Ind. Code ch. 9-18.1-4

Ind. Code ch. 9-18.1-4
in effect

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-1 Registration; proof of registration

Sec. 1. (a) If the bureau determines that a person applying for registration is entitled to register the vehicle, the bureau shall: (1) register the vehicle described in the application; (2) issue the person a certificate of registration; and (3) issue proof of registration for display on the vehicle. (b) The bureau may issue under subsection (a)(3): (1) a regular license plate under this article; or (2) if the person satisfies the applicable requirements under IC 9-18.5, a distinctive license plate designed and issued under IC 9-18.5. [Pre-2016 Revision Citations: subsection (a) formerly 9-18-2-8(b); 9-18-2-17(a); 9-18-2-20(a).] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-2 Requirement to carry certificate of registration; violation

Sec. 2. (a) The bureau shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 regarding the size, character, and content of a certificate of registration. The bureau may issue a certificate of registration by electronically delivering or providing access to an electronic certificate of registration. (b) A certificate of registration or a legible reproduction of the certificate of registration must be carried: (1) in the vehicle to which the registration refers; or (2) by the individual operating or in control of the vehicle, who shall display the registration upon the demand of a police officer. (c) An individual who fails to carry a certificate of registration or a legible reproduction of a certificate of registration as required under subsection (b) commits a Class C infraction. [Pre-2016 Revision Citations: 9-18-2-20; 9-18-9-3; subsection (b) formerly 9-18-2-21.] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326. Amended by P.L.227-2025, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-3 Display of proof of registration; rules

Sec. 3. The bureau shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 regarding the size, character, display, mounting, securing, content, issuance, replacement, and life cycle of license plates, temporary license plates, renewal stickers, and other proof of registration. [Pre-2016 Revision Citations: 9-18-2-8; 9-18-2-25; 9-18-2-32; 9-18-2-33; 9-18-2-36; 9-18-2-38; 9-18-2-47; 9-18-2-49; 9-18-9-3; 9-18-13-1.] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-4 Display of license plates; violation

Sec. 4. (a) License plates shall be displayed on a vehicle as follows: (1) For a tractor, a dump truck, or a truck with a rear-mounted forklift or a mechanism to carry a rear-mounted forklift or implement, upon the front of the vehicle. (2) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), for every other vehicle, upon the rear of the vehicle. (b) A license plate shall be: (1) securely fastened, in a horizontal and upright position that displays the registration expiration year in the upper right corner, to the vehicle for which the plate is issued: (A) to prevent the license plate from swinging; (B) at a height of at least twelve (12) inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the license plate; and (C) in a place and position that are clearly visible; (2) maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible; and (3) not obstructed or obscured by tires, bumpers, accessories, or other opaque objects. (c) Subject to subsection (b), an interim license plate issued or used by a dealer licensed under IC 9-32 or used by a manufacturer must be displayed: (1) in the manner required under subsection (a) for the type of vehicle on which the interim license plate is displayed; or (2) in a location on the left side of a window that is: (A) facing the rear of the motor vehicle; and (B) clearly visible and unobstructed. A plate displayed under subdivision (2) must be affixed to the window of the motor vehicle. (d) A temporary license plate issued by the bureau must be displayed in the same manner as an interim license plate under subsection (c). (e) Upon the renewal of a registration under this article, a license plate other than a temporary license plate must display a renewal sticker: (1) that is securely affixed in the upper right corner of the license plate; and (2) that covers the previous registration expiration year. (f) A person that violates this section commits a Class C infraction. [Pre-2016 Revision Citations: 9-18-2-26; subsection (c) formerly 9-32-6-11(f).] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326. Amended by P.L.164-2018, SEC.2; P.L.111-2021, SEC.17.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-5 Operation of vehicle on highway without proper proof of registration; violation

Sec. 5. (a) A vehicle required to be registered under this article may not be used or operated on a highway if the vehicle displays any of the following: (1) A license plate belonging to any other vehicle. (2) A fictitious registration number. (3) A sign or placard bearing the words "license applied for" or "in transit" or other similar signs. (b) A person that operates a vehicle in violation of subsection (a) commits a Class C infraction. [Pre-2016 Revision Citation: 9-18-2-27.] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-6 Transfer of ownership of vehicle; expiration of registration

Sec. 6. (a) If the ownership of a vehicle registered under this article is transferred, except a transfer from a manufacturer or a dealer licensed under IC 9-32: (1) the registration of the vehicle expires; and (2) the person transferring ownership of the vehicle shall remove the license plate and certificate of registration from the vehicle. (b) Not more than thirty (30) days after a transfer of ownership of a vehicle registered under this article, the person transferring ownership of the vehicle may deliver: (1) the certificate of registration of the vehicle; and (2) proof of the transfer of ownership of the vehicle; to the bureau. Upon receipt of the certificate of registration and proof of transfer, the bureau shall indicate in the records of the bureau that the person has transferred ownership of the vehicle. A copy of a certificate of title endorsed under IC 9-17-3-3.4 constitutes proof of transfer of ownership under subdivision (2). [Pre-2016 Revision Citation: 9-18-6-4(a).] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326. Amended by P.L.3-2017, SEC.2; P.L.256-2017, SEC.110.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-7 Proof of registration remains property of bureau

Sec. 7. A license plate or other proof of registration issued by the bureau under this article or IC 9-18.5: (1) remains the property of the bureau; and (2) may be revoked, canceled, or repossessed as provided by law. [Pre-2016 Revision Citation: 9-18-2-31.] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-8 Sale of false certificate of registration; violation

Sec. 8. A person that knowingly sells, offers to sell, buys, possesses, or offers as genuine a certificate of registration for a vehicle that is required to be issued by the bureau and has not been issued by the: (1) bureau under this article; or (2) appropriate governmental authority of another state; commits a Class C misdemeanor. [Pre-2016 Revision Citation: 9-18-2-44.] As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.326.

Ind. Code § 9-18.1-4-9 Notice of motor vehicle safety recall; fee for providing information prohibited; liability

Sec. 9. (a) The bureau may provide notice of a manufacturer issued motor vehicle safety recall to the owner of a motor vehicle at the time the owner of the motor vehicle: (1) registers; or (2) renews registration for; a motor vehicle subject to a manufacturer issued safety recall. (b) The bureau may not charge a fee for providing the information described in subsection (a). (c) The following are not liable for any act or omission related to the providing of manufacturer issued motor vehicle safety recall information under this section: (1) The bureau. (2) The commissioner. (3) An employee of the bureau. (4) Any third party vendor responsible for supplying the bureau with manufacturer issued motor vehicle safety recall information. As added by P.L.178-2019, SEC.39.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/9Fetched: 10/17/2026