State comparison · Updated October 2026
Iowa vs. Nebraska Driving Laws (2026)
Iowa and Nebraska differ on 6 of 9 rules we track: max speed limit, phone law, learner's permit age, car insurance, car sales tax and helmet law.
Heading from Des Moines to Omaha crosses the state line, and 6 of the laws change on the way. Main routes are I-80 on the Iowa side and I-80 on the side of Nebraska; the capitals, Des Moines and Lincoln, set the laws for each side.
The biggest gap: the highest posted limits are 5 mph apart. Drivers based in Cedar Rapids who drive to Lincoln, or the other way around, deal with both rulebooks: Iowa's on I-35 and Nebraska's across the border on I-680. Use the Iowa vs Nebraska guide if you shop for a car between Des Moines to Omaha.
On a weekend drive from Des Moines to Lincoln, pack your documents if you ride, plan the route ahead of time, and look for the limit to change from 70 to 75 mph at the border.
| Topic | Iowa | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 75 mph |
| Phone law | Hands-free law | Texting ban only |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 14 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | 20/40/15 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 5% | 5.5% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | No helmet law | Under 21 |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws: Iowa vs Nebraska
Max speed limit: Iowa vs Nebraska
Nebraska is faster on max speed limit: Iowa with 70 mph and Nebraska with 75 mph. Open-road interstates reach 70 mph in Iowa and 75 mph in Nebraska. Driving out of Des Moines toward Omaha, expect the limit to change when you cross.
Phone law: Iowa vs Nebraska
Nebraska is looser on phone law: Iowa with hands-free law and Nebraska at texting ban only. A call that is legal in Des Moines might not be in Omaha once you cross.
Driving age and teen license laws: Iowa vs Nebraska
The rule is earlier in Iowa on learner's permit age, with Iowa at permit at 14 and Nebraska with permit at 15. Young drivers in Des Moines driving to Omaha are bound by Nebraska's teen restrictions while in the state.
Owning a car side by side: Iowa vs Nebraska
Iowa vs Nebraska: Iowa and Nebraska have the same law for car inspection (No regular inspection) and new resident deadline: 30 days.
Car insurance: Iowa vs Nebraska
Iowa is lower on car insurance, with Iowa with 20/40/15 and Nebraska with 25/50/25. Iowa is at-fault and Nebraska is at-fault. A policy written in Des Moines must be rewritten if you relocate to Omaha.
Car sales tax: Iowa vs Nebraska
Nebraska is higher on car sales tax, with Iowa at 5% and Nebraska at 5.5%. For a $30,000 purchase, state tax is around $1,500 in Iowa and $1,650 in Nebraska. Buyers from Cedar Rapids or Lincoln owe car tax of the state where they register.
Motorcycle compared: Iowa vs Nebraska
Iowa vs Nebraska: Iowa and Nebraska match on Not allowed for lane splitting.
Helmet law: Iowa vs Nebraska
The law is stricter in Nebraska on helmet law: Iowa at no helmet law and Nebraska at under 21. Motorcyclists riding from Des Moines to Omaha must follow Nebraska's helmet law on arrival.
Moving or buying across the border
- Iowa vs Nebraska: moving from Iowa to Nebraska gives you 30 days for the car registration and 30 days for the license switch.
- Moving from Nebraska to Iowa: 30 days to register and no fixed license deadline.
Iowa vs Nebraska: FAQ
Which has the higher speed limit, Iowa or Nebraska?
Nebraska (75 mph vs. 70 mph).
Is it cheaper to buy a car, Iowa or Nebraska?
Iowa costs less at the state level (5% vs. 5.5%).
Is a motorcycle helmet mandatory in both Iowa and Nebraska?
Iowa: No helmet law; Nebraska: Under 21.