Indiana § 9-21-8-52 - Reckless driving; passing a school bus with extended stop arm; penalty; license suspension

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52 — Reckless driving; passing a school bus with extended stop arm; penalty; license suspension, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-21-8-52. Reckless driving; passing a school bus with extended stop arm; penalty; license suspension

Sec. 52. (a) A person who operates a vehicle and who recklessly:

(1) drives at such an unreasonably high rate of speed or at such an unreasonably low rate of speed under the circumstances as to:

(A) endanger the safety or the property of others; or

(B) block the proper flow of traffic;

(2) passes another vehicle from the rear while on a slope or on a curve where vision is obstructed for a distance of less than five hundred (500) feet ahead;

(3) drives in and out of a line of traffic, except as otherwise permitted; or

(4) speeds up or refuses to give one-half (1/2) of the roadway to a driver overtaking and desiring to pass;

commits a Class C misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury to a person.

(b) A person who operates a vehicle and who recklessly passes a school bus stopped on a roadway or a private road when the arm signal device specified in IC 9-21-12-13 is in the device's extended position commits a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if it causes bodily injury to a person, and a Level 5 felony if it causes the death of a person.

(c) If an offense under subsection (a) results in damage to the property of another person, it is a Class B misdemeanor and the court may recommend the suspension of the current driving license of the person convicted of the offense described in subsection (a) for a fixed period of not more than one (1) year.

(d) If an offense under subsection (a) causes bodily injury to a person, the court may recommend the suspension of the driving privileges of the person convicted of the offense described in this subsection for a fixed period of not more than one (1) year.

(e) In addition to any other penalty imposed under subsection (b), the court may suspend the person's driving privileges:

(1) for ninety (90) days; or

(2) if the person has committed at least one (1) previous offense under this section or IC 9-21-12-1, for one (1) year.

[Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-4-1-56.1.]

As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.127-1993, SEC.1; P.L.1-2005, SEC.103; P.L.70-2009, SEC.3; P.L.217-2014, SEC.49; P.L.188-2015, SEC.77; P.L.198-2016, SEC.364; P.L.144-2019, SEC.2.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 9-21-8-52

What does Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52 cover?

Section 9-21-8-52 ("Reckless driving; passing a school bus with extended stop arm; penalty; license suspension") 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 § 9-21-8-52?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52" (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 § 9-21-8-52 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.