Lake County, IN – New residents across Lake County are being urged to register their out-of-state vehicles within 60 days, as Cedar Lake Police ramp up enforcement of Indiana’s registration laws. The department says late registration can lead to towing, impoundment, and even jail time under state statute.
According to the Cedar Lake Police Department, failing to register an out-of-state vehicle is not treated as a simple traffic citation. Under I.C. 9-18.1-2-12, a person who knowingly keeps a vehicle registered in another state while primarily residing in Indiana commits a Class B misdemeanor. Officers say this law is increasingly relevant as more out-of-state residents move into northwest Indiana.
The department has begun circulating an informational letter with utility bills to help new residents understand what documents they need. According to police, the required paperwork includes the out-of-state certificate of title, an Indiana title application (Form 205-R10), proof of residency, a Social Security number, and a VIN inspection. VIN checks, completed by a Cedar Lake officer, cost $5.
Police say the push aims to protect local infrastructure funding and ensure compliance with state registration requirements. “If you reside in Indiana as your primary residence, you are required to have an Indiana registration plate,” the department wrote in its public notice.
Residents can submit completed documents to their local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Cedar Lake Police encourage anyone with questions to contact the department directly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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