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Safety Laws in Indiana

Helmet Laws
Motorcycle
Riders and operators under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
Bicycles
There are no bicycle helmet laws.
Headlights
Vehicles
Headlights must be turned on:
- Between dusk and dawn.
- When visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less.
Snowmobiles
- Snowmobiles must be equipped with at least one headlight.
- Headlights must be turned on between dusk and dawn.
Bicycles
Bicycles being ridden between dusk and dawn on a public highway must be equipped with:
- A front white light visible up to 500 feet.
- Either a rear red reflector or a red light visible up to 500 feet.
- A sounding device able to be heard from 100 feet is required; the use of sirens or whistles is prohibited.
For all the laws regarding bicycles and motorized bicycles, you can reference the statutes directly.
Cell Phones and Texting
- Drivers younger than 18 are banned from texting and cell phone usage.
- All drivers, regardless of age, are banned from text messaging while driving. Fines of up to $500.
Seat Belts
All passengers in vehicles that have seatbelts must use them while in forward motion.
Child Car Seat Laws
- All children under the age of eight are required by law to ride in a vehicle while secured in either a child safety seat or a booster. The lone exception is if your child is too large to properly fit into either seat. In this case your child must be secured with a safety belt.
- All kids between the ages of eight and 15 years old must use seat belts.
If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.
Reporting Drunk and/or Dangerous Drivers
Call 911 if you suspect a driver of being a vehicular-Waterloo waiting to happen. Try to tattle as much information as possible, including the vehicle's license plate number, make, location and direction.
Reporting Unattended Kids in Cars
Dial 911 if you suspect a child left alone inside a vehicle of being in danger. Remain with the vehicle until authorities arrive.
Reporting Unattended Pets Inside Vehicles
Call your local police authority if you suspect an unattended pet left inside a vehicle of being in danger. Try, if possible, to remain with the vehicle until the police arrive.
Other Topics in This Section
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Recalls
- Tire Recalls
- How Emotions Affect Driving
- Driving in Hazardous Conditions
- Teen Drivers: A Beginner's Guide
- Seniors: When To Turn Over The Car Keys
- Packing Your First-Aid Kit
- Seven Senior Safety Suggestions
- Wildlife on the Road
- When to Call Wildlife Rescue
- Taking A Mature Driver Course
- Medications & Driving
- Night Driving
- Hallucinations on the Road
- How To Drive Distraction Free
- Treating Motion Sickness
- Road Rage: How To Deal With It
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