Indiana is called the Crossroads of America for a reason. Thousands of semi trucks cross our state every day, so who sits behind the wheel matters to every Hoosier on the road. This year, a new Indiana CDL law changed the rules for getting and keeping a commercial driver’s license. Since it took effect, nearly 1,800 truck drivers have lost their licenses, WFYI reported.
At Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped people hurt in semi truck crashes since 1936. So here’s a plain look at what the Indiana CDL law does, why lawmakers passed it, and what it means for you if a truck crash turns your life upside down.
What the New Indiana CDL Law Does
The law is House Enrolled Act 1200, written by State Rep. Jim Pressel. Gov. Mike Braun signed it in March and held a ceremonial signing on April 20. Here are the main changes:
- Drivers must pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests in English or American Sign Language
- Non-domiciled CDLs, which are licenses issued to drivers from other countries, expired on April 1 unless the driver holds an H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 work visa
- The Bureau of Motor Vehicles must revoke a CDL when a driver loses legal status to stay in the country
- Using a fake CDL or false records is a Level 6 felony, and the driver can face a $5,000 fine
- Companies that hire an ineligible driver can be fined up to $50,000
Why Lawmakers Passed It
Supporters of the Indiana CDL law pointed to several deadly semi truck crashes in Indiana. One of them happened in Hendricks County in February, where police say a semi ran a red light and hit a pickup. Rep. Pressel said the goal is simple. Every commercial driver should be able to read road signs and understand instructions from police.
The law also lines Indiana up with new federal rules on non-domiciled CDLs. By April, the BMV said nearly all of these licenses in Indiana had been pulled. About 400 drivers appealed, and none of the appeals reviewed so far had been reinstated.
Other Changes in the Indiana CDL Law
The same bill also made a few changes that affect everyday drivers:
- The minimum age for a driver’s license dropped from 16 years and 90 days to 16, starting July 1
- Drivers over 75 can now use an eye exam from the last 60 days to renew, up from 30 days
- INDOT can’t use variable speed limits on Indiana roads
Why Semi Truck Safety Matters to Everyone
A loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s about 20 times more than a typical car. As a result, the people in the smaller vehicle usually suffer the worst injuries when the two collide.
The numbers back this up. According to NHTSA’s large truck crash data, 5,472 people died in crashes involving large trucks across the country in 2023. Another 153,452 people were hurt. Seventy percent of the people killed were in other vehicles, not in the truck. That’s why the Indiana CDL law, along with good training and hiring rules, matters so much.
What to Do After a Semi Truck Crash
First, call 911 and get medical care, even if you feel fine. Next, take photos of the scene, the truck, and your injuries if you can. Also, write down the trucking company name and the USDOT number on the side of the cab.
After that, be careful about what you say. The trucking company’s insurer may call you quickly, so read our tips on talking to insurance after a truck accident first. Important evidence can disappear fast, too. For example, a truck’s black box, the driver’s logbook, and the company’s hiring records can show what went wrong. Under the Indiana CDL law, a driver’s license status and the company’s hiring choices may also become part of your claim.
Finally, keep the deadline in mind. In most cases, Indiana gives you two years to file an injury claim. Learn more in our guide on how long you have to file a car accident claim in Indiana.
How Keller & Keller Can Help
Keller & Keller handles semi truck accident claims, car accident cases, and wrongful death cases across Indiana. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll meet you at home, in the hospital, or virtually. With our Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win. Your focus should be on recovery. Let us handle the trucking company.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash with a semi, call our Indianapolis office at (317) 926-1111 or 1-800-253-5537. You can also contact us online any time.
This post is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. Law details come from WFYI, 21Alive, and the Indiana House Republicans. Crash data comes from NHTSA.
