How To Make An ATV Street Legal
Required Equipment To Make An ATV Street Legal
- Rear View Mirror
- Side View Mirrors
- Rear Facing Tag Holder (With Light) & Tag
- A Horn Audible Up To 250 ft
- Front And Rear Turn Signals
- High And Low Beam Headlight
- Tail Light
- Brake Lights
- Rear Reflectors
- Windshield Or Suitable Eye Protection
- Speedometer
Additional Requirements To Ride On Public Roads
Insurance. If you are driving on state maintained roads then you will, more often than not, need insurance.
Vehicle Registration. License Plate. Sticker.
Valid Driver’s License. Whoever is driving needs to have a valid driver’s license. Motorcycle endorsements shouldn’t be needed but should be something you verify with your local DMV.
Safety Inspection/Emissions Test. Depending on the state where you live, your UTV or ATV may need to be able to pass a state safety inspection and possibly an emissions test as well.
Age Limits And Special Age Requirements.
- Examples may include:
- Must be 16 years old to operate a street legal ATV
- Helmets required for all street legal operators under 18 years old
- Certified training certificates may be required
Examples Of Street Legal ATV Kits
You can easily find street legal kits available online. Here are a few examples:
Limits Of A Street Legal ATVs
Even with a street legal ATV, you will not be allowed on all roads.
Typically highways with high speed limits and/or cities with highly populated areas are off limits.
In most states, if a trail or road intersects a major road or highway where ATVs are not allowed, you are still allowed to directly cross the highway to access the trail on the other side.
Again, check your local DMV!
We are not lawyers, so please note that the information in this article should not be construed as legal advice. Please do your own due diligence.
States That Allow Street Legal ATVs
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Michigan (ATVs no – UTVs yes)
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (ATVs no – UTVs yes)
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Street Legal ATV Laws And Links
Arizona
- Arizona Game & Fish: Street Legal Info, Education, Rules, Where To Ride
- ADOT: Off- Highway Vehicle Decal Initial Registration
Idaho
- Idaho Department Parks And Rec: OHV Laws, Rules And Guidelines
- Idaho Department Parks And Rec: Register Your ATV / OHV
Michigan
In Michigan, ATVs and UTVs are allowed to be registered as street legal using “Assembled Vehicle” titling.
- Michigan Sec. Of State: Titling Assembled Vehicles (and Street Legal UTVs)
- Michigan DNR: The Official Michigan Off-Road Safety Handbook
Montana
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: Street Legal Info, Education, Rules
- DOJMT: ATV (they call it a Quadricycle) Registration Fees
North Dakota
- North Dakota Parks And Rec: Registration, Safety, Where You Can Ride
- ND Parks And Rec: OHV Laws And Safety Guidelines (brochure – covers street legal requirements on pg 7)
South Dakota
- Black Hills Tourism Bureau: ATV & Off Roading (covers street legal)
- SD Department of Revenue: Off-Road Vehicle Title & Registration
Tennessee (ATVs no – UTVs yes)
In Tennessee, ATVs are not allowed to be street legal. UTVs are allowed to be registered as street legal providing they meet certain classification standards.
- Tennessee Department of Revenue: UTV classifications that qualify for street legal
- Tennessee Department of Revenue: Chart Showing Street Legal Requirements
- Tennessee Department of Revenue: Title And Registration Information
Utah
- Utah DMV: Street Legal ATVs
- Utah Highway Patrol: Street Legal ATV Requirements
West Virginia
On March 7, 2020, West Virginia passed a law that made ATVs street legal providing they are properly equipped.
- West Virginia DMV: Street Legal ATV Laws & Required Equipment
- West Virginia Legislature: WV Code § 17A-13-1. Includes required equipment.
Wyoming
- Wyoming DOT: Multipurpose Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) Title & Registration
- Wyoming DOT: Street Legal Vehicle Requirements
Community Exceptions To State Laws
Many states that don’t allow for blanket street legal ATV use have exemptions that allow counties, towns and villages to make their own laws and rules regarding ATV use within their boundaries.
Some towns may be more lax while others will have limited routes through town to allow riders to reach gas, restaurants and lodging.
These rules usually come into play in communities that are on major trail systems.
This is a win win for towns and off roaders.
Many towns find that off road tourism can be an economic boon to otherwise struggling economies.
Examples of Community Street Legal ATVs In Non-Street Legal States
- Lake City CO – Serves the Alpine Loop. Town of Lake City OHV Regulations
- Meeker & Rangley CO – Serve the Wagon Wheel OHV Trails. Guide & town routes
- Black River Falls WI – Serves Black River Country ATV Trails. Routes through town.
Featured Photo By Nenad Stojkovic | Flickr