State comparison · Updated October 2026
Illinois vs. Iowa Driving Laws (2026)
Illinois and Iowa differ on 4 of 9 topics we track: learner's permit age, car insurance, car sales tax and car inspection.
On a trip from Chicago to Des Moines takes you across the border, and 4 of these laws switch at the line. Key roads include I-90 on the Illinois side and I-80 in Iowa; the capitals, Springfield and Des Moines, set the laws for each side.
The largest difference: minimum coverage differs: 25/50/20 versus 20/40/15. Drivers based in Aurora heading to Cedar Rapids, or the other way around, follow both rulebooks: Illinois's on I-55 and Iowa's once they cross on I-35. Use the Illinois vs Iowa guide when moving from Chicago or Des Moines.
For a quick visit from Springfield to Des Moines, keep your documents and proof of insurance, set navigation ahead of time, and expect the same 70 mph top limit after crossing.
| Topic | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Hands-free law | Hands-free law |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 15 | Permit at 14 |
| Car insurance | 25/50/20 | 20/40/15 |
| Car sales tax | 6.25% | 5% |
| Car inspection | Emissions only | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | No helmet law | No helmet law |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws side by side: Illinois vs Iowa
Illinois vs Iowa: Illinois and Iowa agree on max speed limit (70 mph) and phone law (Hands-free law).
Learner's permit age: Illinois vs Iowa
Iowa is earlier on learner's permit age, with Illinois at permit at 15 and Iowa with permit at 14. A new driver from Chicago driving to Des Moines must obey Iowa's permit rules there.
Owning a car compared: Illinois vs Iowa
Illinois vs Iowa: Iowa and Illinois agree on new resident deadline: 30 days.
Car insurance: Illinois vs Iowa
Iowa is lower on car insurance: Illinois at 25/50/20 and Iowa at 20/40/15. Illinois is at-fault while Iowa is at-fault. A policy written in Chicago has to be switched if you relocate to Des Moines.
Car sales tax: Illinois vs Iowa
Iowa is lower on car sales tax, with Illinois with 6.25% and Iowa with 5%. On a $30,000 car, state tax comes to roughly $1,875 in Illinois and $1,500 in Iowa. Buyers from Aurora or Cedar Rapids pay car tax of the state where they register, wherever they buy.
Car inspection: Illinois vs Iowa
Illinois is stricter on car inspection, with Illinois at emissions only and Iowa with no regular inspection. A vehicle based in Aurora is inspected under Illinois rules, even when driven to Cedar Rapids.
Motorcycle: Illinois vs Iowa
Illinois vs Iowa: Iowa and Illinois match on helmet law (No helmet law) and lane splitting: Not permitted.
Crossing the line for good
- Illinois vs Iowa: moving from Illinois to Iowa means 30 days for the car registration and no fixed license deadline.
- Moving from Iowa to Illinois: 30 days to register and 90 days for a license.
Illinois vs Iowa: questions
Where can you drive faster, Illinois or Iowa?
Both Illinois and Iowa top out at 70 mph.
Where is the car tax smaller — Illinois or Iowa?
Iowa costs less at the state level (6.25% vs. 5%).
Do I need a helmet in both Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois: No helmet law; Iowa: No helmet law.