State comparison · Updated October 2026
Minnesota vs. South Dakota Driving Laws (2026)
Minnesota and South Dakota differ on 7 of 9 topics we track: max speed limit, phone law, learner's permit age, car insurance, car sales tax, new resident deadline and lane splitting.
On a trip from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls crosses the state line, and 7 of the rules differ once you cross. Main routes are I-35 on the Minnesota side and I-90 in South Dakota; the capitals, Saint Paul and Pierre, write the laws for each side.
The biggest gap: top speed limits differ by 10 mph apart. Residents of Saint Paul who drive to Rapid City, and back, live under both rulebooks: Minnesota's on I-94 and South Dakota's once they cross on I-29. Read the Minnesota vs South Dakota guide if you shop for a car between Minneapolis to Sioux Falls.
On a weekend drive from Saint Paul to Pierre, keep your documents if you ride, plan the route ahead of time, and expect a change from 70 to 80 mph at the border.
| Topic | Minnesota | South 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% | 4% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 60 days | 90 days |
| Helmet law | Under 18 | Under 18 |
| Lane splitting | Splitting with limits | Not allowed |
Driving laws compared: Minnesota vs South Dakota
Max speed limit: Minnesota vs South Dakota
The rule is faster in South Dakota on max speed limit: Minnesota at 70 mph and South Dakota with 80 mph. Open-road interstates reach 70 mph in Minnesota and 80 mph in South Dakota. Leaving Minneapolis on the way to Sioux Falls, check the posted limit when you cross.
Phone law: Minnesota vs South Dakota
Minnesota is stricter on phone law: Minnesota at hands-free law and South Dakota with texting ban only. What you may do with a phone in Minneapolis may not be around Sioux Falls once you cross.
Learner's permit age: Minnesota vs South Dakota
South Dakota is earlier on learner's permit age, with Minnesota at permit at 15 and South Dakota at permit at 14. A new driver from Minneapolis taking a trip to Sioux Falls follow South Dakota's teen restrictions there.
Owning a car side by side: Minnesota vs South Dakota
Minnesota vs South Dakota: South Dakota and Minnesota agree on car inspection (No regular inspection).
Car insurance: Minnesota vs South Dakota
South Dakota is higher on car insurance, with Minnesota at 30/60/10 and South Dakota with 25/50/25. Minnesota is no-fault while South Dakota is at-fault. Coverage bought in Minneapolis needs to be switched if you relocate to Sioux Falls.
Car sales tax: Minnesota vs South Dakota
Minnesota is higher on car sales tax, with Minnesota at 6.875% and South Dakota with 4%. On a $30,000 car, state tax is around $2,063 in Minnesota and $1,200 in South Dakota. Shoppers in Saint Paul and Rapid City pay the tax where the car is registered, wherever they buy.
New resident deadlines: Minnesota vs South Dakota
The law is shorter in Minnesota on new resident deadline, with Minnesota with 60 days and South Dakota at 90 days. Households relocating from Saint Paul to Rapid City ought to book DMV visits early.
Motorcycle: Minnesota vs South Dakota
Minnesota vs South Dakota: South Dakota and Minnesota match on helmet law: Under 18.
Lane splitting: Minnesota vs South Dakota
South Dakota is stricter on lane splitting, with Minnesota with splitting with limits and South Dakota at not permitted. Motorcyclists traveling between Saint Paul and Rapid City obey each state's rule.
Moving or buying across the border
- Minnesota vs South Dakota: relocating from Minnesota to South Dakota gives you 90 days for the car registration and 90 days for a license.
- Going from South Dakota to Minnesota: 60 days for registration and 60 days for a license.
Minnesota vs South Dakota: FAQ
Where can you drive faster, Minnesota or South Dakota?
South Dakota (80 mph vs. 70 mph).
Is it cheaper to buy a car, Minnesota or South Dakota?
South Dakota costs less at the state level (6.875% vs. 4%).
Do I need a helmet in both Minnesota and South Dakota?
Minnesota: Under 18; South Dakota: Under 18.