What is the consequence of refusing to submit to a chemical test under Indiana's "implied consent" law?

Under Indiana's "implied consent" law, refusing to submit to a chemical test, which is typically used for detecting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the presence of drugs, results in an automatic suspension of driving privileges for one year. This law operates under the premise that by driving on Indiana roads, drivers implicitly consent to such tests if law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe they are under the influence.

The rationale for this consequence is to discourage individuals from refusing testing, which could impede the enforcement of DUI laws and public safety efforts. By implementing an automatic suspension, the law aims to uphold the integrity of road safety measures and deter drivers from attempting to evade accountability for impaired driving. Consequently, the duration of the suspension serves both as a punitive measure and as a means to encourage compliance with law enforcement procedures aimed at ensuring safer roads.