For the purpose of this article - Street legal means that you can add or remove equipment and legally drive on paved roadways. It does NOT include ways to 'game the system' such as registering it in another state with reciprocity, or registering as a "Farm only" vehicle or a "Low Speed" vehicle. We do not recommend those options as they are not legal and can land you in potential trouble with the law.
Check out our UTV Street Legal Kits here.
The street legal requirements for UTVs per state can vary greatly, and it's important to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency to understand the specific laws in your area. We update this as often as possible, however we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this list. We intend this to be used as a getting started guide, not a legal document.
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Driving a UTV on public roads can be an exciting and practical way to travel off-road, but it's important to make sure your vehicle meets the legal requirements for driving on the streets of your state. These requirements can vary widely depending on where you live, with each state having its own regulations for UTVs and other off-road vehicles. Some states allow UTVs to be driven on any road, while others only allow them on certain roads or under specific conditions. In addition, some states require UTVs to be modified to meet certain safety and emissions standards, while others have no specific requirements beyond basic vehicle registration and insurance.
To help you navigate the complex landscape of UTV regulations, we've compiled a state-by-state guide to street legal requirements for UTVs. This guide provides an overview of the key requirements for driving a UTV on public roads in each state, including information on licensing, registration, insurance, equipment requirements, and other important considerations. Whether you're a seasoned UTV owner or just starting out, this guide can help you understand the rules and regulations that apply to your vehicle and ensure that you're in compliance with the law when you hit the road. So, let's dive in and explore the street legal requirements for UTVs in your state.
Alabama
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Alabama
- Consider signing this petition to help (although it was started 4 years ago)
Alaska
- In Alaska, UTVs are not street legal. However, they can be operated on designated trails and roads.
Arizona
To be street legal in Arizona your UTV/SXS needs to have all of the following:
- Brake (hand or foot are acceptable)
- Brake light
- Headlights - One, but no more than two (must provide visibility of at least 500 feet).
- A taillight (visible from at least 500 behind)
- At least one red rear reflector (separate from the taillight)
- License plate
- License plate light.
- Horn (must be able to be heard from 200 feet or more)
- Muffler (good working order and should be in constant operation)
- The use of muffler cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices is prohibited.
- Rearview mirror.
- Seat (for driver)
- Footrest for driver
- Fuel tank cap
If you reside in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, an emissions test may be required for your OHV. Get your OHV Decal (including street legal OHV) here
.
Arkansas
- A windshield
- Seat belts for all passengers
- Headlights and taillights
- Rearview mirror
- Turn signals
- Brake lights
- Horn
- License plate
- Vehicle registration
- Liability insurance
Additionally, the UTV must not exceed the posted speed limit and can only be driven on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, unless it is specifically authorized by local ordinances or county resolutions.
California
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in California
Colorado
- Currently UTVs or Side-by-sides are not legal in Colorado.
- Many areas allow street legal UTVs. You will need to check with the area where you live.
Connecticut
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Connecticut
Delaware
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Delaware
Florida
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Florida
Georgia
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Georgia
Hawaii
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Hawaii
Idaho
- License plate. IC 49-402(4)
- Valid IDPR OHV certificate of number sticker(on the license plate)
- Valid driver’s license
- Liability insurance or alternative insurance
- A DOT approved helmet if under age 18
- Muffler and U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor.
- Muffler must be <= 96dB at the half-meter test.
- For safe operation on roads the following equipment is recommended:
- Brake light.
- Headlight
- Taillight
- Horn audible at 200 feet.
- Mirror showing roadway 200 feet behind the OHV.
- Check with local jurisdictions for specific ordinances.
Illinois
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Illinois
Indiana
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Indiana
Iowa
- Speed limit of 35mph
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Horn
- Mirrors
- 18 or older + Driver's license
- Insurance
Kansas
- According to the Kansas Highway Patrol "If a vehicle was originally manufactured for off-road/Non-highway use, it is not street legal. Only the vehicle manufacturer can change that designation."
