Montana plates ship in as little as 1 day, titles in 2 weeks. Temp tags issued same day.

Dirt Legal

Dirt Legal's Nationwide Street Legal UTV Guide

Everything you need to know about street legal UTVs in the United States.

We researched the street legal UTV laws in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 5 U.S. territories so you don't have to.

Skip the Reading, Get Legal → Browse the Guide

What Is This Guide About?

Getting Legal

Welcome to the booming culture of street legal UTVs. Farmers and hunters are gaining easier access to land, customizers are cruising city streets on massive wheels, and across the country a growing community is using side-by-sides to replace cars and trucks for daily use. This guide shows you how to make your UTV street legal, the nuances of the process, what parts and insurance to get, and exactly what to expect once you're on the road.

You might be surprised to learn that you don't need a motorcycle license, you don't need DOT tires, and you rarely even need a helmet. There are three main ingredients to making a UTV street legal:

Ingredient 1

Parts

Any UTV will need certain parts added to be considered roadworthy.

Ingredient 2

Paperwork

Varies by state, but usually involves getting a title, registration, and license plates.

Ingredient 3

Preparation

Firmly understand all relevant laws, especially when crossing state lines.

The Complete Guide

The Complete Process of Making a UTV Street Legal

Part 1

Strengthening Support

Look at the benefits of street legal UTVs, the growing movement behind them, and the places that want nothing to do with them.

Part 2

Misconceptions and FAQ

Everything people think they know about street legal UTVs, and a lot of it's wrong.

Part 3

How to Make a UTV Street Legal

There are three ways to achieve street legality. Which one is best for you?

Part 4

Montana and South Dakota

Find why these two states are so important for street legal UTVs.

Part 5

Parts and Equipment

Find out what you need to install to make your UTV street legal.

Part 6

Knowing Your Legality

All the details you need to impress parking lot gawkers and Johnny Law, too.

Part 7

Insuring a Street Legal UTV

Learn how street legal UTVs are insured and browse our hand-picked list of providers.

Part 8

Bringing It All Together

Review the most important aspects of street legal UTVs from top to bottom.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this guide designed for?

Anyone who wants a street legal UTV or already has one. It's especially useful if your state doesn't have a clear path to street legality, knowledge is what keeps this community positive, both to itself and within the public eye.

What vehicles are we talking about?

Anything from a utility-focused Kawasaki Mule to the highest-performing Can-Am and Polaris machines, anything larger than the standard 50-inch cutoff for ATV trails. Side-by-side, SxS, SSV, or ROV, whatever you call it, we cover the legal definition for each state, district, and territory that has one.

Do I need to read the whole guide?

If you read it all, you'll know it all, every state, district, and territory section cites primary state sources and trusted third parties. If your time is worth money, our expert team can register your UTV as street legal while you're out riding.

What will this guide tell me?

The parts you need to make a UTV street legal where you live, when unregistered UTVs are allowed on public roads, which laws you need to follow (and which you don't), and how street legality changes your use of OHV areas.

States

Find Your State's Street Legal UTV Laws

Disclaimer: We are enthusiasts, not attorneys. This guide is not legal advice and we are not affiliated with any government or DMV office. We've done our best to cover relevant laws and details, but it's your responsibility to make sure compliance with all applicable laws.

Rather Ride Than Read?

Let our team handle your UTV street-legal paperwork. No inspections, no counter visit, and no wasted time.

Get Started →