon registration of a school bus under this section, the bureau shall issue a license plate under section 30 of this chapter,

including:
(1) an annual renewal tag; or
(2) other indicia;
to be attached on the semipermanent plate.
(f) A license plate with a renewal tag or other indicia of registration issued under this section may be displayed during:
(1) the calendar year for which the school bus is registered; and
(2) the period:
(A) after the calendar year; and
(B) before July 29 of the subsequent year.
As added by P.L.31-2008, SEC.2.

IC 9-18-2-9
Applications; determination of genuineness, regularity, and legality; rejection
Sec. 9. (a) The bureau shall use due diligence in examining and determining the genuineness, regularity, and legality of the following:
(1) An application for registration of a vehicle.
(2) An application for any type of license required under this title for the operation of a vehicle upon the highways.
(3) Any other application made to the bureau.
(b) The bureau may:
(1) make investigations or require additional information; and
(2) reject an application;
if the bureau is not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of an application or the truth of a statement contained in an application or for any other reason.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-10
Certificate of title required; exception
Sec. 10. Except as provided in section 18 of this chapter, a certificate of registration of a motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle and a license plate for a motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle, whether original issues or duplicates, may not be issued or furnished by the bureau unless the person applying for the certificate of registration:
(1) applies at the same time for and is granted a certificate of title for the motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle; or
(2) presents satisfactory evidence that a certificate of title has been previously issued to the person that covers the motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-11
Proof of financial responsibility required
Sec. 11. A person registering a motor vehicle in Indiana must have proof of financial responsibility that is in effect in the amounts

specified in IC 9-25 available for inspection at the time the person's application for registration is made.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.125-2012, SEC.97.

IC 9-18-2-12
Air emission control inspection and certification required
Sec. 12. The bureau may not register a motor vehicle that:
(1) is subject under rules adopted under air pollution control laws (as defined in IC 13-11-2-6) to:
(A) inspection of vehicle air pollution control equipment; and
(B) testing of emission characteristics; and
(2) has not been:
(A) inspected; and
(B) certified by an inspection station under IC 13-17-5-5.1(b) that the air pollution equipment is not in a tampered condition and the vehicle meets air emission control standards.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.1-1996, SEC.59; P.L.229-1999, SEC.1.

IC 9-18-2-13
Applications; leased and privately owned vehicles
Sec. 13. Except as provided in sections 14 and 15 of this chapter, a person who:
(1) has leased; or
(2) is the owner of;
a vehicle that is required to be registered under this chapter may apply for and obtain the registration in any county.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.62-1996, SEC.8; P.L.176-2001, SEC.4.

IC 9-18-2-14
Applications; buses; International Registration Plan registrants
Sec. 14. (a) A:
(1) government agency, dealer, or person who owns a bus shall apply directly to the bureau in the state central office to register a vehicle; and
(2) person who is registered under the International Registration Plan shall apply to the department of state revenue under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2.
(b) A person who registers a vehicle under subsection (a)(1) shall file with the bureau or a license branch an application for the registration of the vehicle upon an appropriate form furnished by the bureau.
(c) A person who registers a vehicle under subsection (a)(2) shall file with the department of state revenue an application for the registration of the vehicle upon an appropriate form furnished by the department of state revenue.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.61-1996, SEC.14.
IC 9-18-2-15
Registration sites
Sec. 15. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person who:
(1) owns a vehicle that is subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5;
(2) is leasing the vehicle to another person; and
(3) has agreed to register the vehicle as a condition of the lease;
may apply for and obtain the registration in any county.
(b) If a vehicle is being registered subject to the International Registration Plan, the vehicle shall be registered at the department of state revenue under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2.
(c) A vehicle that is being leased and is not subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 may be registered in any county.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.62-1996, SEC.9; P.L.61-1996, SEC.15; P.L.181-1999, SEC.12; P.L.176-2001, SEC.5.

