Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements
In Illinois, dirt bikes used exclusively off-road are not required to be registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. However, to ride on designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, riders must obtain an OHV Usage Stamp from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
OHV Usage Stamp Details:
- Requirement: All off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) operated on public lands must display a valid OHV Usage Stamp.
- Cost: The annual OHV Usage Stamp fee is $15.00, plus a $0.50 issuance fee to the point-of-sale vendor.
- Expiration: The OHV Usage Stamp expires on March 31 each year.
- Exemptions: Certain vehicles, such as those used for production agriculture or by qualifying hunters with disabilities, may be exempt from this requirement.
Title Requirements:
- Certificate of Title: All-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles purchased on or after January 1, 1998, must apply for a $30 certificate of title. Machines used only for production agriculture need only pay $13.
Helmet and Eye Protection:
- Under 18: Operators and passengers under 18 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating or riding on a motorcycle.
- All Riders: Eye protection is recommended for all riders, regardless of age.
Age Restrictions:
- Under 16: Individuals under 16 years of age are prohibited from operating adult-sized ATVs or off-highway motorcycles on public lands.
Operation on Public Roads:
- Operating dirt bikes on public streets, roads, or highways is prohibited unless the bike has been modified to meet street-legal requirements and is properly registered and insured.
Lighting Requirements:
- If 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
Converting a dirt bike to be street-legal in Illinois is challenging due to state regulations. Illinois does not allow the registration of off-road motorcycles for street use if the title or VIN designates them as off-road only. However, there are alternative methods:
Alternative Registration Methods:
- Out-of-State Registration:
- Some riders choose to register their dirt bikes in states with more lenient laws, such as South Dakota or Vermont, and then transfer the registration to Illinois. This process may involve additional steps and fees.
- Some riders choose to register their dirt bikes in states with more lenient laws, such as South Dakota or Vermont, and then transfer the registration to Illinois. This process may involve additional steps and fees.
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO):
- If the dirt bike’s MCO does not specify “off-road use only,” it may be possible to register it as a street-legal motorcycle in Illinois. This typically applies to dual-sport motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road use.
- If the dirt bike’s MCO does not specify “off-road use only,” it may be possible to register it as a street-legal motorcycle in Illinois. This typically applies to dual-sport motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road use.
Required Equipment for Street-Legal Conversion:
If eligible for registration, the following equipment is typically required:
- DOT-approved headlight with 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.
- Speedometer and odometer.
- DOT-approved tires.
- Muffler to comply with noise regulations.
- Chain guard.
Title and Registration:
- Obtain a title from the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Register the bike with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Submit the necessary forms and documentation to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Inspection:
- 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.
License Plate:
- Affix a valid Illinois 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. Illinois has several OHV trails and parks where off-road riding is permitted.
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 Illinois, including dirt bikes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to Illinois’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 Illinois Laws and Agencies
- Illinois Secretary of State: Handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing.
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR): Manages public lands and designated OHV trails.
- Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS): Outlines motor vehicle laws, including those pertaining to dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
Start your street-legal process today with Dirt Legal.
