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Clarifying How OWIs Affect Driving Records in Indiana
In Indiana, a charge or conviction for OWI—Operating While Intoxicated—carries serious consequences that extend beyond fines or court appearances. One of the most overlooked but important areas it affects is your driving record. Many drivers wonder whether an OWI stays on their record, for how long, and what kind of impact it can have over time.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains a detailed driving history for every licensed driver in the state. This record includes traffic violations, points, suspensions, and criminal offenses related to operating a vehicle. OWIs are not treated like typical traffic tickets—they are flagged as major offenses that stay on record for much longer.
Understanding how long an OWI stays on your Indiana driving record is essential if you want to know how it may influence insurance rates, license reinstatement, or your ability to drive in the future. This post breaks down how OWIs are recorded, how long they stay visible, and how multiple offenses can impact your driving status over time.
How Does Indiana Track OWI Offenses on Driving Records?
In Indiana, the BMV tracks driving behavior and violations in a central database tied to your license. When you’re arrested or convicted for OWI, the information is sent to the BMV and becomes part of your official driving record.
This is separate from your criminal record, which is managed by the court system. The driving record specifically deals with your legal ability to operate a vehicle and includes:
- OWI convictions
- Administrative license suspensions
- Points from traffic violations
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Habitual traffic offender designations
These records are used by the BMV to enforce penalties such as license suspensions and to determine whether a driver is at risk for longer-term sanctions.
Unlike minor traffic infractions, an OWI is considered a major violation, which means it stays on your record for a much longer period.
How Long Does an OWI Stay on Your Indiana Driving Record?
In Indiana, an OWI conviction typically stays on your driving record for at least 10 years, though in some cases it may remain permanently—especially if there are multiple offenses or aggravating factors.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- First-time OWI: Remains on record for a minimum of 10 years
- Multiple OWIs: May stay on record indefinitely
- Habitual Offender Status: Can result in extended license suspension and a longer-lasting record presence
The BMV uses this 10-year window to determine whether a driver is a repeat offender, to apply appropriate penalties, and to flag high-risk individuals for possible license revocation. This timeline can also influence how insurance companies and employers evaluate your risk level.
There is no automatic removal process after 10 years. The OWI simply stops being counted toward certain administrative penalties, but it may still appear on your long-form driving history.
Can You Remove an OWI From Your Driving Record in Indiana?
No, Indiana does not offer a removal or expungement process for OWIs from your driving record, even if the offense is later expunged from your criminal record. The BMV keeps its own separate records, which are used for administrative purposes like license eligibility and compliance monitoring.
This means that even if you:
- Complete probation
- Fulfill all court requirements
- Successfully expunge the OWI from your criminal history
…the offense may still be visible to insurance companies and remain in BMV records for internal use. This is especially relevant when applying for auto insurance or trying to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
The only way the OWI might no longer appear on certain summary driving reports is after an extended period, depending on the requestor and the level of detail they are allowed to access. But for internal BMV use, OWIs may be retained much longer.
How Do Insurance Companies Use OWI Driving Records?
Insurance providers frequently check BMV driving records to determine risk and set premiums. An OWI on your driving record signals a high-risk profile, which can lead to:
- Significantly higher insurance rates
- Denial of standard insurance policies
- Requirement to file an SR-22 form to maintain coverage
Insurers usually look back three to five years, but a major violation like OWI can affect your rates well beyond that. Some companies may apply surcharges or restrictions as long as the OWI appears in your driving history.
Since expunging a criminal record doesn’t erase the OWI from the BMV’s file, insurance consequences often persist even after legal proceedings are concluded.
If you have multiple OWIs or a history of high-risk driving, your options for coverage may become limited, and you could be required to maintain SR-22 insurance for an extended period.
What Happens if You Get Multiple OWIs in Indiana?
Repeat OWI offenses in Indiana result in harsher driving-related penalties, and they also stay on your driving record longer or even permanently. Key consequences of multiple offenses include:
- Designation as a Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) if you receive two or more OWI convictions within a 10-year span
- License suspension for 5 to 10 years depending on severity
- Potential permanent revocation of driving privileges for habitual offenders
The Indiana BMV tracks all OWI convictions to determine HTV status. Once labeled an HTV, drivers may find it extremely difficult to regain full license privileges.
Each additional OWI compounds the record, making it more likely that you’ll face extended driving restrictions and higher insurance costs for many years.
How Is the Driving Record Used by Employers or Government Agencies?
While most job background checks focus on criminal records, some employers—particularly those in transportation, delivery, or law enforcement—also check driving records.
- Employers may request a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from the BMV to view driving offenses
- Government agencies, especially those issuing CDLs, will use driving history to determine eligibility
Having an OWI on your Indiana driving record can disqualify you from jobs that require a clean license or commercial driving status. Even if your criminal record is sealed, your BMV record may still show the offense.
Indiana does not currently allow for the sealing or expungement of driving history, which means it remains available for employer and agency review if they request it through official channels.
Is There Any Way to Reduce the Impact of an OWI on Your Driving Record?
Although you cannot erase an OWI from your Indiana driving record, there are steps you can take to reduce its future impact:
- Practice safe driving: Avoid future violations to prevent additional points or designations.
- Maintain continuous insurance: Avoid lapses in coverage, even if premiums are high.
- Fulfill all legal and administrative penalties: This includes SR-22 requirements and reinstatement fees.
- Ask your insurance company when the offense will stop affecting your rate—some adjust pricing over time.
While the OWI itself will remain, positive driving behavior going forward can help rebuild your profile and reduce how heavily the offense is weighted in risk assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWIs and Driving Records in Indiana
How long does an OWI stay on your Indiana BMV record?
At least 10 years, and possibly longer for repeat offenses. The BMV uses this record to track violations and apply penalties.
Can you expunge an OWI from your driving record?
No. Unlike criminal records, Indiana does not allow expungement of BMV driving history.
Does expunging an OWI from your criminal record affect insurance?
No. Insurers look at your BMV driving record, not your criminal record.
Will employers see OWIs on your driving record?
Yes, if they request a motor vehicle report. This is common for jobs involving driving.
What is HTV status in Indiana?
HTV stands for Habitual Traffic Violator. You may be labeled as HTV if you have two or more OWIs in a 10-year span, resulting in extended license suspension.
Can an OWI affect your license renewal?
In some cases, yes. If you’re under suspension or labeled HTV, you may be ineligible to renew your license until restrictions are lifted.
Conclusion: Understanding Driving Record Impact of an Indiana OWI
In Indiana, an OWI conviction goes on your BMV driving record and stays there for a minimum of 10 years—often longer for multiple offenses. Unlike a criminal record, your driving history cannot be expunged or sealed, meaning the OWI will continue to affect your insurance premiums, license status, and eligibility for certain jobs well into the future.
Knowing how the BMV treats OWI offenses can help you manage long-term consequences, from understanding your rights to maintaining responsible driving habits. While the offense stays on your record, you can still take steps to minimize its impact over time.
To explore more about the long-term consequences of OWI convictions, visit our page on DUI Records and Long Term Impact.
For information about how long an OWI stays visible on both your criminal and driving record, visit How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.