IC 9-18-2-16
Applications; content; audits
Sec. 16. (a) A person who desires to register a vehicle with the bureau must provide the following:
(1) The:
(A) name, bona fide residence, and mailing address, including the name of the county, of the person who owns the vehicle; or
(B) business address, including the name of the county, of the person that owns the vehicle if the person is a firm, a partnership, an association, a corporation, a limited liability company, or a unit of government.
If the vehicle that is being registered has been leased and is subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, the address of the person who is leasing the vehicle must be provided. If the vehicle that is being registered has been leased and is not subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, the address of the person who owns the vehicle, the person who is the lessor of the vehicle, or the person who is the lessee of the vehicle must be provided. If a leased vehicle is to be registered under the International Registration Plan, the registration procedures are governed by the terms of the plan.
(2) A brief description of the vehicle to be registered, including the following information if available:
(A) The name of the manufacturer of the vehicle.
(B) The vehicle identification number.
(C) The manufacturer's rated capacity if the vehicle is a truck, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer.
(D) The type of body of the vehicle.
(E) The model year of the vehicle.
(F) The color of the vehicle. (G) Any other information reasonably required by the bureau to enable the bureau to determine if the vehicle may be registered. The bureau may request the person applying for registration to provide the vehicle's odometer reading.
(3) The person registering the vehicle may indicate the person's desire to donate money to organizations that promote the procurement of organs for anatomical gifts. The bureau must:
(A) allow the person registering the vehicle to indicate the amount the person desires to donate; and
(B) provide that the minimum amount a person may donate is one dollar ($1).
Funds collected under this subdivision shall be deposited with the treasurer of state in a special account. The auditor of state shall monthly distribute the money in the special account to the anatomical gift promotion fund established by IC 16-19-3-26. The bureau may deduct from the funds collected under this subdivision the costs incurred by the bureau in implementing and administering this subdivision.
(b) The department of state revenue may audit records of persons who register trucks, trailers, semitrailers, buses, and rental cars under the International Registration Plan to verify the accuracy of the application and collect or refund fees due.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.8-1993, SEC.172; P.L.125-1995, SEC.3; P.L.61-1996, SEC.16; P.L.96-1997, SEC.1; P.L.5-1999, SEC.1; P.L.181-1999, SEC.13; P.L.63-2000, SEC.1; P.L.125-2012, SEC.98.

IC 9-18-2-17
Filing; withholding of registration of vehicle used in commission of toll violation
Sec. 17. (a) Upon receiving the information under section 16 of this chapter, the bureau shall:
(1) determine:
(A) the genuineness and regularity of the information; and
(B) that the person applying for registration is entitled to register the vehicle;
(2) subject to subsection (b), register the vehicle described in the application; and
(3) keep a record of the registration of the vehicle under a distinctive registration number assigned to the vehicle in a manner the bureau considers desirable for the convenience of the bureau.
(b) Upon receiving notice, as described in IC 9-21-3.5-10(c), of the failure of an owner of a vehicle to pay a fine, charge, or other assessment for a toll violation documented under IC 9-21-3.5-12, the bureau shall withhold the annual registration of the vehicle that was used in the commission of the toll violation until the owner pays the fine, charge, or other assessment, plus any applicable fees, to:
(1) the bureau; or
(2) the appropriate authority under IC 9-21-3.5 that is

responsible for the collection of fines, charges, or other assessments for toll violations under IC 9-21-3.5.
If the owner pays the fine, charge, or assessment, plus any applicable fees, to the bureau as described in subdivision (1), the bureau shall remit the appropriate amount to the appropriate authority under IC 9-21-3.5 that is responsible for the collection of fines, charges, assessments, or fees for toll violations under IC 9-21-3.5.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.163-2011, SEC.19; P.L.125-2012, SEC.99.

IC 9-18-2-18
International Registration Plan vehicles; certificates of registration and plates; issuance for out-of-state vehicles
Sec. 18. The department of state revenue may issue a certificate of registration or a license plate for a vehicle that is:
(1) subject to registration under apportioned registration of the International Registration Plan; and
(2) based and titled in a state other than Indiana subject to the conditions of the plan.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.61-1996, SEC.17.

IC 9-18-2-19
International Registration Plan vehicles; apportioned plates and cab cards
Sec. 19. (a) A person who owns or leases a vehicle required to be registered under the International Registration Plan shall receive an apportioned plate and cab card as determined by the department of state revenue. The department of state revenue may accept applications on a schedule to be set under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2.
(b) A distinctive cab card:
(1) shall be issued for a vehicle registered under the International Registration Plan; and
(2) must be carried in the vehicle.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.61-1996, SEC.18.

