State comparison · Updated October 2026
Illinois vs. Indiana Driving Laws (2026)
Illinois and Indiana part ways on 4 of 9 topics we track: car insurance, car sales tax, new resident deadline and helmet law.
A drive from Chicago to Indianapolis takes you across the border, and 4 of the laws switch at the line. Main routes include I-90 on the Illinois side and I-65 in Indiana; the capitals, Springfield and Indianapolis, write the laws for each side.
What changes most: newcomers get 30 days in Illinois versus 60 days in Indiana ahead of the first deadline. Drivers based in Aurora heading to Fort Wayne, and back, obey both sets of rules: Illinois's on I-55 and Indiana's once they cross on I-70. Use the Illinois vs Indiana guide when moving from Chicago and Indianapolis.
On a weekend drive from Springfield to Indianapolis, keep a helmet and proof of insurance, plan the route before leaving, and watch for the same 70 mph top limit at the line.
| Topic | Illinois | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Hands-free law | Hands-free law |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 15 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | 25/50/20 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 6.25% | 7% |
| Car inspection | Emissions only | Emissions only |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 60 days |
| Helmet law | No helmet law | Under 18 |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws side by side: Illinois vs Indiana
Illinois vs Indiana: Illinois and Indiana have the same rule for max speed limit (70 mph), phone law (Hands-free law) and learner's permit age (Permit at 15).
Owning a car compared: Illinois vs Indiana
Illinois vs Indiana: Illinois and Indiana agree on Emissions only for car inspection.
Minimum car insurance requirements: Illinois vs Indiana
The rule is higher in Indiana on car insurance, with Illinois with 25/50/20 and Indiana with 25/50/25. Illinois is at-fault and Indiana is at-fault. Coverage bought in Chicago has to be rewritten when you settle in Indianapolis.
Car sales tax: Illinois vs Indiana
Illinois is lower on car sales tax: Illinois at 6.25% and Indiana at 7%. For a $30,000 purchase, state tax comes to roughly $1,875 in Illinois versus $2,100 in Indiana. Shoppers in Aurora and Fort Wayne owe the tax of the state where they register, wherever they buy.
Moving deadlines: Illinois vs Indiana
Indiana is longer on new resident deadline: Illinois at 30 days and Indiana with 60 days. Families moving from Aurora into Fort Wayne can book DMV appointments ahead.
Motorcycle compared: Illinois vs Indiana
Illinois vs Indiana: Illinois and Indiana have the same law for lane splitting: Not permitted.
Helmet law: Illinois vs Indiana
The law is stricter in Indiana on helmet law: Illinois at no helmet law and Indiana with under 18. Riders crossing from Chicago toward Indianapolis must obey Indiana's helmet rule at the border.
Moving or buying across the border
- Illinois vs Indiana: relocating from Illinois to Indiana means 60 days to register the car and 60 days for the license switch.
- The other way: 30 days to register and 90 days to switch licenses.
Illinois vs Indiana: FAQ
Which has the higher speed limit, Illinois or Indiana?
Indiana and Illinois each allow up to 70 mph.
Which state taxes vehicles less, Illinois or Indiana?
Illinois costs less at the state level (6.25% vs. 7%).
Is a motorcycle helmet mandatory in both Illinois and Indiana?
Illinois: No helmet law; Indiana: Under 18.