Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements
In Utah, dirt bikes used exclusively for off-road purposes must be registered as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Titling is generally required unless the vehicle was manufactured before 1988.
Safety Gear Requirements:
- Helmet and Eye Protection: Riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection is recommended.
- Education Certificate: Riders under 18 must complete a Utah-approved OHV safety course and carry the certificate while operating.
Age Restrictions (UT OHV Guidelines):
- Under 8: Prohibited from operating OHVs on public land.
- Ages 8–15: Allowed to ride with OHV safety certification and adult supervision.
- 16 and older: May operate OHVs independently with safety certification.
Operation on Public Roads:
- Dirt bikes not made street-legal may not operate on public roads, except to cross roads at 90-degree angles where permitted.
Lighting Requirements:
- If operated at night or in low visibility conditions, dirt bikes must have functional headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal
To legally ride a dirt bike on Utah roads, it must meet street-legal standards and be registered accordingly.
Conversion Steps:
- Required Equipment:
- DOT-approved headlight (with high and low beams)
- Taillight and brake light
- Turn signals (front and rear)
- Rearview mirrors (one on each side)
- Horn audible from 200 feet
- DOT-approved tires
- Muffler with a federally approved spark arrestor
- Speedometer and odometer
- DOT-approved headlight (with high and low beams)
- Title and Registration:
- Obtain a title and register the bike with the Utah DMV as a “Street-Legal Motorcycle.”
- If the bike lacks a title, you may need to apply for a bonded title.
- Obtain a title and register the bike with the Utah DMV as a “Street-Legal Motorcycle.”
- Street-Legal Inspection:
- The bike must pass a state safety inspection at a certified inspection station.
- The bike must pass a state safety inspection at a certified inspection station.
- Insurance:
- Liability insurance is required to operate any street-legal vehicle.
- Liability insurance is required to operate any street-legal vehicle.
- License Plate:
- A valid Utah license plate must be mounted visibly on the dirt bike.
Where You Can Ride
Off-Road:
- Private Property: Permitted with the landowner’s consent.
- Public Lands: Utah has many designated OHV trails and areas on BLM, Forest Service, and state lands. Always check with local land managers for specific rules.
On-Road:
- Permitted Roads: Street-legal dirt bikes can operate on public roads and highways, except interstate freeways.
- Crossing Roads: Non-street-legal OHVs may cross roads at designated points at 90 degrees, after stopping and yielding.
Rider Requirements
- License: A motorcycle endorsement (Class M) is required to ride a street-legal dirt bike on public roads.
- Helmet Use: Required for riders under 18; strongly encouraged for all.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all registered street-legal motorcycles, including converted dirt bikes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating Utah dirt bike laws can lead to:
- Fines: For unregistered vehicles or missing equipment.
- Vehicle Impoundment: If the bike is operated illegally.
- License Suspension: For operating without a valid license or insurance.
Relevant Utah Laws and Agencies
- Utah DMV: Handles titling, registration, and license plate issuance: dmv.utah.gov
- Utah OHV Program: Safety courses, trail info, and OHV rules: recreation.utah.gov
- Utah State Code Title 41: Governs vehicle operation and equipment.
- Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Oversees OHV use on public lands.