IC 9-18-2-20
Certificates of registration; issuance; contents; duplicates
Sec. 20. (a) The bureau, upon registering a vehicle required to be registered by this chapter, shall issue a certificate of registration.
(b) The certificate of registration shall be delivered to the person leasing the vehicle or to the person who owns the vehicle and shall contain upon the face of the card the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person leasing the vehicle or the person who owns the vehicle.
(2) The date the card was issued.
(3) The registration number assigned to the vehicle.
(4) A description of the vehicle as determined by the bureau.
(c) If a certificate of registration is mutilated, destroyed, or lost, a duplicate certificate of registration must be purchased. The

application for a duplicate certificate of registration must be accompanied by the service charge prescribed under IC 9-29.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-21
Certificates of registration; signatures; possession; reproduction
Sec. 21. (a) The person whose name appears on the certificate of registration, except a person who registers a vehicle under the International Registration Plan, shall sign the person's copy of the certificate of registration in ink in the space provided.
(b) A certificate of registration or a legible reproduction of the certificate of registration must be carried:
(1) in the vehicle to which the registration refers; or
(2) by the person driving or in control of the vehicle, who shall display the registration upon the demand of a police officer.
(c) A legible reproduction of the certificate of registration may be made by any photostatic or similar process.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.125-2012, SEC.100.

IC 9-18-2-22
Additional fees, licenses, permits, and numbers prohibited; exception
Sec. 22. Subject to IC 9-18-28, a person who:
(1) owns a motor vehicle, except a person who owns a truck or motor vehicle used in transporting passengers or property for hire; and
(2) has obtained a certificate of registration under this title;
is not required to pay another license fee, obtain any other license or permit to use or operate the motor vehicle on the highways, or display upon the motor vehicle any other number other than the number issued by the bureau.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-23
Transport operators
Sec. 23. (a) This section does not apply to a vehicle registered as a recovery vehicle under IC 9-18-13.
(b) A transport operator may, instead of registering each motor vehicle transported, make a verified application upon a form prescribed by the bureau and furnished by the bureau for a general distinctive registration number for all motor vehicles transported by the transport operator and used and operated for the purposes provided. The application must contain the following:
(1) A brief description of each style or type of motor vehicle transported.
(2) The name and address, including the county of residence, of the transport operator.
(3) Any other information the bureau requires.
(c) The bureau, upon receiving: (1) an application for a transport operator license plate; and
(2) the proper fee;
shall issue to the person who submitted the application and fee two (2) certificates of registration and the license plates with numbers corresponding to the numbers of the certificates of registration. A transport operator may obtain as many additional pairs of license plates as desired upon application and the payment to the bureau of the fee prescribed under IC 9-29 for each pair of additional license plates.
(d) A license plate or sign other than those furnished and approved by the bureau may not be used.
(e) A transport operator license plate may not be used on a vehicle used or operated on a highway, except for the purpose of transporting vehicles in transit. A person may haul other vehicles or parts of vehicles in transit in the same combination.
(f) A transport operator may not operate a vehicle or any combination of vehicles in excess of the size and weight limits specified by law.
(g) A license plate shall be displayed on the front and rear of each combination, and if only one (1) motor vehicle is transported, a license plate shall be displayed on both the front and rear of the motor vehicle.
(h) The bureau may adopt rules to prescribe the conditions under which transport operator license plates may be issued to a transport operator who has been convicted of violating this section until the bureau issues the transport operator a new license plate.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-24
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.101.)

