Moped Law & Other Non-Standard Indiana Laws

  • A motorized bicycle, commonly known as a “moped,” is defined under Indiana law as a two or three-wheeled vehicle, is propelled by a motor or engine, has no more than two-horse power, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission and a maximum design speed of 25 miles per hour. Vehicles with engines exceeding these limits are motorcycles, and a person must meet the licensing requirements to legally operate such a vehicle. (You are technically covered under the moped law of your own state for registration, insurance, etc; but make sure to carry a copy of that law and proof of residence with you in case you get pulled over for breaking Indiana moped laws.  In reality the law enforcement community in Indiana doesn't enforce this law, and scooters abound that will exceed 40mph and are ridden under the moped clause)  A manufacturer’s certificate of origin or a certificate of title, if any, to the vehicle will indicate whether such vehicle is a motorized bicycle or a motorcycle.  The following requirements apply to the operator of a motorized bicycle:
    • An operator of a motorized bicycle must be at least 15 years of age.
    • An operator of a motorized bicycle must have a valid driver’s license or have a current BMV-issued identification card in his or her possession.
    • A motorized bicycle may not be operated on an interstate highway or at a speed in excess of 25 miles per hour.
    • If an individual is less than 18 years of age, he or she is required to wear protective headgear and protective glasses, goggles or transparent face shield.
  • Alcohol sales are limited to on-premises in restaurants and wineries on Sundays.  No alcohol sales are permitted on Christmas, New Year's Day, or Election Days prior to polls closing.  Minors, including babies, are not allowed to enter a liquor store.
  • Waitresses may not carry drinks into a restaurant or bar.
  • Hotel sheets must be exactly 99 inches long and 81 inches wide.
  • If any person has a puppet show, wire dancing or tumbling act in the state of Indiana and receives money for it, they will be fined $3 under the Act to Prevent Certain Immoral Practices.
  • Anyone 14 or older who profanely curses, damns or swears by the name of God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, shall be fined one to three dollars for each offense, with a maximum fine of ten dollars per day.
  • A three dollar fine per pack will be imposed on anyone playing cards in Indiana under the Act for the Prevention of Gaming.
  • The value of Pi is 3 (Engrossed Bill No. 246…delayed for over 100 years so not actually a law, although it passed in the house of representatives...).
  • It is illegal for a man to be sexually aroused in public (this is considered nudity in Indiana as the definition includes “the showing of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.”)
  • One may not sniff glue (this law also makes sniffing butane or acetone illegal).
  • A person must get a referral from a licensed physician if he or she wishes to see a hypnotist unless the desired procedure is to quit smoking or lose weight.
  • Baths may not be taken between the months of October and March.
  • It is illegal to sell cars on Sunday.
  • Oral sex is illegal.
  • A man over the age of 18 may be arrested for statutory rape if the passenger in his car is not wearing her socks and shoes, and is under the age of 17.
  • It is against the law to pass a horse on the street.
  • It is illegal for a liquor store to sell cold soft drinks.
  • Liquor stores may not sell milk.
  • Grocery stores may not sell any type of cold liquor.
  • You can get out of paying for a dependent’s medical care by praying for him/her.
  • One man may not back into a parking spot becasue it prevents police officers from seeing the license plate.
  • Smoking in the state legislature building is banned, except when the legislature is in session.
There are a few laws in Indiana that may differ from what you're accustomed to in your state.  The most important of which, and probably the least obscure, is that alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays (with the exception of "on-premises" sales during certain hours).  However, here's a list of obscure laws that might surprise you.  Don't say we didn't warn you.