2016 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
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IC 9-18-2
Chapter 2. General Procedures for Registering Motor
Vehicles and Obtaining License Plates
IC 9-18-2-0.5
Registration
Sec. 0.5. After December 31, 2013, the registration of off-road
vehicles and snowmobiles shall be performed by the bureau under
IC 9-18-2.5.
As added by P.L.259-2013, SEC.12.
IC 9-18-2-1
Registration; state residents; violation
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.
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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.
(i) Notwithstanding IC 9-18-1-1(a)(7), a person shall register all
motor driven cycles 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.
(j) A person who fails to register a motor vehicle as required
under:
(1) subsections (a) through (e); or
(2) subsection (i);
commits a Class C infraction.
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; P.L.221-2014, SEC.18;
P.L.188-2015, SEC.18.
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
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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
Expired
(As added by P.L.150-2001, SEC.4. Amended by
P.L.293-2013(ts), SEC.38; P.L.212-2014, SEC.11. Expired 1-1-2016
by P.L.212-2014, SEC.11.)
IC 9-18-2-4.6
License plates and registration for a commercial vehicle fleet of at
least 25 commercial vehicles
Sec. 4.6. (a) This section applies to registrations in a calendar year
beginning after December 31, 2015.
(b) 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 department of state revenue may issue a license plate for each
commercial vehicle registered to the owner of at least twenty-five
(25) commercial vehicles. The license plate issued under this section
for a commercial vehicle is permanently valid.
(c) The application of registration for the commercial vehicles
must be on an aggregate basis by electronic means. If the application
is approved, the department of state revenue shall issue a certificate
of registration that shall be carried at all times in the vehicle for
which it is issued.
(d) The registration for a commercial vehicle is void when the
registered owner:
(1) sells (and does not replace);
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(2) disposes of; or
(3) does not renew the registration of;
the commercial vehicle or the commercial vehicle is destroyed.
(e) This section does not relieve the owner of a vehicle from
payment of any applicable commercial vehicle excise tax under
IC 6-6-5.5 on a yearly basis.
(f) A registered license plate issued under subsection (b) may be
transferred to another vehicle in a fleet of the same weight and plate
type, with a new certificate of registration issued under subsection
(c), upon application to the department of state revenue. A
commercial vehicle excise tax credit may be applied to any plate
transfer of the same vehicle type and same weight category.
(g) The department of state revenue shall adopt rules under
IC 4-22-2 necessary to administer this section.
(h) The following apply to rules adopted by the bureau before
January 1, 2014, under section 4.5(f) of this chapter (before its
expiration):
(1) The rules are transferred to the department of state revenue
and are considered rules of the department of state revenue.
(2) The rules are treated as if they had been adopted by the
department of state revenue.
(i) Upon qualification under this section, a vehicle subject to the
commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, including trailers
and semi-trailers, must be registered with the department of state
revenue and issued a permanent license plate.
(j) A registered owner may continue to register commercial
vehicles under this section even after a reduction in the registered
owner's fleet to fewer than twenty-five (25) commercial vehicles.
As added by P.L.212-2014, SEC.12.
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 Indiana
residents and registered under Indiana law.
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As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.198-2016,
SEC.263.
IC 9-18-2-6
Repealed
(As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.188-2015,
SEC.19. Repealed by P.L.198-2016, SEC.264.)
IC 9-18-2-7
Registration; unregistered operation prohibited; fee collection;
staggered registration
Sec. 7. (a) A person that owns a vehicle that is operated on a
highway and 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 (e) or (f), 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;
(B) February 1 or later dates each year, if:
(i) the vehicle is being registered with the department of
state revenue; and
(ii) staggered registration has been adopted by the
department of state revenue; or
(C) an earlier date subsequent to January 1 of each year as
set by the bureau, if the vehicle is being registered with the
bureau.
(3) School and special purpose buses owned by a school
corporation are exempt from annual registration but are subject
to registration under IC 20-27-7.
(4) A school or special purpose bus not owned by a school
corporation shall be registered subject to section 8.5 of this
chapter.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, a person that 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.
(c) 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.
