If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. The rules for making off-road vehicles street-legal are all over the place—varying wildly by state, vehicle type, and even the mood of your local DMV clerk. But fear not, we’re about to unpack what it takes to get your off-road beast for both trail and pavement.
Do I Need Both ATV Registration and Regular Motorcycle Registration? I Plan on Taking My Dirt Bike On and Off-Road Because It Comes Road Compliant
If your dirt bike is factory street-legal, it’s typically registered like any other motorcycle and doesn’t need ATV registration. According to the California DMV, a dual-sport motorcycle can be registered for both off-road and on-road use under standard motorcycle registration if it meets federal emissions and safety equipment standards (CA DMV).
However, if you’re riding on state trails or designated OHV areas, some states (like Pennsylvania) may still require an off-road registration sticker in addition to street plates (PA DCNR).
Want to get your ATV, UTV, dirt bike, or any other off-road beast ready for the road? We’ve got you covered. At Dirt Legal, we specialize in turning off-road vehicles into street-legal machines — and we do it while keeping you fully protected and compliant.
Check out our full guide right here:
How to Get Your ATV, UTV, Dirt Bike, and More Registration-Ready
Can You Make a UTV Street-Legal?
Yes—but not in every state. UTVs are generally not manufactured to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for on-road vehicles, which is why they’re sold as off-road only (NHTSA).
However, states like Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona allow UTVs to be registered for street use with the proper modifications (Montana DOJ). In restrictive states, owners often register the vehicle in a lenient state using an LLC (such as a Montana LLC) to obtain plates for nationwide driving.
How to Make a UTV Street-Legal
To meet on-road safety requirements, most states require the following modifications:
- Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals
- DOT-approved tires
- Horn, mirrors, and sometimes a windshield
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Federal DOT define basic requirements for vehicle lighting, tire approval, and visibility for street use (FMVSS 108).
Once your UTV is properly equipped, you’ll typically need a VIN inspection, insurance, and registration. In more difficult states, this process is either restricted or not allowed without a custom-built or kit vehicle designation.
Why Do People Who Buy Expensive Off-Road 4×4 Vehicles Never Take Them Off Road?
A 2023 survey from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) revealed that less than 15% of new Jeep Wrangler owners use their vehicle off-road more than once a month, despite its off-road capabilities (SEMA Market Research).
This trend shows that many owners buy off-road-capable vehicles for the image or occasional adventure, not regular use.
Making your vehicle street-compliant means you can take it anywhere, without worrying about whether it’s technically allowed on public roads or permitted to cross state lines.
How Do Off-Road Tires Work for Normal Street Driving and What Else Is Needed to Be Compliant?
Off-road tires are designed with deeper tread, softer rubber compounds, and aggressive sidewalls—ideal for dirt, sand, and rocks, but often poor performers on pavement. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, any tire used on public roads must be DOT-approved and display a DOT code on the sidewall (DOT Tire Safety).
Running non-DOT tires on public roads can lead to traction issues, increased wear, and insurance liability in the event of a crash. To be compliant, vehicles must also have working lights, mirrors, and other road equipment that meets state inspection standards, as outlined by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
Whether you’re riding through backwoods trails or city streets, understanding how registration, safety compliance, and state laws interact is the key to unlocking your vehicle’s full potential.
Ready to Make Your Ride Street Compliant and Ride Anywhere?
Whether it’s a dirt bike, UTV, or custom 4×4, Dirt Legal can help you register your off-road vehicle in a plate-friendly state like Montana—no inspections, no DMV hassle, and full compliance.
Talk to us today and get your vehicle street-compliant—the smart, hassle-free way.