IC 9-18-2-25
Alternate plates
Sec. 25. (a) If the bureau is not able to comply with the provisions of this title relating to the furnishing of license plates because of a:
(1) materials shortage; or
(2) regulation of a board or an agency of the United States government;
the bureau may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to provide the type and number of license plates that will be furnished and displayed and the manner in which the plates must be displayed.
(b) Compliance with a rule adopted under this section satisfies the provisions of this chapter relating to the display of license plates.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.176-2001, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-26
License plates; display
Sec. 26. (a) License plates shall be displayed as follows:
(1) For a motorcycle, trailer, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle,

upon the rear of the vehicle, except as provided in subdivision (4).
(2) For a tractor or dump truck, upon the front of the vehicle.
(3) For every other vehicle, upon the rear of the vehicle, except as provided in subdivision (4).
(4) For a truck with a rear mounted forklift or a mechanism to carry a rear mounted forklift or implement, upon the front of the vehicle.
(b) A license plate shall be securely fastened, in a horizontal position, to the vehicle for which the plate is issued:
(1) to prevent the license plate from swinging;
(2) at a height of at least twelve (12) inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the license plate;
(3) in a place and position that are clearly visible;
(4) maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible; and
(5) not obstructed or obscured by tires, bumpers, accessories, or other opaque objects.
(c) The bureau may adopt rules the bureau considers advisable to enforce the proper mounting and securing of license plates on vehicles consistent with this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.210-2005, SEC.22; P.L.42-2007, SEC.18; P.L.184-2011, SEC.1.

IC 9-18-2-27
Prohibited displays; display of lawful additional information
Sec. 27. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a vehicle required to be registered under this chapter may not be used or operated upon the highways if the motor vehicle displays any of the following:
(1) A registration number belonging to any other vehicle.
(2) A fictitious registration number.
(3) A sign or placard bearing the words "license applied for" or "in transit" or other similar signs.
(b) Any other number may be displayed for any lawful purpose upon a:
(1) motor vehicle;
(2) trailer;
(3) semitrailer; or
(4) recreational vehicle;
in addition to the license plates issued by the bureau under this chapter.
(c) After December 31, 2007, if a vehicle is registered as an antique motor vehicle under IC 9-18-12, an authentic Indiana license plate from the antique vehicle's model year may be displayed on the vehicle under IC 9-18-12-2.5.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.79-2006, SEC.3.

IC 9-18-2-28
Issuance of low numbered license plates Sec. 28. Notwithstanding any other law, license plates for:
(1) passenger motor vehicles;
(2) recreational vehicles;
(3) motor vehicles registered to disabled veterans under IC 9-18-18; or
(4) motor vehicles registered to former prisoners of war under IC 9-18-17;
that contain any of the numerals 1 through 100 following the prefix numbers and letter shall be issued by the bureau.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.210-2005, SEC.23; P.L.103-2006, SEC.2; P.L.87-2010, SEC.7.

IC 9-18-2-29
Vehicles subject to registration
Sec. 29. Except as otherwise provided, before:
(1) a motor vehicle;
(2) a motorcycle;
(3) a truck;
(4) a trailer;
(5) a semitrailer;
(6) a tractor;
(7) a bus;
(8) a school bus;
(9) a recreational vehicle; or
(10) special machinery;
is operated or driven on a highway, the person who owns the vehicle must register the vehicle with the bureau and pay the applicable registration fee.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.210-2005, SEC.24.

IC 9-18-2-29.5
Registration of special machinery
Sec. 29.5. Before a piece of special machinery is operated off a highway or in a farm field, the person who owns the piece of special machinery must:
(1) register the piece of special machinery with the bureau; and
(2) pay the applicable special machinery registration fee.
As added by P.L.210-2005, SEC.25. Amended by P.L.125-2012, SEC.102.

IC 9-18-2-30
License plates; issuance
Sec. 30. The bureau shall issue to the owner of each vehicle subject to registration one (1) license plate upon the registration of the vehicle.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-31
License plates; revocation, cancellation, and repossession
Sec. 31. A license plate issued by the bureau under section 30 of

