TRANSPORTATION
Indianapolis is known as the "Crossroads of America," boasting more interstate highways bisecting the city than any other in the nation. Approximately half the nation’s population lies within a day’s drive from this region, although Indianapolis International Airport offers direct flights to more than 100 destinations for those who prefer air travel. Amtrak passenger rail, national bus lines, regional bus services, municipal airports, and a network of major state highways ensure efficient transportation throughout the metropolitan area.
Major Highways
In addition to a network of Interstate highways, the metro loop 465 and several federal highways, the Indianapolis area is criss-crossed by a large number of well-maintained state routes.
Interstates 65, 69, 70, 74
Metro Loop 465
U.S. Highways 31, 36, 40, 52, 136, 421
State Routes 9, 13, 28, 32, 37, 38, 39, 44, 47, 67, 135, 144, 234, 238, 431
Motor Vehicle Information
New residents to the state must apply for an Indiana driver's license as well as register and title all vehicles. The state requires documentation that includes the Social Security number in the applicant's name, proof of the identity, and proof of Indiana residency. Your legal birth certificate or valid U.S. passport serves as the primary identification document and also provides proof of age when required. For answers to specific questions, contact:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate
Indianapolis 317-233-6000
www.in.gov/bmv
Automobile Registration & Titling
New Indiana residents must title their vehicle(s) within 60 days of becoming a resident. You must bring your title document from the previous state of residence and obtain a statement from a law enforcement officer or other qualified person affirming that the VIN on the out-of-state title is the same as your vehicle's. This information must be taken to a license branch in the county in which you want to reside. The vehicle must be titled in the registrant's name before it can be registered and a license plate can be issued.
Other required documentation are a certificate of origin and an odometer statement. You will also have to apply for a title before the license branch can sell you a license plate. All registrants are required to provide the name of their current insurance company and policy number. If you are registering the car as an individual, Indiana law requires you to provide your social security number.
Safety Regulations
Indiana is a "seat belt" state. Indiana has enacted a law that allows law enforcement officers to pull over and ticket motorists solely because the driver or front-seat passenger is not wearing a seat belt. Before the seat-belt law became a primary enforcement law in 1998, officers could only issue a ticket for non-compliance if they stopped the driver for another offense. Motorcycle drivers under the age of 18 and those with a motorcycle learner's permit are required to wear a helmet and eye protection.
Vehicle safety laws in regard to children are divided into age groups. Up to the age of four, the child must be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system in all seating positions within a moving vehicle. Children from age 4 up to age 12 must be properly secured by a child passenger restraint system or seat belt in all seating positions. It is strongly recommended all children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Watercraft Registration
Every motorized watercraft principally used on the waters of Indiana must be registered unless it is legally registered in another state and has not been in Indiana for more than 60 consecutive days. Motorized sailboats must also be registered. Non-motorized sailboats do not have to pay a registration fee, but they must pay excise taxes and other appropriate fees. Jet skies and other personal watercraft are considered motorized watercraft and are processed the same as any motorized boat. To register your watercraft, bring proof of ownership (Indiana watercraft title or out-of-state title) to your local license branch. For answers to specific questions, contact:
Vehicle Services Help Desk
317-232-2859
www.in.gov/bmv