Kentucky
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Kentucky
Louisiana
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Louisiana
Maine
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Maine
Maryland
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Maryland
Massachusetts
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Massachusetts
Michigan
- Using form TR 54 here and reading Unit A... the list is as follows:
- Headlights
- Turn signals (front and rear)
- Tail lights
- License plate light
- Brake lights
- Bright light indicators
- Windshield (must be safety glass)
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washers (sprayers)
- Brakes
- Parking brake
- Seat belts
- At least one drivers side mirror
- Rear bumper (14-22 inches from the ground)
- DOT approved tires
- Exhaust/Mufflers
- Differential Gear
Minnesota
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Minnesota
Mississippi
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Mississippi
Missouri
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Missouri
Montana
- License plate
- License plate light
- Red reflector on rear
- Amber or white reflector on front
- Mirror
- Horn
- Headlights
- Tail Lights
- Brake lights
- Exhaust (no bypasses or cut outs
- Tires
- Working brakes on each wheel
Nebraska
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Nebraska
Nevada
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Nevada
New Hampshire
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in New Hampshire
New Jersey
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in New Jersey
New Mexico
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in New Mexico
New York
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in New York
North Carolina
As of October 1, 2021 UTVs can be street legal in North Carolina:
- Headlamps
- Parking brakes
- Rear view mirrors
- Reflex reflectors
- Seat belts
- Speedometer
- Brake Lights
- Turn signals
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Windshield with wipers OR helmets for all passengers
North Dakota
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in North Dakota
Ohio
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Ohio
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, a side-by-side needs the following (according to Form 754- UTV affidavit for street legal utility vehicle)
- A seat for each rider (can be bench seat)
- 4 wheels on the ground
- Seatbelts or harnesses for each rider
- 2 headlights
- 2 tail lights
- License plate light (no more than two)
- 2 rear red reclectors
- 2 brake lights
- Turn signals (one per side)
- Hazard lights (can be turn signals)
- Back up light (no more than two)
Oregon
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Oregon
Pennsylvania
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Rhode Island
South Carolina
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in South Carolina
South Dakota
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in South Dakota
Tennessee
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Tennessee
Texas
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Texas
Utah
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals (front and back)
- A horn
- At least 2 mirrors
- Eye protection (either a windshield or goggles)
- Illuminated speedometer
- License plate (also needs illumination)
- Seats with seatbelts
- Handholds for each passenger.
Vermont
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Vermont
Virginia
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Virginia
Washington
In Washington state your UTV must fit stringent requirements to qualify as a WATV which include:
- Has 4 or more low-pressure tires of 20 PSI or less.
- Is less than 74 inches wide.
- Weighs less than 2,000 pounds.
- Has a wheelbase of 110 inches or less.
- Meets 1 or more of the following:
- Is at least 50 inches wide.
- Weighs at least 900 pounds.
- Has a wheelbase of over 61 inches.
- Dune buggies, snowmobiles, and golf carts do not qualify as wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
If your side by side meets those requirements then you need to have the following:
- Headlight
- Taillights (two)
- Brake lights
- Reflectors
- Turn signals
- Brakes
- Mirrors (at least 2)
- Horn
- Spark arrestor and muffler
- Windshield (similar to other states, drive can wear glasses, goggles, or a face shield that meets the state patrol requirements)
- Seatbelts
Grab a Washington road use declaration form here.
West Virginia
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Currently there is no way to make a UTV or Side-by-side legal in Wisconsin
Wyoming
Wyoming requires you register your UTV for an MPV permit, have a valid drivers license with an M or MR endorsement and proof of liability insurance.
- Headlights (two)
- Taillights (two)
- Brake lights (two)
- Rear reflector (red)
- Horn
- Left hand rear view mirror
****** Please note that some areas, towns, municipalities, counties, or other designated regions have additional requirements to these guidelines.
An example is Moab, Utah street driving requirements:
- To minimize noise pollution and ensure the safety of all, it is required to follow the speed limits set for ATV/UTV riders within Moab. The in-town speed limit for ATV/UTVs is 15 mph, and Grand County has set a limit 10 mph lower than the posted speed limit for County B Roads.
- Off-highway ATVs and UTVs are allowed to be operated on public lands, roads, and trails in the Moab area when the vehicles are
properly registered or permitted as required by Utah law. Out-of-state operators must purchase a non-resident user decal/permit or
be officially recognized as a "reciprocity state" under Utah law. - Current registration or a non-resident user decal/permit must be displayed on all vehicles being operated on public lands, roads, or trails. Operators for non-reciprocating states can obtain a permit from several convenient locations:
- Dead Horse Point State Park, 435-259-2614
- Mad Bro , 1805 S Hwy 191, 435-259-6232
- Maverik, 435 N Main, 435-259-8718
- Maverik, 985 S Hwy 191, 435-259-0775
- Moab Info Center, Center & Main, 435-259-8825
- Protect your riding privileges both on the trail and on the street by minimizing engine noise when traveling past homes and businesses. When driving through neighborhoods remember "throttle down in town"
- https://www.grandcountyutah.net/DocumentCenter/View/3590/UTV-Street-Legal-Poster
- Vehicles that exceed 92 dBA (when measured from a stationary test at 20 inches from the exhaust outlet and 45 degrees to its exhaust axis with the vehicle at 50 percent of maximum RPMs of the vehicle) may not be driven on City streets at any time.
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 10,000 that exceed 85 dBA (when measured from a stationary test at 20 inches from the exhaust outlet and 45 degrees to its exhaust axis, with the vehicle at 50 percent of maximum RPMs of the vehicle) may not be driven on City streets between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- All vehicles must be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. A person may not use a muffler cut-out, bypass, or similar device on a vehicle.
It is crucial to understand the street legal requirements for UTVs in your state before taking to the roads. While some states may have more relaxed laws, others have strict regulations that must be followed to avoid fines and legal troubles. It is also essential to remember that laws and restrictions can change, so it is crucial to stay informed and up to date with any updates that may occur. Always consult your local authorities, DMV, or off-road organizations for any questions or concerns you may have. By doing so, you can ensure a safe and legal ride on your UTV while also being a responsible driver on public roads.