IndyCar reveals penalty guidelines

IndyCar president of competition Jay Frye’s Race Control lineup of Dan Davis, Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis will be basing their judgment calls off the following rules.

We suggest you bookmark this page for reference throughout the year.

For most of the violations, there is a minimum penalty (Min.), middle penalty (Mid.), and maximum penalty (Max.). But IndyCar emphasizes that any punishment can also be followed up with a post-event penalty.

ON-TRACK PENALTIES

1.1.1.3 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
IndyCar may penalize any Member and/or exclude any Member or equipment from any Event if IndyCar deems any act, any omission, any condition to be hazardous and/or not meeting the specifications, requirements, spirit, illustrations, and/or intent of, the Rules. Acts, omissions or conditions that may warrant penalty and/or exclusion include without limitation any action which IndyCar deems to be a threat to or a violation of the integrity or safety of IndyCar, the IndyCar Series and/or orderly conduct of the Event, and/or which relates to the design or construction of a Car or repairs to a damaged Car.
Min. $2,500 Fine / Mid. $10,000 Fine / Max. Stop and hold

4.4.3 NO IN-CAR RADIO COMMUNICATION
During all on-Track Events, radio communication between the Driver and the Entrant’s pit is required at all times.
Min. Warning / Mid. Stop and repair attempt, next stop / Max. Give up position, time penalty

7.1.3.1 YIELD TO SAFETY VEHICLES
Ovals Events - All Drivers shall reduce speed immediately, maintain position, and yield to safety vehicles and/or personnel.
7.1.3.3. Full Course Yellow All Events During a Race - All Drivers are required to reduce speed and proceed with caution, observe the flags, maintain position, and yield to safety vehicles and personnel. Upon the commencement of a full course Yellow Condition, IndyCar shall close the pits. The Safety Car will be dispatched and pick up the leader. Drivers are required to form a single file line and pack up behind the Safety Car. Cars not packing up in an expedient manner may be passed only upon approval by IndyCar.
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, stop and park

7.1.3.1 YELLOW FLAG – OVALS
All Drivers shall reduce speed immediately, maintain position, and yield to safety vehicles and/or personnel.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and go/hols

7.1.3.2 LOCAL YELLOW SPEED
Road/street courses (local) - All Drivers shall reduce speed by a minimum of 15% or greater if conditions warrant and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is not permitted between the first Yellow Condition and the subsequent Green Condition.
Mid. 11.9-9% Warning, Delete lap / Max. 8.9-0% Delete lap, post-event review

7.1.3.5 IMPROPER BLENDING
The pit lane will start and end at points designated by IndyCar. The pit entrance and pit exit lanes are considered part of the Track. Drivers exiting the pit lane shall rejoin the pack relative to the position they are to the Safety Car and/or Cars on the Racing Surface as they cross the blend line. The blend line is the time line that determines the sequential order of Cars on-Track relative to Cars exiting pit lane under a Yellow Condition. Taking improper position upon leaving the pit lane or failing to follow the direction of IndyCar may result in a penalty. IndyCar’s determination of the order is not subject to review and/or appeal.
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through

7.1.3.8 FAILURE TO PACE THE FIELD/ STAY WITH THE PACE CAR
IndyCar shall determine if the leader or any other Car fails to pace the Race as directed. IndyCar shall determine the type and timing of any penalty, as it deems appropriate. Such decision is not subject to review and/or appeal.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through

7.1.7.2 FAILURE TO MONITOR TEAM BROADCAST FREQUENCY AND OBEY RACE CONTROL COMMANDS
"Team Broadcast Frequency" - The radio frequency used by IndyCar to provide direct communication to Entrants during Events. The spotter (if applicable) and a representative of the Entrant in the Entrant's pit must both monitor the Team Broadcast Frequency. Entrants failing to monitor the Team Broadcast Frequency shall be charged with knowledge of communication on such frequency and are subject to penalty. Participant's radios, with the exception of Officials, must not be capable of transmitting on this frequency. Participants failing to follow directions may be penalized.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, disqualification

7.2.5.2 FAILURE TO HEED THE BLUE COMMAND FLAG
At Road/Street Course Events, when displayed from the starters stand to a Lapped Car, as ordered directly by IndyCar, the blue flag is a command to immediately give way. During the Race, any Car failing to give way within one (1) lap of the display of the blue flag from the starters stand will be penalized.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and park

7.2.9 EXTRA LAP AFTER CHECKERED FLAG/PRACTICE-QUALIFICATIONS
Checkered - The practice session, qualifying session or Race is completed. All Drivers must enter the pits after receiving the checkered flag.
Min. Warning / Mid. Loss of track time / Max. Loss of 2 fast laps and no advance

7.2.9 EXTRA LAP AFTER CHECKERED FLAG/RACE
The practice session, qualifying session or Race is completed. All Drivers must enter the pits after receiving the checkered flag.
Min. Warning / Mid. Loss of track time

