State comparison · Updated October 2026
Minnesota vs. North Dakota Driving Laws (2026)
Minnesota and North Dakota part ways on 6 of 9 rules we track: max speed limit, phone law, learner's permit age, car insurance, car sales tax and lane splitting.
Heading from Minneapolis to Fargo takes you across the border, and 6 of the laws differ once you cross. Key roads are I-35 on the Minnesota side and I-94 in North Dakota; the capitals, Saint Paul and Bismarck, write the laws for their side.
The biggest gap: top speed limits differ by 10 mph apart. Residents of Saint Paul who drive to Bismarck, and back, live under both sets of laws: Minnesota's on I-94 and North Dakota's across the border on I-29. Use the Minnesota vs North Dakota guide if you shop for a car between Minneapolis to Fargo.
For a weekend trip from Saint Paul to Bismarck, keep your documents and proof of insurance, set navigation before leaving, and look for a change from 70 to 80 mph at the line.
| Topic | Minnesota | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 80 mph |
| Phone law | Hands-free law | Texting ban only |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 15 | Permit at 14 |
| Car insurance | 30/60/10 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 6.875% | 5% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 60 days | 60 days |
| Helmet law | Under 18 | Under 18 |
| Lane splitting | Splitting with limits | Not allowed |
Driving laws compared: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Speed limits: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Minnesota is slower on max speed limit, with Minnesota at 70 mph and North Dakota at 80 mph. Open-road interstates are posted at 70 mph in Minnesota and 80 mph in North Dakota. Heading away from Minneapolis for Fargo, watch the signs at the state line.
Cell phone and texting laws: Minnesota vs North Dakota
North Dakota is looser on phone law: Minnesota at hands-free law and North Dakota with texting ban only. A call that is legal around Minneapolis can be illegal in Fargo on the other side.
Learner's permit age: Minnesota vs North Dakota
The law is earlier in North Dakota on learner's permit age, with Minnesota at permit at 15 and North Dakota at permit at 14. Young drivers in Minneapolis taking a trip to Fargo must obey North Dakota's permit rules while in the state.
Owning a car: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Minnesota vs North Dakota: North Dakota and Minnesota match on car inspection (No regular inspection) and new resident deadline (60 days).
Car insurance: Minnesota vs North Dakota
The law is higher in North Dakota on car insurance, with Minnesota with 30/60/10 and North Dakota at 25/50/25. Minnesota is no-fault while North Dakota is no-fault. An insurance policy from Minneapolis must be switched after a move to Fargo.
Car sales tax: Minnesota vs North Dakota
North Dakota is lower on car sales tax, with Minnesota at 6.875% and North Dakota with 5%. On a $30,000 car, state tax comes to roughly $2,063 in Minnesota and $1,500 in North Dakota. Car hunters in Saint Paul and Bismarck pay the tax of the state where they register, wherever they buy.
Motorcycle compared: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Minnesota vs North Dakota: North Dakota and Minnesota agree on Under 18 for helmet law.
Lane splitting: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Minnesota is more permissive on lane splitting, with Minnesota with splitting with limits and North Dakota at not permitted. Commuters riding between Saint Paul and Bismarck follow each state's law.
Crossing the line for good
- Minnesota vs North Dakota: moving from Minnesota to North Dakota gives you 90 days to register the car and 60 days for the license switch.
- Going from North Dakota to Minnesota: 60 days for registration and 60 days for a license.
Minnesota vs North Dakota: FAQ
Which has the higher speed limit, Minnesota or North Dakota?
North Dakota (80 mph vs. 70 mph).
Is car tax lower, Minnesota or North Dakota?
North Dakota charges less at the state level (6.875% vs. 5%).
Is a motorcycle helmet required in both Minnesota and North Dakota?
Minnesota: Under 18; North Dakota: Under 18.