Recent Indiana OWI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
July 1, 2026
SB 251: tougher minimums for repeat OWI
With one prior OWI, the court must now order at least 10 days in jail (was 5) or community service. With two priors, at least 20 days (was 10). The bill also gave courts discretion over pretrial license suspension.
July 1, 2026
SB 251: interlocks for alcohol cases only; boats covered by OWI
An ignition interlock may be ordered only when the OWI involved alcohol, not controlled substances. “Vehicle” in the OWI law now includes watercraft, and the separate boating-while-intoxicated crime was repealed.
2026
HEA 1249: blood test offered after fatal crashes
Officers must offer a chemical test that includes a blood test to any driver they believe was operating a vehicle involved in a fatal crash.
Official sources
- Indiana BMV — Common Traffic Violations (OWI suspensions)
- Indiana BMV — Hearing and Review
- Indiana BMV — Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR22)
- Indiana BMV — Driver’s Manual, Chapter 5
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Impaired Driving
- Indiana Office of Court Services — CMV / Driver Enforcement Deskbook
- Indiana Office of Court Services — Driving Privileges
- Indiana Office of Court Services — Criminal Case Expungement
- Indiana Code 35-38-9 (2026)
- Indiana Code Title 9 (2026)
- Hamilton County Superior Court — Misdemeanor and Level 6 Felony Advisement
- Indiana Criminal Code 2015 (Grant County courts)
- Indiana Courts Legislative Update — OWI penalties (SB 251, 2026)
- Indiana Court Times — 2026 Legislative Update
- Indiana Office of Court Services — Court Alcohol & Drug Program
- Indiana Supreme Court — Rules for Court-Administered Alcohol and Drug Programs
- Lawrence County Prosecutor — Pretrial Diversion Program
- Indiana Office of Court Services — Trial Court Fee Manual (2026)
- Marion County Local Court Rules
- Allen Superior Court — Misdemeanor & Traffic Court
- Allen Superior & Circuit Court — Local Criminal Rules
- Vanderburgh Circuit and Superior Court Rules
- Vanderburgh Superior Court — Location
- St. Joseph County — Traffic & Misdemeanor Division
- Carmel City Court
Educational information, not legal advice. Indiana law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), acting on court orders and talk to a licensed Indiana attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.