Indiana § 14-16-1-20 - Operation on highways and roads
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 14-16-1-20 — Operation on highways and roads, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-16-1-20. Operation on highways and roads
Sec. 20. (a) Except as provided in IC 9-21-1-3(a)(14) and IC 9-21-1-3.3, an individual may not operate a vehicle required to be registered under this chapter, under IC 9-18-2.5 (before its expiration), or under IC 9-18.1-14 upon a public highway, street, or rights-of-way thereof or on a public or private parking lot not specifically designated for the use of vehicles, except under the following conditions:
(1) A vehicle may be operated on the public right-of-way adjacent to the traveled part of the public highway, except a limited access highway, if there is sufficient width to operate at a reasonable distance off and away from the traveled part and in a manner so as not to endanger life or property.
(2) The operator of a vehicle may cross a public highway, other than a limited access highway, at right angles for the purpose of getting from one (1) area to another when the operation can be done in safety. The operator shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding across a public highway and shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.
(3) Notwithstanding this section, a vehicle may be operated on a highway in a county road system outside the corporate limits of a city or town if the highway is designated for this purpose by the county highway department having jurisdiction.
(4) A law enforcement officer of a city, town, or county or the state may authorize use of a vehicle on the public highways, streets, and rights-of-way within the officer's jurisdiction during emergencies when conventional motor vehicles cannot be used for transportation due to snow or other extreme highway conditions.
(5) A vehicle may be operated on a street or highway for a special event of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule only under permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction. The event may be conducted on the frozen surface of public waters only under permit from the department.
(b) An individual less than fourteen (14) years of age may not operate a vehicle without immediate supervision of an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age, except on land owned or under the control of the individual or the individual's parent or legal guardian.
(c) Except as provided in IC 9-21-1-3(a)(14) and IC 9-21-1-3.3, an individual may not operate a vehicle on a public highway without a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
(d) A vehicle may not be used to hunt, pursue, worry, or kill a wild bird or a domestic or wild animal.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-11.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.42; P.L.198-2016, SEC.642; P.L.256-2017, SEC.184.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 14-16-1-20
What does Indiana Code § 14-16-1-20 cover?
Section 14-16-1-20 ("Operation on highways and roads") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 14-16-1-20?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 14-16-1-20" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 14-16-1-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.