How to Access Indiana DWI Records

Driving under the influence or DUI is also referred to as driving while intoxicated or DWI in the state of Indiana. Like all the other states in the country, Indiana also has strict rules and regulations regarding DWI. Indiana DWI laws prohibit any person from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. It has been clinically proven that the mentioned level of alcohol in the blood stream impairs the ability of the driver enhancing risks of car accidents. For minors (under 21), the legal BAC is only 0.02 percent. For drivers of commercial vehicles, driving with a BAC of 0.04 percent or more is illegal.

Penalties

The penalties for DUI in Indiana include jail, hefty fines, suspension of driver’s license, probation. The severity of the penalties vary according to the nature of the offense. A drunken driving conviction for the first time in Indiana is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor. The conviction results in a jail sentence of the offender for a minimum of 30 days and can be for one year in case the offender was tested to have a BAC of 0.15 percent or more. The offender also has to pay a fine of up to $500. The amount of fine payable by the offender goes up to $5,000 in case of a BAC of .15 percent. The driver’s license is suspended for a period of two years and the convicted may also have to remain under probation.

A drunken driving conviction for a second time is a more serious offense (Class D Felony) and harsher punishments are stated by the Indiana laws for the offender. The jail sentence in this case can go up to duration of 3 years. The amount of fine is as large as $10,000. Suspension period for the driver’s license is from 180 days to two years.

If a person is arrested for a third time for DUI which is a Class D felony under the Indiana laws, the convicted may have to be in jail for three days.  He or she may also have to pay additional fines if the court declares him or her as a “Habitual Traffic Violator”.

Other than these, the offenders, in most cases, are asked to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their car. They are also made to attend special education programs and take part in community services. For more information on Indiana DUI laws go to http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title9/ar30/ch5.html.

Records

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Indiana, maintains drivers' records of the people of the state. These records can be accessed by various companies and agencies to know about the driving background of an individual. For a yearly subscription fee of $50, you can access their records. There are two search options:

1. Name, date of birth and Social Security Number
2. Name, date of birth and Driver’s License Number.

The search results display information on the driver status and also the driver record. You may also access these records to view your own and update the same. For a detailed knowledge on records search, visit the official web pages of the BMV, Indiana by copying the following links:

http://www.in.gov/bmv/3601.htm

http://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/bmv-license-search/