(d) The department of state revenue may adopt rules under
IC 4-22-2 to issue staggered registration to motor vehicles subject to
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registration under any of the following:
(1) The International Registration Plan.
(2) IC 9-18-2-4.6.
(3) IC 9-18.1-13-3.
(e) 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).
(f) The registration of a vehicle to:
(1) a member of the general assembly;
(2) the spouse of a member of the general assembly; or
(3) a state official who receives a special license plate on an
annual basis;
expires on December 14 of each year.
(g) A person that fails to register or reregister a motor vehicle as
required under subsection (a) or (b) commits a Class C infraction.
(h) A person that operates or permits the operation of a motor
vehicle in violation of subsection (b) commits a Class C infraction.
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;
P.L.262-2013, SEC.48; P.L.203-2013, SEC.17; P.L.293-2013(ts),
SEC.39; P.L.2-2014, SEC.37; P.L.149-2015, SEC.34; P.L.188-2015,
SEC.20; P.L.198-2016, SEC.265.
IC 9-18-2-8
Registration schedule; license plate or renewal sticker; certificate
of inspection of private bus
Sec. 8. (a) Except as provided in section 7(f) of this chapter, 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.
(5) Motor driven cycles.
(6) Trailers that have a declared gross weight of not more than
three thousand (3,000) pounds.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, a person that owns a
vehicle shall receive a license plate, renewal sticker, or other proof
upon registration of the vehicle. The bureau may determine the proof
of registration required to be displayed.
(c) A corporation that owns a vehicle that is regularly rented to
others for periods of not more than twenty-nine (29) days in the
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regular course of the corporation's business must register the vehicle
on the date prescribed by the bureau.
(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 certificate of registration.
The bureau shall do the following:
(1) Administer the certificate of registration.
(2) Issue the license plate according to the bureau's central
fulfillment processes.
(3) Collect the proper fee 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 sticker; or
(2) other indicia;
to be affixed on the semipermanent plate.
(f) A person that:
(1) owns a private bus; and
(2) desires to:
(A) register for the first time; or
(B) reregister;
the private bus;
must present to the bureau an unexpired certificate indicating
compliance with an inspection program established under
IC 9-19-22-3, in addition to any other information required by the
bureau.
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; P.L.262-2013, SEC.49;
P.L.160-2014, SEC.1; P.L.221-2014, SEC.19; P.L.216-2014,
SEC.32; P.L.149-2015, SEC.35; P.L.198-2016, SEC.266.
IC 9-18-2-8.5
Registration of school or special purpose buses owned by a person
other than a school corporation
Sec. 8.5. (a) Notwithstanding section 8 of this chapter, a school
bus or a special purpose bus owned by a person other than a school
corporation shall be registered before September 28 of each year.
(b) Registration and reregistration for a school or special purpose
bus under this section is for one (1) year.
(c) A certificate of inspection as described under IC 20-27-7-3
must accompany a registration and reregistration application of a
school or special purpose bus under this section.
(d) A person registering a school bus or a special purpose bus
under this section shall pay the annual registration fee required under
IC 9-29-5-8 and any other applicable fees.
(e) Upon registration of a school or special purpose bus under this
section, the bureau shall issue a license plate under section 30 of this
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chapter, including:
(1) an annual renewal sticker; or
(2) other indicia;
to be attached on the semipermanent plate.
(f) A license plate with a renewal sticker or other indicia of
registration issued under this section may be displayed during:
(1) the calendar year for which the school or special purpose
bus is registered; and
(2) the period:
(A) after the calendar year; and
(B) before September 28 of the subsequent year.
As added by P.L.31-2008, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.286-2013, SEC.7;
P.L.216-2014, SEC.33; P.L.149-2015, SEC.36.
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) Information provided by a person as part of a request for the
registration of a vehicle.
(2) A request for any type of license plate required under this
title for the operation of a vehicle upon the highways.
(3) Any other application or request made to the bureau under
this article.
(b) The bureau may:
(1) make investigations or require additional information; and
(2) reject an application or request;
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 request, or for any other reason.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.262-2013, SEC.50.
IC 9-18-2-10
Certificate of title required for registration; exception
Sec. 10. (a) Except as provided in sections 18, 23, and 29.5 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.
