§ 34-33-3-1 Operation of vehicle as appointment of secretary of state as attorney for service of process

Codes > Indiana Code > Title 34 > Article 33 : Chapter 3 > 34-33-3-1 Operation

34-33-3-1 Operation of vehicle as appointment of secretary of state as attorney for service of process

    Sec. 1. (a) This chapter applies to:

        (1) a nonresident;

        (2) a resident of Indiana who becomes a nonresident; or

        (3) the authorized agent of a person described in subdivision (1) or (2);

    who operates a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway or any other place in Indiana.

    (b) The operation of a motor vehicle by a person described in subsection (a) is considered to be an appointment by the person of the secretary of state to be the person's attorney upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding against the person arising from an accident or collision in which the person may be involved while operating or permitting to be operated a motor vehicle on a street or highway or any other place in Indiana.

    (c) The operation is an agreement that process against the person has the same legal force and validity as if served upon the person personally.

    (d) The appointment of the secretary of state is irrevocable and binding upon the executor or administrator of the person.