CHAPTER 2. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR REGISTERING MOTOR VEHICLES AND OBTAINING LICENSE PLATES
IC 9-18-2
Chapter 2. General Procedures for Registering Motor Vehiclesand Obtaining License Plates
IC 9-18-2-1
Registration; state residents
Sec. 1. (a) Within sixty (60) days after becoming an Indianaresident, a person must register all motor vehicles owned by theperson that:
(1) are subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5;and
(2) will be operated in Indiana.
(b) Within sixty (60) days after becoming an Indiana resident, aperson must register all commercial vehicles owned by the personthat:
(1) are subject to the commercial vehicle excise tax underIC 6-6-5.5;
(2) are not subject to proportional registration under theInternational Registration Plan; and
(3) will be operated in Indiana.
(c) Within sixty (60) days after becoming an Indiana resident, aperson must register all recreational vehicles owned by the personthat:
(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 produce evidence concerning the date on whichthe person became an Indiana resident.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), an Indiana resident mustregister all motor vehicles operated in Indiana.
(f) An Indiana resident who has a legal residence in a state that isnot contiguous to Indiana may operate a motor vehicle in Indiana fornot more than sixty (60) days without registering the motor vehiclein Indiana.
(g) An Indiana resident who has registered a motor vehicle inIndiana in any previous registration year is not required to registerthe motor vehicle, is not required to pay motor vehicle excise taxunder IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5on the motor vehicle, and is exempt from property tax on the motorvehicle for any registration year in which:
(1) the Indiana resident is:
(A) an active member of the armed forces of the UnitedStates; 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 bureauauthority to require the registration of any vehicle that is not operatedin Indiana.
(h) When an Indiana resident registers a motor vehicle in Indianaafter the period of exemption described in subsection (g), the Indianaresident may submit an affidavit that: (1) states facts demonstrating that the motor vehicle is a motorvehicle described in subsection (g); and
(2) is signed by the owner of the motor vehicle under penaltiesof perjury;
as sufficient proof that the owner of the motor vehicle is not requiredto register the motor vehicle during a registration year described insubsection (g). The commission or bureau may not require theIndiana resident to pay any civil penalty or any reinstatement or otherfee that is not also charged to other motor vehicles being registeredin 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.
IC 9-18-2-2
Registration; nonresidents
Sec. 2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, anonresident who owns a vehicle required to be registered under thisarticle may:
(1) operate; or
(2) permit the operation of;
the vehicle in Indiana without registering the vehicle or paying anyfees if the vehicle is properly registered in the jurisdiction in whichthe nonresident is a resident.
(b) An exemption granted to nonresident owners under thissection applies only to the extent that Indiana residents are grantedexemptions in the jurisdiction that is the residence of thenonresident.
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 ofthis article shall grant to a person who is a nonresident owner of avehicle privileges of vehicle operation in Indiana equal to theprivileges granted to an Indiana resident who owns or operates avehicle 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 beregistered under this article and that is:
(1) operated upon the highways for the transportation of personsor property for compensation; or
(2) carrying on intrastate business within Indiana and owningand 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 afixed terminus;shall register the vehicle and pay the same fees required by thischapter 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 underIC 9-29-5, and any applicable commercial vehicle excise tax underIC 6-6-5.5, the bureau may issue a license plate for each commercialvehicle registered to the registered owner of at least twenty-five (25)commercial vehicles. The license plate issued under this section fora commercial vehicle is valid for five (5) years.
(b) If the registered owner of at least twenty-five (25) commercialvehicles submits the application of registration for the commercialvehicles on an aggregate basis by electronic means, the bureau shallissue a certificate of registration that shall be carried at all times inthe vehicle for which it is issued.
(c) The registration for a commercial vehicle is void when theregistered owner:
(1) sells;
(2) disposes of; or
(3) does not renew the registration of;
the commercial vehicle. Neither the certificate of registration nor theplate may be transferred to another vehicle.
(d) This section does not relieve the owner of the vehicle frompayment of any applicable commercial vehicle excise tax underIC 6-6-5.5 on a yearly basis.
