Off-Road Use: Registration and Safety Requirements
Dirt bikes used exclusively off-road in North Carolina do not need a title or registration, but riders must follow safety rules and age restrictions.
Helmet and Eye Protection:
All riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection.
Age and Engine Restrictions: (NC Regulations)
Under 8: Cannot operate ATVs.
Ages 8–11: Up to 70cc.
Ages 12–15: 70cc to 90cc.
16 and older: Over 90cc.
Operation on Public Roads:
Off-road dirt bikes cannot be ridden on public streets, roads, or highways, except to cross at a 90-degree angle where permitted.
Lighting Requirements:
Dirt bikes used during low-light conditions must have functioning headlights and taillights.
Driving a Dirt Bike on Public Roads
To drive a dirt bike on North Carolina roads, it must be converted to meet equipment, registration, and insurance standards.
Equipment Requirements
Your bike must be equipped with:
DOT-approved headlight with high and low beams
Taillight with brake function
Turn signals (front and rear)
Rearview mirrors (both sides)
Horn audible from 200 feet
Speedometer and odometer
DOT-approved tires
Compliant muffler
Title, Registration, and Insurance
Obtain a title and register your bike with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
If the bike lacks a title, a bonded title application may be required.
Liability insurance is mandatory for all street-ready dirt bikes.
Dirt Legal handles titling, registration, and plates to make your dirt bike ready for public roads efficiently, with Montana plates shipping in as little as 1 day, titles in 2 weeks, and temp tags issued the same day.
Inspection and Plates
Have your bike inspected at a licensed station to ensure safety and emissions compliance.
Affix a visible, unobstructed license plate.
Where You Can Ride
Off-Road:
Private Property: Riding allowed with landowner permission.
Public Lands: Only in designated trails and areas.
On-Road:
Permitted Roads: Street-ready dirt bikes can operate on public roads, excluding interstate highways and limited-access highways.
Crossing Roads: Off-road dirt bikes may cross streets at a 90-degree angle during daylight hours, stopping fully and yielding to traffic.
Rider Requirements
License: Valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement required for street use.
Helmet: DOT-approved helmet required; recommended for all riders.
Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to follow North Carolina dirt bike laws can result in:
Fines for unregistered or improperly equipped bikes
Impoundment by law enforcement
License Suspension for riding without insurance or a valid license
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a dirt bike street-legal in NC?
Yes — you can convert a dirt bike to operate on public roads in North Carolina by adding required equipment such as headlights, taillights with brake function, turn signals, mirrors, horn, DOT-approved tires, and a speedometer. You must also get a title, register the bike, and secure liability insurance. Dirt Legal handles all titling, registration, and plates, so your bike is ready to ride quickly, with Montana plates shipping in as little as 1 day, titles in 2 weeks, and temp tags issued the same day.
Can I legally ride a dirt bike on the road?
You can ride a dirt bike on streets only if it meets North Carolina’s registration, insurance, and equipment standards and is operated on roads officially designated for off-highway vehicles. Dirt Legal helps you create a Montana LLC and complete all registration paperwork, getting your plates in 1 day, titles in 2 weeks, and temp tags issued same day so you can ride confidently.
Relevant North Carolina Laws and Agencies
- North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV): Handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing.
- North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20: Outlines motor vehicle laws, including those pertaining to dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
- North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT): Oversees transportation regulations and infrastructure.
Ready to Get Your Dirt Bike Road-Ready?
Don’t wait to hit the road safely and compliantly. Dirt Legal makes it simple: we handle all titling, registration, and plates — even through a Montana LLC if needed — so your dirt bike is street-ready fast. Montana plates ship in as little as 1 day, titles in 2 weeks, and temporary tags are issued the same day.
