While driving regulations in Indiana are similar to the neighboring states it’s good to know any major differences to help you avoid breaking any laws. Even if you are just passing through on a car rental road trip, you still need to brush up on the most important traffic laws to help you have a stress-free car rental experience.
General Rules and Regulations
- Drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times.
- If you are traveling with children under 8 years of age they must be placed in an appropriately sized safety seat.
- If you encounter an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights you must leave a lane of space between you and the vehicle. If that is not possible you must slow down and move over when you can, and failing that, come to a complete stop.
- It is not permitted to drive in thick fog with zero visibility. If you must drive in heavy fog with some visibility you must turn on both your headlights and emergency lights.
- You cannot overtake cyclists on a turn lane.
- If you are pulled over by the police you must turn on your interior light after stopping.
Speed Limits in Indiana
Although the speed limit on interstate roads is generally 70 miles per hour in Indiana, this can drop to 50 mph in some areas. In large cities such as Indianapolis the limits on normal highways are highly variable, dropping to just 20 mph in places. Avoid hefty fines by keeping these general speed limits in mind.
| Within city limits | 20-45 mph (32-72 km/h) |
| Highways | 55-65 mph (89-105 km/h) |
| Interstates | 50-70 mph (80-113 km/h) |
Turning and Parking
In many U.S states, U-turns are illegal but in Indiana, they are permitted in most circumstances. To make a U-turn you must have 750 feet of road visibility in both directions, so avoid making a U-turn nears bends and close to sharp gradients in the road.
Parking laws in Indiana are similar to the rest of the United States. Do not park in front of driveways, on sidewalks, or on railroad crossings. It’s also not allowed to park your vehicle on a highway or interstate while unattended. Also, be sure to leave the following distances when parking.
- Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
- Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Do not park within 30 feet beacon, flashing stop sign or traffic signal.
- Do not park within 30 feet of a safety zone.
- Do not park within 50 feet of a railway crossing.
Car Rental with SIXT in Indiana
We have two great car rental locations in Indiana. You can find us at the Indianapolis International Airport so you can get on the road right after your arrival. We also have a branch in Carmel close to Highway 465 that connects you with the major interstates and downtown Indianapolis. If you also want to explore Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, Indianapolis is a great starting point for a road trip but there is much to do with a rental car in Indiana itself.
Nature lovers will have access to the Great Lakes and epic sand dunes of the Indiana Dunes State Park in northwest Indiana, as well as the scenic rivers and rugged landscapes in the south. Foodies will find great cuisine across the state, from the pies in Amish county to the tenderloin pork sandwiches found all over Indiana. The largest city, Indianapolis has some great museums. Families can check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, art lovers should head over to Indianapolis Museum of Art, and fans of writer Kurt Vonnegut get a whole museum and library dedicated to his work.
