Indiana Trucking Regulations

Indiana follows the federal 80,000 lbs GVW limit on interstate highways. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) issues oversize/overweight permits through the Permit Office. Single-trip permits start at $20 — among the lowest in the nation. Indiana allows up to 80,000 lbs on most state highways matching the federal standard. INDOT operates approximately 10 permanent weigh stations along I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-74. The Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspection Division supplements fixed stations with mobile enforcement. Overweight fines start at $0.05/lb for the first 2,000 lbs over the limit. Indiana earned the nickname 'Crossroads of America' because I-65, I-70, I-69, I-74, and I-64 all intersect in the state, making it one of the most heavily trucked states in the nation.

Indiana follows federal HOS regulations without additional state-specific rules. The Indiana State Police (ISP) Motor Carrier Inspection Division conducts approximately 45,000 commercial vehicle inspections annually. Indiana is one of the most active states for commercial vehicle enforcement due to its heavy truck traffic volume. The state participates in CVSA International Roadcheck and all national enforcement blitzes. Indiana enforces ELD requirements at weigh stations and during roadside inspections. The state does not offer any short-haul exemptions beyond the federal 150 air-mile provision. Agricultural exemptions mirror federal rules for farm vehicles. The I-65/I-70 interchange in Indianapolis is one of the highest-volume commercial vehicle intersections in the country.

Indiana requires intrastate carriers to register with the Indiana Department of Revenue for Motor Carrier Fuel Tax and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for registration. The Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90 across northern Indiana) charges trucks $22-$40 for a full crossing depending on axle count, payable via E-ZPass or cash. Cashless tolling on I-65 in southern Indiana adds additional costs. Indiana follows federal safety regulations and does not require periodic state safety inspections — enforcement relies on roadside inspections. All CMVs must meet FMCSA standards. Indiana enforces IFTA and IRP requirements. The state's central location and extensive interstate system make it a top-10 state for through-truck traffic, with INDOT estimating that 30% of all freight entering or leaving the state is through-traffic.