7.3.6 SHORTCUTS
A Car will not be permitted to advance or maintain its position relative to other Cars due to an excursion off the Racing Surface unless the excursion was due to the Car taking evasive action. If evasive action results in the advancement of position relative to Cars on-Track, IndyCar may reposition Cars in accordance with Rule 9.2.2.4.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.5.4 JUMPING START
All Drivers must maintain their relative positions until the Green Condition is declared. If a Driver improperly improves his/her position prior to the declaration of the Green Condition, the Driver may be penalized. Except as provided in Rule 12.2.1, the imposition or non-imposition of a penalty may not be reviewed and/or appealed.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.6.1.2 LAGGING BACK/OUT OF LINE ON START OR RESTART
Single file restarts will be in effect at all Events. After the starter gives the "one (1) lap to go" signal and prior to the restart, Cars must line up in single file formation with no gaps or lagging between Cars. In the event of a restart with 15 laps or less remaining, all Cars not on the lead Car lap will be moved to the rear of the field.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.1.3.10 JUMPING RESTART/IMPROPER ORDER
Overtaking the Safety Car or another Car during a Yellow Condition without authorization by Officials may result in a penalty.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.1.3.9. PASSING UNDER FULL COURSE YELLOW
During the Yellow Condition, no Car may pass another Car unless:
7.1.3.9.1. The other Car is stopped on the Track or the Driver of the other Car has waved by all of the passing Cars in an IndyCar-designated location and promptly confirms such action by communication to IndyCar;
7.1.3.9.2. The other Car is not maintaining the pace lap speed;
7.1.3.9.3. Either Car is in the pit lane boundaries.
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.1.3.10 PASSING SAFETY CAR
Overtaking the Safety Car or another Car during a Yellow Condition without authorization by Officials may result in a penalty.
Mid. Stop and Go/Hold / Max. Lap penalty

7.7.1 PARTS FALLING OFF / MECHANICAL BLACK FLAG
IndyCar shall determine whether a Car involved in a crash or with a hazardous mechanical condition will be permitted to continue in the Event or must first return to the pit lane or the garage area for necessary repairs.
Mid. Stop and fix / Max. Stop and park

8.1.4 INTENTIONALLY ATTEMPT TO DELAY QUALIFICATIONS
IndyCar may penalize any Member attempting to delay or delaying qualifications.
Min. Warning / Mid. Loss of qualifying time / Max. Loss of points

8.3.7 QUALIFYING INTERFERENCE
8.3.7.1. If a Car causes a Yellow Condition that interferes with the qualifications attempt of another Car, the Car’s best timed lap during that segment shall be disallowed.
8.3.7.2. If a Car interferes with the qualifications attempt of another Car, as determined by IndyCar a) If the violation occurs during Segment One or Segment Two, the Car’s best two timed laps during that segment shall be disallowed, and the Car shall not advance to the next segment. b) If the violation occurs during Segment Three [Firestone Fast Six], all Segment Three times shall be voided and the Car shall not be permitted to participate in the remainder of qualifying.
Min. Yellow condition, loss of best lap in that segment / Mid. Segment 1 & 2 – loss of best 2 timed laps, and not advance to next segment / Max. Segment 3 - Times voided and not permitted to continue qualifying

9.3.1 UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE BEHAVIOR ON TRACK
Improper Conduct - Any Member attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing; IndyCar; and/or to the IndyCar Series, whether during an Event or on/off the Track, may be subject to any or all penalties.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Park

9.3.2 BLOCKING
A Driver must not alter his/her racing line to pursuing Drivers.
Mid. Give up track position / Max. Drive through, stop and hold

9.3.3. AVOIDABLE CONTACT
The primary responsibility for avoiding contact with a Competitor resides with the overtaking Competitor and the secondary responsibility resides with the Competitor(s) being overtaken. A Competitor who fails to demonstrate their responsibility and initiates a maneuver that results in contact with another Competitor may be penalized.
Mid. Give up track position / Max. Drive through, stop and hold

9.3.4  TEAM TACTICS AND/OR TEAM ORDERS
Team tactics and/or Team Orders are actions or omissions by one or more Members to artificially influence, affect, alter, and/or otherwise interfere with the normal course of an on-Track Event. Team Tactics and/or Team Orders are not permitted. If IndyCar determines one or more Members attempted to or engaged in Team Tactics and/or Team Orders, IndyCar may issue a penalty to any or all of the Members, including without limitation any or all of a Team's Car/Driver combinations.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Park

PIT LANE PENALTIES

1.1.2.2 IMPROPER PIT ENTRY
IndyCar reserves the right to revise the Rules at any time, including, without limitation, prior to or during an Event. Notices, bulletins, supplementary Rules, regulations, and penalties are effective on the date and time issued, regardless of the date and time when a Member receives actual notice. (Race specific & advised in Drivers Meeting)
Min. Warning / Mid. Give up track postion/time penalty / Drive through