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(b) If the bureau at any time determines that a certificate of title
for a motor vehicle cannot be issued or is invalid, the bureau:
(1) shall not issue or furnish; or
(2) may invalidate;
the certificate of registration for the vehicle.
(c) This section does not apply to a vehicle for which a certificate
of title is not required under IC 9-17.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.262-2013, SEC.51;
P.L.149-2015, SEC.37.
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 for
registration; motor vehicle equipment required for registration
Sec. 12. The bureau may not register the following motor
vehicles:
(1) A motor vehicle that:
(A) is subject under rules adopted under air pollution control
laws (as defined in IC 13-11-2-6) to:
(i) inspection of vehicle air pollution control equipment;
and
(ii) testing of emission characteristics; and
(B) has not been:
(i) inspected; and
(ii) 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.
(2) A motor vehicle that does not comply with applicable motor
vehicle equipment requirements under IC 9-19.
(3) A motor vehicle that does not comply with applicable
operational and equipment specifications described in 49 CFR
571.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.1-1996, SEC.59;
P.L.229-1999, SEC.1; P.L.262-2013, SEC.52; P.L.221-2014,
SEC.20.
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:
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(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 electronically with the department of state revenue an application
for the registration of the vehicle.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.61-1996, SEC.14;
P.L.293-2013(ts), SEC.40.
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 that desires to register a vehicle with the
bureau must provide the following:
(1) The:
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(A) name, bona fide residence, and mailing address,
including the name of the county, of the person that 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 that 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 that owns the vehicle, the person that is the lessor of
the vehicle, or the person that 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 or special 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 bureau 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
that register trucks, trailers, semitrailers, buses, and rental cars under
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the International Registration Plan, IC 9-18-2-4.6, or IC 9-18.1-13-3
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; P.L.149-2015, SEC.38; P.L.198-2016,
SEC.267.
IC 9-18-2-17
Records; withholding of registration; rules
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.
(c) Upon receiving notice, as described in IC 9-21-3.5-15(d), 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 or
IC 9-21-3.5-14, 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 operator of the private toll facility; or
(2) a person designated by the operator of the private toll
facility to collect fines, charges, or other assessments for toll
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violations under IC 9-21-3.5;
as applicable. The bureau may impose a fee to reinstate an annual
registration that was withheld under this subsection.
(d) Not later than July 1, 2016, the bureau shall adopt emergency
rules in the manner provided under IC 4-22-2-37.1 or rules under
IC 4-22-2 to implement this section, including a rule to establish the
amount of any fee imposed under subsection (c).
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.163-2011, SEC.19;
P.L.125-2012, SEC.99; P.L.152-2015, SEC.1.
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.
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If any of the information on the card is or becomes incorrect or
obsolete, the person to whom the certificate of registration was
delivered shall apply for an amended certificate of registration within
thirty (30) days after the information becomes incorrect or obsolete.
The application must contain the correct or new information and
must be accompanied by the fee prescribed under IC 9-29-5.
(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 fee prescribed under IC 9-29.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.216-2014, SEC.34;
P.L.149-2015, SEC.39.
IC 9-18-2-21
Certificate of registration; possession required; violation
Sec. 21. (a) 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.
(b) A person who fails to carry a certificate of registration or a
legible reproduction of a certificate of registration as required under
subsection (a) commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.100; P.L.37-2013, SEC.1; P.L.262-2013, SEC.53;
P.L.188-2015, SEC.21.
IC 9-18-2-22
Additional fees, licenses, permits, and numbers prohibited;
exception
Sec. 22. A person that:
(1) owns a motor vehicle, except a person that 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. Amended by P.L.198-2016,
SEC.268.
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
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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 not issue transport operator license plates to
a transport operator who has been convicted of violating this section
until the bureau is satisfied that the transport operator is able to
comply with the requirements of this section.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.262-2013, SEC.54.
IC 9-18-2-24
Repealed
(As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. 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
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(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; violation
Sec. 26. (a) License plates, including temporary license plates,
shall be displayed as follows:
(1) For a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, 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) An interim license plate must be displayed in the manner
required by IC 9-32-6-11(f).
(d) 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.
