Sources and Methodology
All data was last reviewed on .
How we research
For each topic we start from a recognized national source, then check recent changes against state legislatures, state insurance departments and departments of revenue. Laws that changed in the last two years are noted on the state's page with the date the change took effect.
Speed limits
Cell phone and texting laws
Driving age and teen license rules
Minimum car insurance requirements
- Insurance Information Institute: Financial responsibility limits by state
- NAIC: Find your state insurance department
Car sales tax
Vehicle inspection and emissions testing
Moving to a new state: license and registration deadlines
- USA.gov: State motor vehicle services (find your new state's DMV)
- CarRegistrationFee.com: Registration deadlines after moving
Motorcycle helmet laws
Lane splitting laws
- California Highway Patrol
- Minnesota Statutes (revisor.mn.gov)
- Utah State Legislature
- Arizona State Legislature
- Colorado General Assembly
- Montana Legislature
Limitations
- Helmet laws: we show the main age rule. Some states add rules for passengers, learners and new riders, which we describe on each state's page.
- Car insurance: we show the minimum liability limits for a standard private passenger policy. Low-income programs, basic policies and commercial vehicles can have different limits.
- Car sales tax: we show the state-level rate. City, county and special district taxes vary by address, so the calculator lets you add your local rate. Fees and special valuation rules are not included.
Report a mistake
If you see something outdated, please let us know with a link to the official source. We review every report.