More Indianapolis drivers can now resolve traffic violations without going to court

Crystal Hill, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

Update: This story was updated March 15, 2022, with current contact information for the programs through the prosecutor's office.

More Indianapolis drivers can now resolve certain traffic violations without having to appear in court, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced Wednesday.

Mears’ office is expanding access to one program and introducing another aimed at easing the process of addressing traffic tickets and summons, according to a news release.

Through Project Valid, individuals who received a summons for misdemeanor offenses of driving while suspended or operating a motor vehicle without a license will be able to receive a valid driver’s license.

“We know that the current public health crisis has caused confusion and some individuals have delayed addressing traffic tickets," Mears said in the news release. "We want to work with drivers to make the process as smooth as possible so that they can address the violation and move on."

Fifth Amendment ruling: Woman did not have to unlock smartphone for police

If the person successfully completes the Project Valid process, there will be no criminal prosecution. Exactly what the process entails, however, depends on what specific infraction the person is seeking to resolve. The person would typically fill out a form that asks for a case number and what type of resolution is being sought (a plea agreement, deferral, etc.). Someone from the prosecutor's office would then reach out to the individual.

The process of resolving the violation usually takes about 12 months, Michael Leffler, a spokesman for the prosecutor's office, told IndyStar.

Mears' office is also expanding access to the Safe Driver Deferral Program. The program allows drivers who are facing a traffic infraction to keep the offense from appearing on their driving record by paying a one-time fee and agreeing not to commit any further traffic violations for six months.

The fee is usually the price of the ticket the driver was given, Leffler said.

Support our journalism

Please support the work of IndyStar reporters and visual journalists by becoming a subscriber today. Get unlimited digital access here!

Mears says that certain moving violations and seat belt infractions are typically eligible for deferral.

Here's how to participate:

Contact IndyStar reporter Crystal Hill at 317-444-6094 or cnhill@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @crysnhill.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis traffic court: Here's an easier way to deal with tickets