Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements
In Delaware, all off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including dirt bikes used exclusively off-road, must be registered with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Registration Details:
- Delaware Residents: Must obtain a 3-Year OHV Registration and decal. This can only be obtained directly from a physical Delaware DMV location.
- Nonresidents / Out-of-State Plates: If your dirt bike is street legal with an out-of-state registration, or if you are not a resident of Delaware, you will need to get a 1-Year Delaware Out-of-State OHV Registration and decal.
Helmet and Eye Protection:
- Under 19: Operators and passengers under 19 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection when operating or riding on a motorcycle.
- 19 and Older: Riders 19 and older must have a helmet in their possession and wear eye protection while operating or riding a motorcycle.
Age Restrictions:
- Under 18: No person under 18 years of age shall be a passenger on an ATV unless the ATV was specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers and is being operated by an individual who is 18 years of age 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware DMV.
- Register the bike with the Delaware DMV.
- Submit the necessary forms and documentation to the Delaware DMV.
- Obtain a title from the Delaware DMV.
- 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 Delaware 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: Delaware does not have public places to legally drive off-road vehicles (OHV zones, public lands, etc.).
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 19 must wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection; helmet use is recommended for all riders.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all street-legal vehicles in Delaware, including dirt bikes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to Delaware’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 Delaware Laws and Agencies
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing.
- Delaware Code Title 21: Outlines motor vehicle laws, including those pertaining to dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
Start your street-legal process today with Dirt Legal.
