Cal. Civ. Code § 22-11-18-5
Violations; offenses
Operative Text
Sec. 5. (a) An owner of a hotel or motel who violates this chapter commits a Class A infraction, except as provided by subsection (b). (b) An owner of a hotel or motel commits a Level 6 felony if: (1) the owner knowingly or intentionally violates section 3 of this chapter; and (2) bodily injury or loss of life occurs as a result of a fire in the building. (c) Except as provided in section 5.5 of this chapter, a person who violates section 3.5 of this chapter commits a Class D infraction. As added by Acts 1982, P.L.141, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.311-1983, SEC.42; P.L.176-1991, SEC.6; P.L.17-2008, SEC.2; P.L.158-2013, SEC.260.
Indiana Code § 22-11-18-5 establishes the penalty structure for violations of the hotel and motel fire safety chapter. A hotel or motel owner who commits a general violation of the chapter faces a Class A infraction. However, if an owner knowingly or intentionally violates the specific requirements of section 3 of the chapter and a fire in the building results in bodily injury or loss of life, the offense is elevated to a Level 6 felony. Separately, violations of section 3.5 of the chapter (with certain exceptions under section 5.5) are classified as a Class D infraction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 22-11-18-5, hotel and motel owners face a tiered enforcement framework tied to the nature and consequences of any noncompliance. Operators who maintain full compliance with all provisions of the fire safety chapter—including the specific requirements of sections 3 and 3.5—avoid both infraction-level penalties and the risk of felony exposure. Because a knowing or intentional violation of section 3 that results in fire-related injury or death carries Level 6 felony consequences, compliant operators typically ensure that fire safety systems, equipment, and procedures meet all statutory requirements on an ongoing basis.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Guests and residents of hotels and motels in Indiana benefit from the enforcement framework established by Ind. Code § 22-11-18-5, which holds owners accountable for fire safety violations through civil infractions and, in serious cases, felony charges. If a guest believes a hotel or motel is not meeting the fire safety requirements referenced in this chapter, they may consider reporting concerns to local fire marshals, building inspectors, or the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand what protections apply and what general enforcement paths may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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