New Jersey Bike Laws: What You Need to Know

Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements

In New Jersey, dirt bikes are classified as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) and must be registered to operate legally off-road.

• Registration Process:
  
  
  • All ORVs, including dirt bikes, must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
    
    
  • Registration requires proof of ownership, such as a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or a notarized bill of sale.
    
    
  • The registration fee varies; contact the MVC for current rates.
    
    
  • Registered ORVs must display the assigned registration number on both sides of the vehicle.
    
    
• Insurance Requirements:
  
  
  • Liability insurance is mandatory for all registered ORVs.
    
    
• Age Restrictions:
  
  
  • Operators must be at least 14 years old to operate a dirt bike off-road.
    
    
  • Individuals under 18 are required to complete an approved safety course.

• Operational Restrictions:
  
  
  • Dirt bikes may only be operated on private property with the owner’s consent or in designated off-road areas.
    
    
  • Operation of dirt bikes is prohibited in all New Jersey State Parks 

Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal

Converting a dirt bike for street use in New Jersey is challenging due to strict regulations.

1. Eligibility:
   
   
   • Dirt bikes originally manufactured for off-road use are generally not eligible for street registration in New Jersey.
     
     
   • Some riders have explored registering their dirt bikes in other states, such as Montana, through LLCs to circumvent New Jersey’s restrictions.
     
     
2. Required Equipment:
   
   
   • If eligible, the dirt bike must be equipped with:
     
     
     • DOT-approved headlight with high and low beams.
       
       
     • Taillight with brake light function.
       
       
     • Front and rear turn signals.
       
       
     • Rearview mirrors (at least one, preferably two).
       
       
     • Horn audible from at least 200 feet.
       
       
     • Speedometer and odometer.
       
       
     • DOT-approved tires.
       
       
     • Muffler to comply with noise regulations.
       
       
3. Inspection and Documentation:
   
   
   • Complete a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
     
     
   • Provide proof of ownership (e.g., MCO or previous title).
     
     
   • Submit the completed Application for Certificate of Title and documentation to the New Jersey MVC.
     
     
4. Registration:
   
   
   • If approved, register the bike with the New Jersey MVC and obtain a license plate.
     
     
5. Insurance:
   
   
   • Secure liability insurance for the bike as required for all street-legal vehicles in New Jersey.

Where You Can Ride

Off-Road:

• Private Property: Riding is permitted with the landowner’s consent.
  
  
• Designated Areas: Riding is allowed in designated off-road areas where ORV use is permitted. Ensure compliance with local regulations.

On-Road:

• Permitted Roads: Operation of dirt bikes on public roads is allowed only if the bike has been converted to meet street-legal requirements and is properly registered and insured.