Compare neighboring states

Why compare neighboring states

Rules change the moment you cross a state line. Comparing neighboring states helps commuters who live in one state and work in another, families planning a move, riders on a weekend trip and anyone who might buy a car across the border. Each comparison lists all nine topics side by side, explains the differences in plain English and links to both state guides.

Neighboring states with the biggest differences

The largest car tax gaps between neighboring states, on a $30,000 car at the state rate:

• California vs. Oregon: $2,025 (7.25% vs. 0.5%)
• Nevada vs. Oregon: $1,905 (6.85% vs. 0.5%)
• Oregon vs. Washington: $1,890 (0.5% vs. 6.8%)
• Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire: $1,875 (6.25% vs. None)

The biggest jumps in top speed limits between neighboring states:

• District of Columbia vs. Virginia: 15 mph (55 vs. 70)
• District of Columbia vs. Maryland: 15 mph (55 vs. 70)
• Nevada vs. Oregon: 10 mph (80 vs. 70)
• Idaho vs. Oregon: 10 mph (80 vs. 70)

Alaska and Hawaii have no neighboring states, so they are not listed here; their state guides compare them with the rest of the country.

What each comparison covers

Every page lines up the same nine rules for two neighboring states: the top speed limit, the phone law, the learner's permit age, minimum car insurance, car sales tax, inspections, deadlines for new residents, the helmet law and lane splitting. Rules that match are grouped together, and the differences are explained one by one with the numbers for both sides. Each comparison also names the main roads and cities on either side of the border and ends with a short checklist for anyone moving between the two neighboring states.