Can You Drive a Side-by-Side on the Road?
Whether you can drive a side-by-side on public roads depends entirely on where you live, according to the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). Some states, like Arizona and Montana, allow it once your vehicle meets equipment and registration requirements, while states like California and New York make it nearly impossible due to strict emissions and safety standards. Your first step should always be checking your state’s rules before spending a dime on modifications.
Can You Drive a Non-Street-Legal Dirt Bike Around Town on an Off-Road Registration?
Let’s be clear: registering your dirt bike as an off-road vehicle does not make it legal to ride on public streets. If it’s not street-legal and plated, riding it around town can get you ticketed, fined, or even arrested for operating an unregistered vehicle.
To ride legally on public roads, your dirt bike must be fully street-certified — with lights, mirrors, horn, DOT tires — and titled, registered, and insured for road use. Skipping these steps means you’re risking serious trouble every time you hit the pavement.
Side by Side UTV Street-Ready Requirements
To make your side-by-side road-compliant, you’ll need equipment like headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, a horn, DOT-approved tires, and a license plate bracket with illumination, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Missing even one required feature can mean failing inspection or getting a ticket on the road.
Road-Approved Side by Side: Registration and Insurance Essentials
Once you have the right equipment, you’ll need to register your UTV at your local DMV, provide proof of ownership, and get liability insurance meeting your state’s minimum requirements, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Driving without insurance on public roads can result in fines averaging over $500 per violation, depending on your state.
Side by Side Street-Certified: Why It’s Worth the Effort
Having a street-certified UTV lets you ride directly from your house to the trail or around town without needing a trailer, dramatically increasing how often you’ll use your vehicle, according to the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA). Nearly 70% of UTV owners said they ride twice as often after making their side-by-side road-approved. And a registered UTV is often worth more when it’s time to sell.
Before you hit the trail, don’t miss this other article:
How to Get Your Off-Road Ride Ready for Maximum Freedom
Can-Am Street-Ready: What to Know About Popular Models
Can-Am UTVs like the Maverick, Commander, and Defender come with many factory features that make street certification easier, such as wiring harnesses for turn signals and robust frames for mounting mirrors, according to the Can-Am Owner’s Manual. But these models are not road-approved out of the box; they’re sold as off-road vehicles and must still meet state requirements to be driven on public roads.
Make Your UTV Road-Approved: From Off-Road Toy to Street-Ready Ride
Before you spend money on modifications, research your state’s UTV road-compliance requirements, according to DMV.org. Installing all the necessary safety features without understanding what’s required can waste time and money. After adding the right equipment, gather your paperwork, including receipts for upgrades, and register your UTV with the DMV.
How to Make a UTV Road-Compliant: The Process Explained
Each state has unique laws for road-compliant UTVs, and failing to follow them could mean your vehicle remains an off-road-only machine, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Once you know your state’s rules, install all required equipment, obtain insurance, and complete registration, often including a vehicle inspection. Only after finishing these steps will your UTV be authorized for public roads.
UTV Street-Ready: Don’t Overlook Local Rules
Even if your state allows road-approved UTVs, counties and cities can enforce stricter laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Local ordinances can ban UTVs on certain streets or during specific hours, overriding state regulations in many cases. Always check city and county rules before venturing beyond your usual routes.
Can You Drive a UTV on the Road?
Yes—if your UTV is fully equipped, registered, insured, and compliant with state and local laws, you can drive it on public roads in states that allow road-certified UTVs, according to the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). Skipping any step risks fines or worse, so do it right the first time and ride with peace of mind.
By learning your state’s requirements, adding the necessary safety features, and completing your paperwork, you can transform your side-by-side from a trail-only toy into a street-certified machine ready for any adventure.
Ready to ride like the wind—without worrying about blue lights in your rearview? Start today, and make every mile count.