this chapter:
(1) remains the property of the bureau; and
(2) may be revoked, canceled, or repossessed as provided by law.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-32
License plates; specifications
Sec. 32. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a license plate issued under section 30 of this chapter:
(1) must be six (6) inches wide and twelve (12) inches long;
(2) must display:
(A) the registration number assigned to the vehicle for which the plate is issued;
(B) the letters "IN"; and
(C) the year for which the plate is issued;
(3) may have a prefix of at least one (1) letter of the alphabet to designate the type of vehicle registered; and
(4) shall be treated with special reflective material designed to increase the visibility and legibility of the license plate.
(b) The bureau may issue license plates in a different size or character if the bureau determines that the change is appropriate to effect the proper display of the license plates.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-33
License plates; trucks and trailers; classification designations
Sec. 33. (a) When issuing a license plate for a truck or trailer, the bureau shall issue a letter or other suitable designation as determined by the bureau to each applicant for registration of the truck or trailer that indicates the following:
(1) The type of vehicle that is registered.
(2) The gross weight of the load that may be hauled by the vehicle, including the unladen weight of the vehicle fully equipped for service.
(b) The letter or other designation shall be displayed on the license plate or on the truck or trailer, as determined by the bureau, in accordance with the display of license plates as provided in this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-34
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-1995, SEC.12.)

IC 9-18-2-35
License plates; vehicle identification name revision
Sec. 35. The bureau, with the approval of the governor, may revise the vehicle identification name designated to be embossed on a given classification of license plates to reflect contemporary

language that is used to describe vehicles that must be registered under this article.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-36
License plates; passenger cars; county of registration; display
Sec. 36. A license plate issued for a passenger car must display a numeral that indicates the county in which the passenger car was registered.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.115-1993, SEC.2.

IC 9-18-2-37
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.115-1993, SEC.9.)

IC 9-18-2-38
License plates; change of residence
Sec. 38. A license plate issued under this chapter remains valid if the person who registered the passenger motor vehicle or recreational vehicle changes the person's county of residence during the term of the license plate. A person who registers a passenger motor vehicle or recreational vehicle and who changes the person's county of residence may, at the time of reregistration:
(1) retain the license plate originally issued; or
(2) request a new license plate, at no additional cost to the person, indicating the person's new county of residence.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.115-1993, SEC.3.

IC 9-18-2-39
Suspension of registration
Sec. 39. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), upon receipt of written notice under IC 13-17-5-8 of a violation of IC 13-17-5-1, IC 13-17-5-2, IC 13-17-5-3, or IC 13-17-5-4, the bureau shall suspend the registration of the vehicle identified in the notice.
(b) The bureau may decline to suspend the registration of the vehicle pending verification of the statements set forth in the written notice.
(c) The bureau shall promptly notify a vehicle's owner of the suspension of the vehicle's registration under this section.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), upon the:
(1) receipt of written notice under IC 13-17-5-8 that the violation of IC 13-17-5-1, IC 13-17-5-2, IC 13-17-5-3, or IC 13-17-5-4 has been corrected; or
(2) presentation of evidence to the bureau establishing that the violation of IC 13-17-5-1, IC 13-17-5-2, IC 13-17-5-3, or IC 13-17-5-4 has been corrected;
the bureau shall reinstate the registration of the vehicle.
(e) The department may decline to reinstate the registration of the vehicle pending verification of the statements set forth in a written notice provided under subsection (d)(1). (f) The actions of the bureau under this section are subject to review under IC 4-21.5.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.1-1996, SEC.60.

IC 9-18-2-40
Violations of chapter; expired plates
Sec. 40. (a) This section does not apply to section 43 or 44 of this chapter.
(b) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
(c) A person who owns or operates or permits the operation of a vehicle required to be registered under this chapter with expired license plates commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-41
Judgments; distribution
Sec. 41. (a) In addition to:
(1) the penalty described under section 40 of this chapter; and
(2) any judgment assessed under IC 34-28-5 (or IC 34-4-32 before its repeal);
a person who violates section 1 of this chapter shall be assessed a judgment equal to the amount of excise tax due under IC 6-6-5 or IC 6-6-5.5 on the vehicle involved in the violation.
(b) The clerk of the court shall do the following:
(1) Collect the additional judgment described under subsection (a) in an amount specified by a court order.
(2) Transfer the additional judgment to the county auditor on a calendar year basis.
(c) The auditor shall distribute the judgments described under subsection (b) to law enforcement agencies, including the state police department, responsible for issuing citations to enforce section 1 of this chapter.
(d) The percentage of funds distributed to a law enforcement agency under subsection (c):
(1) must equal the percentage of the total number of citations issued by the law enforcement agency for the purpose of enforcing section 1 of this chapter during the applicable year; and
(2) may be used for the following:
(A) Any law enforcement purpose.
(B) Contributions to the pension fund of the law enforcement agency.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.4-1994, SEC.3; P.L.1-1998, SEC.94; P.L.181-1999, SEC.14.

