Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements
In Arkansas, dirt bikes used exclusively off-road are not required to be titled but must be registered with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Once registered, a numbered decal must be displayed where easily seen.
Helmet and Eye Protection:
- Under 18: Operators under 18 are required to wear a helmet that meets Arkansas safety standards when operating off-road vehicles.
- 18 and Older: While not mandated by state law, helmet use is strongly recommended for safety.
Age Restrictions:
- Under 12: Riders under 12 are allowed to operate dirt bikes off-road only under the direct supervision of someone 18 years or older.
Operation on Public Roads:
- Off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes, are generally prohibited from operating on public roads unless they have been modified to meet street-legal requirements and are registered accordingly.
Lighting Requirements:
- When operating during low-light conditions, the dirt bike must be equipped with a functioning headlamp and taillamp.
Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal
To operate a dirt bike on public roads in Arkansas, it must be converted to meet street-legal requirements:
Conversion Steps:
- Required Equipment:
- Headlight (high and low beams)
- Taillight with brake light function
- Rear reflector
- Turn signals (front and rear)
- Rearview mirrors (one on each side)
- Horn audible from at least 200 feet
- DOT-approved tires
- Speedometer and odometer
- Muffler to comply with noise regulations
- Headlight (high and low beams)
- Title and Registration:
- Obtain a title from the Arkansas DFA.
- Register the bike with the Arkansas DFA.
- Submit the necessary forms and documentation to the Arkansas DFA.
- Obtain a title from the Arkansas DFA.
- Inspection:
- Have the bike inspected by a licensed inspection station to ensure it meets all safety and emissions standards.
- Have the bike inspected by a licensed inspection station to ensure it meets all safety and emissions standards.
- Insurance:
- Secure liability insurance for the bike.
- Secure liability insurance for the bike.
- License Plate:
- Affix a valid Arkansas license plate to the bike in a visible and unobstructed manner.
Where You Can Ride
Off-Road:
- Private Property: Riding on private property is permitted with the landowner’s consent.
- Public Lands: Riding on public lands is allowed only in designated areas and trails. For example, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest offers designated OHV trails.
On-Road:
- Permitted Roads: Street-legal dirt bikes can operate on public roads, excluding interstate highways and limited-access highways.
- Crossing Roads: Off-road dirt bikes may cross public roads at a 90-degree angle during daylight hours, provided they come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic.
Rider Requirements
- License: A valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement is required to operate a street-legal dirt bike on public roads.
- Helmet Use: Riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet; helmet use is recommended for all riders.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all street-legal vehicles in Arkansas, including dirt bikes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to Arkansas’s dirt bike laws can result in:
- Fines: Monetary penalties for unregistered or improperly equipped vehicles.
- Impoundment: Unauthorized vehicles may be impounded by law enforcement.
- License Suspension: Operating without a valid license or insurance can lead to suspension of driving privileges.
Relevant Arkansas Laws and Agencies
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA): Handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing.
- Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism: Manages public lands and designated OHV trails.
- Arkansas Statutes Title 27: Outlines motor vehicle laws, including those about dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
Start your street-legal process today with Dirt Legal.