(e) The bureau shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 necessary toadminister 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 interstateand intrastate, in Indiana a trailer or semitrailer that is properlyregistered and licensed in another state if the trailer or semitrailer:
(1) does not have a fixed terminus or permanent base inIndiana; and
(2) is at the time being drawn or propelled by a tractor or truckthat is properly registered and licensed in Indiana if the traileror semitrailer is:
(A) properly registered and licensed in a jurisdiction otherthan Indiana; and
(B) is exempt from registration under this chapter if theowner has complied with the laws of the jurisdiction inwhich the trailer or semitrailer is registered to the extent thatthe jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered grants theexemptions and privileges to vehicles owned by residents ofIndiana 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), notwithstandingthe time of temporary residence in Indiana, a nonresident who ownsa vehicle that:
(1) must be registered under this article; and
(2) is operated intrastate upon the highways of Indiana solelyfor the purpose of transporting, for hire, nonprocessedagricultural 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 fromthe bureau in the form of a decal that must be displayed on thevehicle.
(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 ayear.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
IC 9-18-2-7
Annual registration; license plate display periods; unregisteredoperation prohibited; collection of fee; staggered registration
Sec. 7. (a) A person who owns a vehicle subject to registrationshall register each vehicle owned by the person as follows:
(1) A vehicle subject to section 8 of this chapter shall beregistered under section 8 of this chapter.
(2) Subject to subsection (g), a vehicle not subject to section 8or 8.5 of this chapter or to the International Registration Planshall be registered before:
(A) March 1 of each year; or
(B) an earlier date subsequent to January 1 of each year asset by the bureau.
(3) School buses owned by a school corporation are exemptfrom annual registration but are subject to registration underIC 20-27-7.
(4) Subject to subsection (f), a vehicle subject to theInternational Registration Plan shall be registered before April1 of each year.
(5) A school bus not owned by a school corporation shall beregistered subject to section 8.5 of this chapter.
(b) Registrations and reregistrations under this section are for thecalendar year. Registration and reregistration for school buses ownedby a school corporation may be for more than a calendar year.
(c) License plates for a vehicle subject to this section may bedisplayed 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 oroperates a vehicle may not operate or permit the operation of avehicle 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 chapterhas:
(1) been operated on the highways; and
(2) not been properly registered under this chapter;
the bureau shall, before the vehicle is reregistered, collect theregistration fee that the owner of the vehicle would have paid if thevehicle had been properly registered.
(f) The department of state revenue may adopt rules underIC 4-22-2 to issue staggered registration to motor vehicles subject tothe International Registration Plan.
(g) Except as provided in section 8.5 of this chapter, the bureaumay adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to issue staggered registration tomotor vehicles described in subsection (a)(2).
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.
IC 9-18-2-8
Registration schedule determined by bureau; issuance of plates andrenewal tags; registration of rental trucks; initial registration
Sec. 8. (a) The bureau shall determine the schedule forregistration 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 thantwenty-nine (29) days in the regular course of thecorporation's business; and
(B) have a declared gross weight of not more than eleventhousand (11,000) pounds.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, a person that owns avehicle shall receive a license plate, renewal tag, or other indiciaupon registration of the vehicle. The bureau may determine thedevice required to be displayed.
(c) A corporation that owns a truck that has a declared grossweight of not more than eleven thousand (11,000) pounds that isregularly rented to others for periods of not more than twenty-nine(29) days in the regular course of the corporation's business mustregister the truck before March 1 of each year.
(d) A person that owns a vehicle in a category required to beregistered under this section and desires to register the vehicle for thefirst 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 inaccordance with the procedure established by the bureau.
(e) Except as provided in IC 9-18-12-2.5, the bureau shall issue asemipermanent plate under section 30 of this chapter, or:
(1) an annual renewal tag; or
(2) other indicia;
to be affixed on the semipermanent plate.
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.
IC 9-18-2-8.5
Registration of school buses owned by a person other than a schoolcorporation
Sec. 8.5. (a) Notwithstanding section 8 of this chapter, a schoolbus owned by a person other than a school corporation shall beregistered before July 29 of each year.
(b) Registration and reregistration for a school bus under thissection is for one (1) year.
(c) A certificate of inspection as required under IC 20-27-7-16must accompany a registration and reregistration application of aschool bus under this section.
(d) A person registering a school bus under this section shall paythe annual registration fee required under IC 9-29-5-8 and any feesand service charges required of a vehicle registered under thischapter.
