How to Start a Food Truck in Indiana: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Developing a menu that resonates with the culinary preferences of Indiana's residents can significantly contribute to the success of a food truck. Networking with other food truck owners in Indiana can provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. One should identify strategic locations and events in Indiana that attract a large crowd, ideal for a food truck business.
Example
Food Trucks in Indiana
Dashboard Food Truck & Catering
American food
Big Jerry Indy
American food
Chatterbox Food Truck
Gourmet food
Summarized Business Regulations for Cottage Food Laws in Indiana
In Indiana, a Cottage Food Operation refers to a small-scale food business that operates from a home kitchen, producing non-potentially hazardous foods for direct sale to consumers. These businesses are typically exempt from certain licensing and inspection requirements that larger food establishments must adhere to, allowing individuals to start small-scale food businesses with fewer regulatory hurdles. The types of food products allowed, sales limitations, and labeling requirements are outlined under specific guidelines by the Indiana State Department of Health to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
How to Register and Title Your Food Truck in Indiana [2025]
In Indiana, food trailers must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Registration is mandatory for all trailers that will be towed on public roads.
The required documents include proof of ownership (bill of sale), proof of insurance, and the completed registration application form.
Registration fees vary based on the trailer's weight: trailers under 3,000 lbs have a $25 annual registration fee, while those over 3,000 lbs pay $40 annually. For trailers over 10,000 lbs, permanent registration can be obtained for a one-time fee of $150.
Insurance Coverage for Food Trailers in Indiana
Food trailers in Indiana with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of over 10,000 lbs are required to undergo a Level I Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which costs $20.
This inspection can be completed at an authorized BMV office or by law enforcement. Trailers with a GVW under 10,000 lbs are not subject to mandatory inspections unless they are newly titled from out-of-state.
Indiana Food Trailer Height, Width, and Length Limits
The maximum legal dimensions for food trailers in Indiana are 8.5 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and 65 feet in combined vehicle-trailer length. Any trailer that exceeds these limits is considered oversize and requires an oversize permit.
The cost for a single-trip oversize permit is $15, and it must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
Indiana Food Trailer Braking System Requirements
Indiana requires trailers with a GVW exceeding 3,000 lbs to be equipped with a separate braking system.
This can be either electric or hydraulic. Trailers weighing under 3,000 lbs do not need separate brakes but must comply with all other safety requirements.
Lighting, Reflectors, and Safety Chains Requirements for Food Trailers in Indiana
Indiana law mandates that food trailers have functioning tail lights and turn signals, and at least one red reflector on the rear visible from 500 feet. Each trailer must also have two safety chains, rated to the trailer's full GVW, which must be connected securely to the towing vehicle. The chains must be long enough to allow the trailer to pivot freely but short enough to prevent the trailer from hitting the ground.