Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements
In Maine, dirt bikes used exclusively off-road are considered All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and must be registered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) unless they are operated on land owned or leased by the operator or their parent/guardian, or on a safety training site approved by the department.
Registration Details:
- Requirement: All ATVs, including dirt bikes, must be registered before operation unless exempt.
- Registration Process: New registrations must be done through a registration agent or the MDIFW main office in Augusta. Renewals can be done online or through an agent.
- Fees: Resident registration is $70 plus agent fee; nonresident 7-day registration is $100 plus agent fee; nonresident seasonal registration is $115 plus agent fee.
- Exemptions: Registration is not required for ATVs operated on land owned or leased by the operator or their parent/guardian, or on a safety training site approved by the department.
Helmet and Eye Protection:
- Under 18: Operators and passengers under 18 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating or riding on an ATV.
- All Riders: Eye protection is recommended for all riders, regardless of age.
Age Restrictions:
- Under 10: Individuals under 10 years of age may not operate an ATV.
- 10–15: Individuals aged 10 through 15 may operate an ATV if they have successfully completed a training course approved by the department and are accompanied by an adult.
Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal
Converting a dirt bike to be street-legal in Maine is challenging due to state regulations. Maine does not allow the registration of off-road motorcycles for street use if the title or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) designates them as off-road only.
Required Equipment for Street-Legal Conversion (if possible):
If eligible for registration, the following equipment is typically required:
- DOT-approved headlight with high and low beams.
- Taillight with brake light function.
- Rearview mirrors (one on each side).
- Turn signals (front and rear).
- 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 Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Register the bike with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Submit the necessary forms and documentation to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
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 Maine 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. Maine has several OHV trails and parks where off-road riding is permitted.
On-Road:
- Permitted Roads: Operation of off-road motorcycles on public roads is generally prohibited unless the bike has been converted to meet street-legal requirements and is properly registered and insured.
- 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 Maine, including dirt bikes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to Maine’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 Maine Laws and Agencies
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing.
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Manages public lands and designated OHV trails.
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 12: Outlines motor vehicle laws, including those pertaining to dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
Start your street-legal process today with Dirt Legal.