(e) Upon registration of a school bus under this section, thebureau 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 ofregistration 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, andlegality; rejection
Sec. 9. (a) The bureau shall use due diligence in examining anddetermining the genuineness, regularity, and legality of thefollowing:
(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 legalityof an application or the truth of a statement contained in anapplication 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, acertificate of registration of a motor vehicle, semitrailer, orrecreational vehicle and a license plate for a motor vehicle,semitrailer, or recreational vehicle, whether original issues orduplicates, may not be issued or furnished by the bureau unless theperson applying for the certificate of registration:
(1) applies at the same time for and is granted a certificate oftitle for the motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle;or
(2) presents satisfactory evidence that a certificate of title hasbeen previously issued to the person that covers the motorvehicle, 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 motor vehicle may be registered in Indiana only ifproof of financial responsibility in the amounts specified in IC 9-25is produced for inspection at the time an application for registrationis made in a form required by the bureau.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
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 controllaws (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 underIC 13-17-5-5.1(b) that the air pollution equipment is not ina tampered condition and the vehicle meets air emissioncontrol 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 mayapply 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 shallapply directly to the bureau in the state central office to registera vehicle; and
(2) person who is registered under the International RegistrationPlan shall apply to the department of state revenue under rulesadopted under IC 4-22-2.
(b) A person who registers a vehicle under subsection (a)(1) shallfile with the bureau or a license branch an application for theregistration of the vehicle upon an appropriate form furnished by thebureau.
(c) A person who registers a vehicle under subsection (a)(2) shallfile with the department of state revenue an application for theregistration of the vehicle upon an appropriate form furnished by thedepartment 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 taxunder IC 6-6-5 or the commercial vehicle excise tax underIC 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 InternationalRegistration Plan, the vehicle shall be registered at the department ofstate revenue under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2.
(c) A vehicle that is being leased and is not subject to the motorvehicle 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 owns a vehicle must sign an application
in ink to register the vehicle.
(b) An application to register a vehicle must contain thefollowing:
(1) The:
(A) name, bona fide residence, and mailing address,including the name of the county, of the person who ownsthe vehicle; or
(B) business address, including the name of the county, ofthe person that owns the vehicle if the person is a firm, apartnership, an association, a corporation, a limited liabilitycompany, or a unit of government.
If the vehicle that is being registered has been leased and issubject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5 or thecommercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, the applicationmust contain the address of the person who is leasing thevehicle. If the vehicle that is being registered has been leasedand is not subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5or the commercial vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5.5, theapplication must contain the address of the person who ownsthe vehicle, the person who is the lessor of the vehicle, or theperson who is the lessee of the vehicle. If a leased vehicle is tobe registered under the International Registration Plan, theregistration procedures are governed by the terms of the plan.
(2) A brief description of the vehicle to be registered, includingthe 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 atruck, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer.
(D) The type of body of the vehicle.
(E) The model year of the vehicle.
(F) Any other information reasonably required by the bureauto enable the bureau to determine if the vehicle may beregistered. The bureau may request the person applying forregistration to provide the vehicle's odometer reading.
(3) A space on the application in which the person registeringthe vehicle may indicate the person's desire to donate money toorganizations that promote the procurement of organs foranatomical gifts. The space on the application must:
(A) allow the person registering the vehicle to indicate theamount the person desires to donate; and
(B) provide that the minimum amount a person may donateis one dollar ($1).
Funds collected under this subdivision shall be deposited withthe treasurer of state in a special account. The auditor of stateshall monthly distribute the money in the special account to theanatomical gift promotion fund established by IC 16-19-3-26.The bureau may deduct from the funds collected under thissubdivision the costs incurred by the bureau in implementingand administering this subdivision. (c) The department of state revenue may audit records of personswho register trucks, trailers, semitrailers, buses, and rental cars underthe International Registration Plan to verify the accuracy of theapplication 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.
IC 9-18-2-17
Filing and indexing
Sec. 17. The bureau shall:
(1) file each application received; and
(2) when satisfied:
(A) of the genuineness and regularity of the application; and
(B) that the person applying for registration is entitled toregister the vehicle;
register the vehicle described in the application and keep a record ofthe application on suitable index cards under a distinctive registrationnumber assigned to the vehicle and in any other manner the bureauconsiders desirable for the convenience of the bureau.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
IC 9-18-2-18
International Registration Plan vehicles; certificates of registrationand plates; issuance for out-of-state vehicles
Sec. 18. The department of state revenue may issue a certificateof registration or a license plate for a vehicle that is:
(1) subject to registration under apportioned registration of theInternational Registration Plan; and
(2) based and titled in a state other than Indiana subject to theconditions 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 andcab cards
Sec. 19. (a) A person who owns or leases a vehicle required to beregistered under the International Registration Plan shall receive anapportioned plate and cab card as determined by the department ofstate revenue. The department of state revenue may acceptapplications on a schedule to be set under rules adopted underIC 4-22-2.
(b) A distinctive cab card:
(1) shall be issued for a vehicle registered under theInternational 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 beregistered by this chapter, shall issue a certificate of registration.