7.1.3.3 d) EXTRA WORK WHEN PITTING UNDER A CLOSED PIT
Only required work may be performed on the Car while the pits are closed. If required work is performed on the Car while the pits are closed, the Car must restart from the back of the field. IndyCar will may penalize any Competitor who performs work on its Car other than required work.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.1.3.6 USING PIT LANE TO IMPROVE POSITION RELATIVE TO CARS ON TRACK OR SAFETY CAR
A Car must not use pit lane to improve its position relative to the Safety Car or any Car remaining on the Racing Surface, but a Car may improve its position relative to other Cars in pit lane.
Mid. Drive through / Max. Stop and Go/Hold

7.10.1 HITTING PERSONNEL
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.8. Contact with personnel or hitting equipment and causing it to contact personnel;
Mid. Back of the field, drive through / Max. Drive through, stop and go/hold

7.10.1 HITTING EQUIPMENT 
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized: 
7.10.1.5. Car that makes contact with its own pit equipment outside of standard pit stop procedures while entering or exiting its pit stall causing a safety issue and/or causing the pit equipment to leave its assigned pit and/or impeding the progress of any other Car; 
7.10.1.6. Car that makes contact with another Car’s pit equipment, causing a safety issue and/or impacting that Car’s pit stop and/or impeding the progress of any Car.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, stop and go/hold

7.10.1 CONTACT WITH ANOTHER CAR
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.7 Contact with another car.
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.10.1 UNSAFE RELEASE OF CAR FROM PITS
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.10. Unsafe release of a Car from its pit box;
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.10.1 LANE USAGE
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.1. Failing to follow designated procedures entering or exiting the pit area, including the proper use of the acceleration and deceleration lanes;
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.10.1 LEAVING PIT WITH EQUIPMENT ATTACHED
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.2. Attempting to leave the assigned pit with air hoses, fuel hoses, tools or other equipment attached to or hanging from the Car;
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.10.1 ENTERING WRONG PIT BOX CAUSING INTERFERENCE
Any of the following matters and any others which may be determined by IndyCar may be cause for a Car to be penalized:
7.10.1.9. Car entering a pit other than the Car’s assigned pit must continue around the Track and stop on the next available lap.
Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.12 SPEEDING – PRACTICE
A speed limit of 50mph at all Road/Street Course Events and 60mph at all Oval Events will be enforced within the pit lane areas defined by painted lines, cones and/or other visible markings.
Min. 50.01-55mph warning / Mid. 55mph + Drive through

7.9.12 SPEEDING - QUALIFYING AND RACE
A speed limit of 50mph at all Road/Street Course Events and 60mph at all Oval Events will be enforced within the pit lane areas defined by painted lines, cones and/or other visible markings.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.16 MISSING PIT BOX
A Driver who passes the Driver's assigned pit must continue around the Track and stop on the next available lap. A Car is considered to be in its assigned pit box if the inside rear tire is inside the assigned pit box, has not crossed the centerline and the Driver has not impeded the progress of any other Car.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.17 DISRUPTION OF EVENT, INTERFERE WITH ACTIVITIES
Any Competitor who, in the opinion of IndyCar attempts to, or positions a Car, equipment, and/or personnel so as to create a hazard or disruption of the Event or to interfere with the activities of another Competitor may be penalized.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.2 OVER THE WALL WITHOUT PROPER GEAR
Any on-Track activity declared to be run under Race conditions requires attire for pit personnel as set forth in Rule 1.2.7.2.
7.10.1.11. Pit personnel not wearing proper attire as set forth in Rule 1.2.7.2;
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.3 UNSAFE RE-ENTRY FROM GARAGE
Cars will not be permitted to enter or exit the garage area under their own power. They must be pushed or towed with a Member in the Car who is able to access the brake pedal at all times.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.5 TOO MANY CREW OVER THE WALL
For each Car, a maximum of six (6) crewmembers plus the Driver is permitted on the Track side of the pit wall at any one time when the Car is making a pit stop. They may assume their positions immediately before the Car arrives.
7.10.1.12. More than six crew members are on the Track side of the pit wall during a Race;
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold

7.9.6 EQUIPMENT OUT OF THE PIT BOX
Equipment and tires on the Track side of pit wall must be attended by a crewmember at all times. The outside front tire changer must have his/her foot on the tire until the Car enters the pit.
Min. Warning / Mid. Back of the field / Max. Drive through, Stop and go/hold  

OFF-TRACK PENALTIES

1.2.3.4 FAILURE TO REPORT TO THE MEDICAL CENTER
Any other Member involved in a crash or injured in an incident during an Event must report to the medical center or as directed by IndyCar before departing the Race Location prior to the conclusion of the Event.
Min. Warning / Mid. Community service/PR time / Max. Suspension

9.3.1.8 FOUL LANGUAGE / HAND GESTURES
Using improper, profane, or disparaging language or gestures in reference to any Official, Members or anyone else or improper, profane or disparaging language or gestures in reference to, concerning or connected in any way with IndyCar, the IndyCar Series, or any Event and could result in additional penalties as determined by IndyCar.
Min. Warning, monetary fine / Mid. Community service/PR time / Max. Suspension

9.3.7 SOCIAL MEDIA VIOLATION
Competitors and Officials must comply with provisions of the IndyCar Social Media Policy at all times.
Min. Warning, monetary fine / Mid. Community service/PR time / Max. Suspension