(INDIANAPOLIS) -Source: WRTV -
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles says federal and state law require it to release and sell certain driver and vehicle information, responding publicly for the first time to privacy concerns raised by drivers.
In an interview with WRTV Investigates, BMV General Counsel Matt Kestian said the practice is governed by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act. The law limits how data can be used but allows access for specific purposes such as law enforcement, insurance claims, vehicle recalls, towing notices and toll collection.
Kestian said the general public cannot access driver records and only licensed or authorized entities may obtain the data for approved uses.
According to WRTV, Indiana makes about $26 million a year from selling driver data. The BMV says it audits companies that receive the information and has suspended more than 200 businesses since 2017 for violations, though audit details are not made public.
Unlike some states, Indiana does not allow drivers to opt out of data sharing. A bill filed by State Rep. Greg Porter of Indianapolis would create an opt-out option and is scheduled for a legislative hearing in early February.
BMV officials say the data is tightly restricted and cannot be used for marketing, while privacy advocates continue to call for more transparency and consumer choice.