(b) The certificate of registration shall be delivered to the personleasing the vehicle or to the person who owns the vehicle and shallcontain upon the face of the card the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person leasing the vehicle orthe 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. Theapplication for a duplicate certificate of registration must beaccompanied 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) A person who registers a vehicle, except a person whoregisters a vehicle under the International Registration Plan, shallsign the person's copy of the certificate of registration in ink in thespace provided.
(b) A certificate of registration or a legible reproduction of thecertificate 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 shalldisplay the registration upon the demand of a police officer.
(c) A legible reproduction of the certificate of registration may bemade by any photostatic or similar process. The valid stamp must belegible on the reproduced copy.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
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 ormotor vehicle used in transporting passengers or property forhire; and
(2) has obtained a certificate of registration under this title;
is not required to pay another license fee, obtain any other license orpermit to use or operate the motor vehicle on the highways, ordisplay upon the motor vehicle any other number other than thenumber 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 asa recovery vehicle under IC 9-18-13. (b) A transport operator may, instead of registering each motorvehicle transported, make a verified application upon a formprescribed by the bureau and furnished by the bureau for a generaldistinctive registration number for all motor vehicles transported bythe transport operator and used and operated for the purposesprovided. The application must contain the following:
(1) A brief description of each style or type of motor vehicletransported.
(2) The name and address, including the county of residence, ofthe 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 numberscorresponding to the numbers of the certificates of registration. Atransport operator may obtain as many additional pairs of licenseplates as desired upon application and the payment to the bureau ofthe fee prescribed under IC 9-29 for each pair of additional licenseplates.
(d) A license plate or sign other than those furnished andapproved by the bureau may not be used.
(e) A transport operator license plate may not be used on a vehicleused or operated on a highway, except for the purpose of transportingvehicles in transit. A person may haul other vehicles or parts ofvehicles in transit in the same combination.
(f) A transport operator may not operate a vehicle or anycombination of vehicles in excess of the size and weight limitsspecified by law.
(g) A license plate shall be displayed on the front and rear of eachcombination, and if only one (1) motor vehicle is transported, alicense plate shall be displayed on both the front and rear of themotor vehicle.
(h) The bureau may adopt rules to prescribe the conditions underwhich transport operator license plates may be issued to a transportoperator who has been convicted of violating this section until thebureau issues the transport operator a new license plate.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
IC 9-18-2-24
Applications; destruction after three years
Sec. 24. The bureau may destroy applications for registration ofmotor vehicles that have been on file in the bureau for a period of atleast three (3) years.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
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 Statesgovernment;
the bureau may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to provide the type andnumber of license plates that will be furnished and displayed and themanner in which the plates must be displayed.
(b) Compliance with a rule adopted under this section satisfies theprovisions 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.
(2) For a tractor or dump truck, upon the front of the vehicle.
(3) For every other vehicle, upon the rear of the vehicle.
(b) A license plate shall be securely fastened, in a horizontalposition, 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 tobe clearly legible; and
(5) not obstructed or obscured by tires, bumpers, accessories, orother opaque objects.
(c) The bureau may adopt rules the bureau considers advisable toenforce the proper mounting and securing of license plates onvehicles 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.
IC 9-18-2-27
Prohibited displays; display of lawful additional information
Sec. 27. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), avehicle required to be registered under this chapter may not be usedor operated upon the highways if the motor vehicle displays any ofthe 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 purposeupon a:
(1) motor vehicle;
(2) trailer;
(3) semitrailer; or
(4) recreational vehicle;in addition to the license plates issued by the bureau under thischapter.
(c) After December 31, 2007, if a vehicle is registered as anantique motor vehicle under IC 9-18-12, an authentic Indiana licenseplate from the antique vehicle's model year may be displayed on thevehicle 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 underIC 9-18-18; or
(4) motor vehicles registered to former prisoners of war underIC 9-18-17;
that contain any of the numerals 1 through 100 following the prefixnumbers 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 vehiclemust register the vehicle with the bureau and pay the applicableregistration 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 ahighway or in a farm field, the person who owns the piece of specialmachinery must:
(1) register the piece of special machinery with the bureau; and
(2) pay the applicable registration fee.
As added by P.L.210-2005, SEC.25.
IC 9-18-2-30 License plates; issuance
Sec. 30. The bureau shall issue to the owner of each vehiclesubject to registration one (1) license plate upon the registration ofthe 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 ofthis chapter:
(1) remains the property of the bureau; and
(2) may be revoked, canceled, or repossessed as provided bylaw.
