Vehicle Maintenance for Safe Driving in Indiana

1. What is the minimum age for obtaining a Vehicle Maintenance license in Indiana?


In Indiana, the minimum age to obtain a Vehicle Maintenance license is 18 years old.

2. What are the legal requirements for Vehicle Maintenance inspections in Indiana?


The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires that vehicles registered in Indiana must pass an annual safety inspection. This inspection must be performed at an authorized inspection station and includes a standard safety check of the vehicle’s brakes, lights, steering, and suspension. The BMV also requires that a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification be done for vehicles that are newly registered or that have been registered out of state.

3. What are the laws concerning window tinting for vehicles in Indiana?


In the state of Indiana, vehicles may not have tinted windows in the front of the vehicle. The rear and rear side windows may be tinted, but they must meet certain requirements. The back window must have a light transmittance of at least 25%, while the side windows must have a light transmittance of at least 35%. Additionally, the window tinting material must not be red, yellow, or amber in color.

4. Are there any Vehicle Maintenance requirements for registered drivers in Indiana?


Yes, registered drivers in Indiana are required to maintain their vehicles and ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Indiana requires an annual safety inspection, and vehicles must also maintain current registration and insurance.

5. What are the laws concerning the use of safety belts in vehicles in Indiana?


In the state of Indiana, all front seat passengers must wear a safety belt or use a child safety seat appropriate for the passenger’s size and age. Additionally, all passengers under the age of 16 must wear a safety belt regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Fines for not wearing a safety belt start at $25.

6. Are there any laws requiring daytime running lights on vehicles in Indiana?


No, there are currently no laws in Indiana requiring vehicles to have daytime running lights.

7. Are any emissions tests required for vehicles in Indiana?


Yes, emissions tests are required for vehicles in Indiana. The tests are required for all vehicles that are model year 1996 or newer and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,501 lbs or less. Vehicles registered in the Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties must have an emissions test every two years. All other counties require emissions tests every three years.

8. What are the laws concerning the use of cell phones while driving in Indiana?


In Indiana, it is illegal for drivers of any age to use a hand-held phone while driving. This includes talking on the phone, texting messages, checking email, browsing the internet, playing games, and other activities. Drivers are allowed to use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or earpieces to talk on the phone while driving, but they are not allowed to hold the device in their hands or use their hands to manipulate it. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of cell phone while driving.

9. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of tires on vehicles in Indiana?


Yes, Indiana requires that vehicle tires must be of adequate size and in good condition with no visible defects. The tread must be at least 1/16 of an inch deep and all tires must be properly inflated. Tires on trailers must be in the same condition as tires on other vehicles operating on the road.

10. Are any restrictions imposed on the carrying of hazardous materials on vehicles in Indiana?


Yes, Indiana does impose restrictions on the carrying of hazardous materials on vehicles. Specifically, Indiana has regulations requiring the labeling of hazardous material containers, vehicle placarding, shipping papers, and special documentation for transporting hazardous materials. Furthermore, all hazardous material carriers must meet the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and register with the Indiana Department of Transportation.

11. Are there any restrictions concerning the use of car horns in Indiana?


Yes. Indiana law states that car horns should only be used “when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation.” Additionally, a vehicle’s horn should not be used “unreasonably or in a willful or wanton manner.” Excessive use of horns is considered a Class C infraction and can result in fines up to $500.

12. Are there any laws concerning headlights and tail lights for vehicles in Indiana?


Yes. According to the Indiana Code, headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, and during times of poor visibility such as fog or heavy rain. Headlights must also be used when any vehicle is traveling at less than 25 miles per hour. Tail lights must also be illuminated at all times when the vehicle is in motion. All lights must be in good working order and must be visible from the front and rear of the vehicle.

13. What is the speed limit for drivers passing through school zones in Indiana?


The speed limit for drivers passing through school zones in Indiana is 20 mph.

14. Are any restrictions imposed on the use of radar detectors on vehicles in Indiana?


Yes, there are restrictions on the use of radar detectors on vehicles in Indiana. According to Indiana law, it is illegal to use a radar detector in a commercial motor vehicle (truck, bus, etc.). Additionally, some cities and towns may have ordinances that restrict or prohibit the use of radar detectors in a personal vehicle.

15. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of brakes on vehicles in Indiana?


Yes. In Indiana, the law requires that motor vehicle owners must keep their vehicles in good working order, including keeping brakes properly adjusted. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles also provides a guide to Vehicle Maintenance Requirements which outlines the necessary maintenance for all vehicle types, including brakes.

16. What is the legal driving age for minors in Indiana?


The legal driving age for minors in Indiana is 16 years old.

17. Are any regulations imposed on the use of headlights when it rains or snows in Indiana?


Yes. Indiana law requires drivers to use their headlights when visibility is reduced due to precipitation, including rain and snow. Headlights should be used any time the visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less. Additionally, drivers should always use their low beams when it is raining or snowing.

18. Are any safety regulations imposed on school buses operating within Indiana?


Yes, Indiana has safety regulations for school buses. The Indiana Department of Education requires that all public school buses must follow the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as well as the Indiana School Bus Safety Rules. This includes standards for the vehicle itself, such as the size and type of bus, as well as standards for the driver, such as driver qualifications and safety requirements.

19. Are there any laws concerning seat belt usage for passengers under the age of 16 in Indiana?


Yes, in Indiana, all passengers aged 16 and under are required to wear a seat belt.

20. Are there any noise pollution regulations imposed on motor vehicles operating within Indiana?


Yes. The Indiana Bureau of Air Quality sets standards for motor vehicle noise, in accordance with the State Regulations for Air Pollution Control (310 IAC 8). These regulations set limits on the noise that can be produced by motor vehicles when operated on highways or public roads.