Dirt Legal’s Nationwide Street Legal UTV Guide

Everything you need to know about street legal UTVs in the United States.

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Welcome to the booming culture of street legal UTVs. Farmers and hunters are gaining easier access to land, customizers are cruising city streets on massive wheels, and across the country a growing community is using side-by-sides to replace cars and trucks for daily use.

But where does a person begin? How do you make a UTV street legal? What parts are needed? What laws apply? Is there a way to get street legal even if your state doesn’t have a way? (Spoiler alert: there is!)

Although it might seem as easy as getting a plate, insurance, and a handful of parts, there’s a lot more going on here. We created this Nationwide Street Legal UTV Guide to answer all those questions and more.

We researched the street legal UTV laws in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and 5 US territories, all so you don’t have to.

Hey! A lot of this information applies to dirt bikes, ATVs, and LSVs as well. If you’re here for any of those, be sure to check out these resources.

What is this guide about?

Getting legal! This nationwide guide will show you how to make your UTV street legal, the nuances of the process, what parts and insurance to get, and exactly what you can expect when you get out on the road in your street legal UTV.

You might be surprised to learn that:

You don't need a motorcycle license
You don't need DOT tires
You rarely even need a helmet

Now it must be said that this is pretty niche stuff. Most people don't know that you can make a UTV street legal almost anywhere in the country, and hardly anyone – police included – has ever seen a UTV on the road. You're going to have more eyes on you than a Lamborghini (and you'll be having more fun, too), so it’s extra important to know what parts you need and what laws apply to you. You’re going to have people asking you how you did it, trust us!

So, what’s the plan?

First, we’ll explore the basic concepts and answer the most common questions about street legal UTVs. Next, we’ll explore three ways to make your UTV street legal including parts, paperwork, and what laws you need to follow. Then, we’ll cover the most overlooked details that are only encountered after your UTV is on the road.

There are three main ingredients to making a UTV street legal:

Parts. Any UTV will need certain parts added to be considered roadworthy.
Paperwork. Can vary, but usually involves getting a title, registration, and license plates.
Preparation. Firmly understand all relevant laws, especially when crossing state lines.

By the end of this guide, you will have a concrete understanding of the entire process of making a UTV street legal from top to bottom.

+ Who is this guide designed for?

Anyone who wants a street legal UTV or already has one. It will be especially useful if your state does not have a clear path to street legality. Driving a street legal UTV makes you part of a growing community of like-minded enthusiasts, and we believe knowledge is an important aspect of keeping that community positive, both to itself and within the public eye.

+ What vehicles are we talking about?

When we say UTV, we’re referring to anything from a utility-focused Kawasaki Mule to the highest-performing Can-Am and Polaris machines – anything larger than the standard 50” cutoff for ATV trails. You might call them side-by-sides, SxS, SSVs, ROVs, ROHVs, money pits, lawn ornaments... which is why we included the legal definition of a UTV for each state, district, and territory that has one.

+ Do I need to read the whole guide?

If you read it all, you’ll know it all. We cited all our sources in the form of official government websites and trusted third parties listed at the bottom of each state, district, and territory so you can continue learning beyond the scope of the guide. If your time is worth money, our expert team can register your UTV as street legal while you’re out riding. Check out our Street Legal UTV Registration Services to learn more.

This guide will tell you many important things:

Parts needed to make a UTV street legal where you are
Times when unregistered UTVs are allowed on public roads
Which laws you need to follow and which ones you don’t
How street legality changes your use of OHV areas

Use the menu below to discover the local street legal UTV laws in your area.

Disclaimer: We are enthusiasts, not attorneys. This guide is not legal advice. We are not affiliated with any government or DMV office. We have done our best to cover relevant laws and details, but it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Brush and floss daily.

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