(e) A person who fails to display:
(1) a license plate as specified under subsection (a) or (b); or
(2) an interim license plate as required by IC 9-32-6-11(f);
commits a Class C infraction.
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; P.L.92-2013, SEC.45;
P.L.262-2013, SEC.55; P.L.221-2014, SEC.21; P.L.188-2015,
SEC.22.
IC 9-18-2-27
Prohibited displays; display of lawful additional information;
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violation
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.
(d) A person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of
subsection (a) commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.79-2006, SEC.3;
P.L.188-2015, SEC.23.
IC 9-18-2-28
Repealed
(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. Repealed by
P.L.262-2013, SEC.56.)
IC 9-18-2-29
Vehicles subject to registration; violation
Sec. 29. (a) 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;
(10) special machinery; or
(11) a motor driven cycle;
is operated or driven on a highway, the person who owns the vehicle
must register the vehicle with the bureau and pay the applicable
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registration fee.
(b) A person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of
subsection (a) commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.210-2005, SEC.24;
P.L.221-2014, SEC.22; P.L.188-2015, SEC.24.
IC 9-18-2-29.5
Registration of special machinery; violation
Sec. 29.5. (a) 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.
(b) A person who operates a piece of special machinery off a
highway or in a farm field without first:
(1) registering the piece of special machinery with the bureau;
or
(2) paying any applicable registration fees;
commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.210-2005, SEC.25. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.102; P.L.188-2015, SEC.25.
IC 9-18-2-30
License plates; issuance
Sec. 30. Except as otherwise provided, 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. Amended by P.L.262-2013, SEC.57.
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 the registration number assigned to the vehicle
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
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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. Amended by P.L.262-2013, SEC.58.
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 9-18-2-34.1
Identification number for motor vehicle required for registration
or certificate of title
Sec. 34.1. Except as provided in IC 9-17-4, the bureau may not
register or issue a certificate of title for the operation of a motor
vehicle that does not have an identification number.
As added by P.L.262-2013, SEC.59.
IC 9-18-2-35
Repealed
(As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.262-2013,
SEC.60.)
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
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(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 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;
P.L.262-2013, SEC.61.
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 bureau 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).
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.1-1996, SEC.60;
P.L.149-2015, SEC.40.
IC 9-18-2-40
Repealed
(As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.188-2015,
SEC.26.)
IC 9-18-2-41
Judgments; distribution
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Sec. 41. (a) In addition to:
(1) the penalty described under sections 1, 7, 21, 26, 27, 29, and
29.5 of this chapter; and
(2) any judgment assessed under IC 34-28-5 (or IC 34-4-32
before its repeal);
a person that 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; P.L.188-2015, SEC.27;
P.L.198-2016, SEC.269.
IC 9-18-2-42
Repealed
(As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.217-2014,
SEC.24.)
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
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(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 bureau 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:
(1) not less than five (5) years; and
(2) not more than ten (10) years.
(b) The rules adopted under this section do not apply to:
(1) truck license plates issued under section 4.5 (before its
expiration), 4.6, or 18 of this chapter; and
(2) general assembly and other state official license plates
issued under IC 9-18-16 (before its expiration) or IC 9-18.5-3.
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; P.L.262-2013, SEC.62; P.L.212-2014,
SEC.13; P.L.26-2015, SEC.1; P.L.198-2016, SEC.270.
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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 in the motor vehicle highway
account.
As added by P.L.115-1993, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.216-2014,
SEC.35.
IC 9-18-2-49
Temporary license plates
Sec. 49. (a) Notwithstanding section 32 of this chapter, if a person
is:
(1) initially registering a motor vehicle; or
(2) 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. Amended by P.L.262-2013,
SEC.63.
IC 9-18-2-50
Expiration date of registration if all license branches are closed
Sec. 50. If the date on which the registration of a vehicle expires
is a day on which all license branches located in the county in which
the vehicle is registered are closed, including:
(1) a Sunday; or
(2) a legal holiday listed in IC 1-1-9-1;
the registration expires at midnight on the date following the next
day on which a license branch located in the county in which the
vehicle is registered is open for business.
As added by P.L.149-2015, SEC.41.
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