What action constitutes operating a vehicle according to Indiana law?

In Indiana law, operating a vehicle is defined primarily by the act of exercising control over its steering. This means that if a person is in the driver's seat and has the ability to maneuver the vehicle, they are considered to be operating it, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary. The law is designed to encompass situations where a person has the capacity to direct the operation of the vehicle clearly, thereby ensuring that individuals can be held accountable for their actions in those circumstances.

The other scenarios described, such as sitting in the passenger seat, walking beside the vehicle, or only driving on a public road, do not meet the legal definition of operating because they do not involve direct control over the vehicle's movement. Consequently, only exercising control over the steering encompasses the essence of what it means to operate a vehicle under Indiana law.