Indy Standard

The Indiana House has approved a bill proposed by State Representative Alex Zimmerman, aimed at increasing criminal penalties for unlicensed drivers. The legislation, known as House Bill 1114, seeks to introduce harsher consequences for those driving without a license, particularly if their actions result in bodily harm or fatalities.

Current laws classify operating a vehicle without ever having received a license as a Class C misdemeanor. This can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor if the individual has prior unrelated convictions. Zimmerman's bill proposes adding two new levels of felony charges—Level 5 or Level 6—if an unlicensed driver causes bodily injury, catastrophic injury, or death.

Zimmerman emphasized the importance of road safety: "Our roads are used every day, and they need to be as safe as possible so Hoosiers can get from point A to point B," he stated. "These increased penalties could help discourage unlicensed drivers from getting on the road and putting others at risk."

Data from the Office of Fiscal Management Analysis indicates that between 2020 and 2024, there were 2,697 convictions in Indiana for operating a motor vehicle without a driver's license. An incident highlighted by Zimmerman involved Brad Castner, who was killed last March in Holton due to a collision with an unlicensed driver. Under current law limitations, the driver faced only up to a Class A misdemeanor charge.

In addition to addressing direct offenses by unlicensed drivers, Zimmerman's bill targets fraudulent activities related to licenses. It introduces penalties for those who intentionally transfer licenses or permits unlawfully. Furthermore, it mandates that unlicensed drivers found responsible for accidents must cover the insurance deductible for victims not at fault.

The bill passed through the House with bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate for further evaluation.