Indy Standard

State Rep. Alex Zimmerman's bill aimed at enhancing criminal penalties for unlicensed drivers is now awaiting consideration by the governor. This bill proposes new criminal enhancements for individuals driving without ever receiving a license, escalating the potential charge to a Level 5 or 6 felony if the unlicensed driver is involved in an incident causing bodily injury, catastrophic injury, or death.

Under the current law, driving without a license is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which can be upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor if the defendant has prior convictions. Zimmerman highlighted a tragic incident involving Brad Castner, a 27-year-old Holton resident, who was killed in a collision with an unlicensed driver. Due to the lack of enhancements in the Indiana Code, the maximum charge faced by the driver responsible was a Class A misdemeanor.

Zimmerman expressed the need for this legislative change, stating, "This increased penalty is a deterrent to ensure those who do not have a license refrain from getting behind the wheel." He acknowledged the tragedy experienced by the Castner family, hoping that the legislation would prevent similar incidents. Zimmerman emphasized that "Operating on our roads is a privilege, not a right, and our laws should reflect these serious offenses."

Statistics from the Indiana Office of Court Services indicate that between 2020 and 2024, there were 2,697 convictions for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license in Indiana, categorized as either a Class A or Class C misdemeanor. Furthermore, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that unlicensed drivers were involved in nearly 11,000 fatal crashes in 2021.

For more details on House Enrolled Act 1114 and to watch the session, interested parties can visit iga.in.gov.