IC 9-18-2-42
Certificates of registration; false reproduction; infractions
Sec. 42. (a) This section does not apply to section 21 of this chapter. (b) A person who counterfeits or falsely reproduces a certificate of registration for a motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle with intent to:
(1) use the certificate of registration; or
(2) permit another person to use the certificate of registration;
commits a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) The bureau shall suspend the driver's license or permit of a person who uses or possesses a certificate of registration described under subsection (b) for ninety (90) days. This mandatory suspension is in addition to sanctions provided in IC 9-30-4-9.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-43
Impounding vehicles; improper certificates of registration and plates
Sec. 43. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary but except as provided in subsection (b), a law enforcement officer authorized to enforce motor vehicle laws who discovers a vehicle required to be registered under this article that does not have the proper certificate of registration or license plate:
(1) shall take the vehicle into the officer's custody; and
(2) may cause the vehicle to be taken to and stored in a suitable place until:
(A) the legal owner of the vehicle can be found; or
(B) the proper certificate of registration and license plates have been procured.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-21-21-7(b), a law enforcement officer who discovers a vehicle in violation of the registration provisions of this article has discretion in the impoundment of any of the following:
(1) Perishable commodities.
(2) Livestock.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.81-1991, SEC.5; P.L.210-2005, SEC.26.

IC 9-18-2-44
Certificates of registration; sale of false certificates; misdemeanor
Sec. 44. A person who knowingly sells, offers to sell, buys, possesses, or offers as genuine a certificate of registration for a motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle that is required to be issued by the bureau and has not been issued by the:
(1) bureau under this article; or
(2) appropriate governmental authority of another state;
commits a Class C misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-45
Improperly registered vehicles; misdemeanor
Sec. 45. A person who knowingly or intentionally owns a motor vehicle that is registered outside Indiana but that is required to be

registered in Indiana commits a Class B misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

IC 9-18-2-47
Rules for issuance and replacement of license plates
Sec. 47. (a) The commissioner shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 prescribing the cycle for the issuance and replacement of license plates under this article. The rules adopted under this section shall provide that a license plate for a vehicle issued under this article is valid for five (5) years.
(b) The rules adopted under this section do not apply to:
(1) truck license plates issued under section 4.5 or 18 of this chapter;
(2) general assembly and other state official license plates issued under IC 9-18-16; and
(3) personalized license plates issued under IC 9-18-15.
As added by P.L.115-1993, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.125-1995, SEC.4; P.L.150-2001, SEC.5; P.L.182-2002, SEC.1; P.L.103-2006, SEC.3; P.L.87-2010, SEC.8.

IC 9-18-2-48
License plate reproductions
Sec. 48. (a) The commissioner may enter into a contract or an agreement authorizing a person to create and use a reproduction of a license plate issued under this article.
(b) A person may not create or use a reproduction of a license plate issued under this article unless the creation or use of the reproduction is expressly authorized in writing by the commissioner. The commissioner may impose under IC 4-21.5 a civil penalty upon a person who violates this subsection. The amount of a civil penalty imposed under this subsection:
(1) shall be determined by the commissioner; and
(2) may not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(c) Money paid to the bureau as:
(1) compensation to the state under a contract or an agreement entered into under subsection (a); or
(2) a civil penalty imposed under subsection (b);
shall be collected and deposited according to IC 9-29-1-1.
As added by P.L.115-1993, SEC.5.

IC 9-18-2-49
Temporary license plates
Sec. 49. (a) Notwithstanding IC 9-18-2-32, if a person is renewing the registration for a motor vehicle that needs a new license plate the bureau may issue a temporary paper or cardboard license plate to the person for use on the motor vehicle.
(b) A temporary license plate issued under subsection (a) is valid for thirty (30) days after the date of its issuance.
As added by P.L.97-1997, SEC.1.