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 plateissued 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 whichthe 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 todesignate the type of vehicle registered; and
(4) shall be treated with special reflective material designed toincrease the visibility and legibility of the license plate.
(b) The bureau may issue license plates in a different size orcharacter if the bureau determines that the change is appropriate toeffect 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, thebureau shall issue a letter or other suitable designation as determinedby the bureau to each applicant for registration of the truck or trailerthat indicates the following:
(1) The type of vehicle that is registered.
(2) The gross weight of the load that may be hauled by thevehicle, including the unladen weight of the vehicle fullyequipped for service.
(b) The letter or other designation shall be displayed on thelicense plate or on the truck or trailer, as determined by the bureau,in accordance with the display of license plates as provided in thischapter.
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, mayrevise the vehicle identification name designated to be embossed ona given classification of license plates to reflect contemporarylanguage that is used to describe vehicles that must be registeredunder 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 anumeral that indicates the county in which the passenger car wasregistered.
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 ifthe person who registered the passenger motor vehicle or recreationalvehicle changes the person's county of residence during the term ofthe license plate. A person who registers a passenger motor vehicleor recreational vehicle and who changes the person's county ofresidence 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 theperson, 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 ofwritten 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 shallsuspend the registration of the vehicle identified in the notice.
(b) The bureau may decline to suspend the registration of thevehicle pending verification of the statements set forth in the writtennotice.
(c) The bureau shall promptly notify a vehicle's owner of thesuspension 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, orIC 13-17-5-4 has been corrected; or
(2) presentation of evidence to the bureau establishing that theviolation of IC 13-17-5-1, IC 13-17-5-2, IC 13-17-5-3, orIC 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 thevehicle pending verification of the statements set forth in a writtennotice provided under subsection (d)(1).
(f) The actions of the bureau under this section are subject toreview 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 thischapter.
(b) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class Cinfraction.
(c) A person who owns or operates or permits the operation of avehicle required to be registered under this chapter with expiredlicense 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 34-4-32before its repeal);
a person who violates section 1 of this chapter shall be assessed ajudgment equal to the amount of excise tax due under IC 6-6-5 orIC 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 acalendar year basis.
(c) The auditor shall distribute the judgments described undersubsection (b) to law enforcement agencies, including the state policedepartment, responsible for issuing citations to enforce section 1 ofthis chapter.
(d) The percentage of funds distributed to a law enforcementagency under subsection (c):
(1) must equal the percentage of the total number of citationsissued by the law enforcement agency for the purpose ofenforcing 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 lawenforcement 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 thischapter.
(b) A person who counterfeits or falsely reproduces a certificateof registration for a motor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehiclewith 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 aperson who uses or possesses a certificate of registration describedunder subsection (b) for ninety (90) days. This mandatory suspensionis 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 andplates
Sec. 43. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary but except asprovided in subsection (b), a law enforcement officer authorized toenforce motor vehicle laws who discovers a vehicle required to beregistered under this article that does not have the proper certificateof 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 suitableplace until:
(A) the legal owner of the vehicle can be found; or
(B) the proper certificate of registration and license plateshave been procured.
(b) Except as provided in IC 9-21-21-7(b), a law enforcementofficer who discovers a vehicle in violation of the registrationprovisions of this article has discretion in the impoundment of any ofthe 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 amotor vehicle, semitrailer, or recreational vehicle that is required tobe 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 motorvehicle that is registered outside Indiana but that is required to beregistered in Indiana commits a Class B misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.
IC 9-18-2-46
Reserved
IC 9-18-2-47
Rules for issuance and replacement of license plates
Sec. 47. (a) The commissioner shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2prescribing the cycle for the issuance and replacement of licenseplates under this article. The rules adopted under this section shallprovide that a license plate for a vehicle issued under this article isvalid 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 thischapter;
(2) general assembly and other state official license platesissued 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 anagreement authorizing a person to create and use a reproduction ofa license plate issued under this article.
(b) A person may not create or use a reproduction of a licenseplate issued under this article unless the creation or use of thereproduction is expressly authorized in writing by the commissioner.The commissioner may impose under IC 4-21.5 a civil penalty upona person who violates this subsection. The amount of a civil penaltyimposed 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 agreemententered 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 renewingthe registration for a motor vehicle that needs a new license plate thebureau may issue a temporary paper or cardboard license plate to theperson for use on the motor vehicle.
(b) A temporary license plate issued under subsection (a) is validfor thirty (30) days after the date of its issuance.
As added by P.L.97-1997, SEC.1.