Dirt Bike: Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal?

Dirt bikes are much lighter and more maneuverable than other types of bikes or motorcycles. These bikes are designed for rough terrain. Youngsters prefer these bikes more as these are a great way to get out and explore the outdoors.

Yes, riding a dirt bike is an exciting experience most of the time. Even after that, the bikes of this category could not become popular as they demand. Because various restrictions may have contributed to many states, countries, and regions. And, many people don’t even know if dirt bikes riding on the street are legal in their area or not.

In this article, I will discuss the suitability of dirt bikes for riding on public roads. This will let you know if the bike is street legal in your state, or how to make it street legal.

What Is A Dirt Bike?

Dirt bikes are lightweight motorcycles suitable for riding on trails or dirt roads. Bikes include large fenders and special tires.

These bikes’ small engines, small gas tanks, and stiff suspension design allow the biker to ride or stunt on the trail with little impact on the spine. There are about 8 types of dirt bikes available based on the needs or requirements of the rider. So the rider can choose the dirt bike for hill climbs, sports, or trails according to his requirements.

Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal Or Not?

Dirt bikes in stock form are generally not street legal. Because, in most cases, these bikes do not have headlights, signal lights, tail lights, speedometers, or such necessary equipment but they have engines. Apart from this, Manufacturers design these bikes for various sports or off-road use only.

However, a rider can ride dirt bikes in neighborhoods, public roads, and city sidewalks, depending on some conditions.

Conditions include-

• registration of the bike,
• rider’s driving license,
• and attachment of necessary accessories to the bike.

Accessory requirements may vary by region. I will explain in detail the requirement of accessories according to the state in the next part of the article.

Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal In The USA?

As I have mentioned earlier, stock dirt bikes are not street legal in many countries, and the US is no exception. But here there are exceptions to the rules according to the state. So, I am explaining the dirt bike laws state by state below.

From here, you can know the rules of your state.

❖ Alabama:

You can’t ride dirt bikes on public roads here. But riding on government-sanctioned trails, on private property, or off-road shouldn’t be a problem.

But you will need road-legal permission from the authorities to ride on public roads. For this, you need to apply by submitting necessary documents, such as-

• photocopies of bike registration documents, driving license,
• bill of sale, national identity card, etc.

❖ Alaska:

You can ride dirt bikes here subject to certain conditions.

For example,

• If snow makes other vehicles impassable to ride,
• The road is designated for dirt bikes or crossings.

But Dirt bike laws in Alaska are quite strict, and getting approved for public roads can be difficult.

❖ Arizona:

Dirt bike laws in Arizona are relatively liberal. A rider can ride his dirt bike on public roads by obtaining an OHV (Off-Road Vehicle generated by a motor) sticker through a legal process.

But without an OHV sticker, you can ride dirt bikes on trails, private property, or designated areas.

❖ Arkansas:

It is not allowed to ride dirt bikes on public roads except on private property, trails, neighborhoods, or designated areas in Arkansas.

To ride on public roads, you need to make your dirt bike street legal. If the rider is a 12-year-old teenager, he must ride the bike under the supervision of an adult.

❖ California:

Dirt bikes are not street legal on highways or public roads as the laws here are not bike friendly.

To ride a dirt bike in these areas, you will need a CARB (California Air Resources Board) permit which can be expensive to obtain. However, you can ride your dirt bike on trails, on private property, or off-road.

❖ Colorado:

You can get a permit to ride a dirt bike in Colorado for farming and emergency purposes. Anyway, you will need consent from the OHV department for riding your dirt bike on trails.

❖ Connecticut:

Only after making streets legal, you can ride a dirt bike on public roads. You will need DOT (Department of Transportation) approval to make the bike street legal. Anyway, Connecticut allows dirt bikes to ride on allowed trails or private property.

❖ Delaware:

You can ride dirt bikes here by updating or installing the required accessories. Besides, you must obey certain rules, such as prescribed speed limits, displaying illuminated headlights and taillights, etc.

❖ Florida:

Florida authorities consider dirt bikes as motorcycles.

So here, only a license holder rider can ride dirt bikes on highways or public roads with the necessary documents and accessories.

❖ Georgia:

The law here is the same for both off-road and on-road motor vehicles. Once your dirt bike is registered, you may ride it on the road.

❖ Hawaii:

One can ride dirt bikes on trails, off-road, or on private property without a license or registration in Hawaii. But riding on public roads requires a driver’s license and registration. Furthermore, Dirt riders must ride within the speed limit following the traffic rules.

❖ Idaho:

Dirt bikes are not street legal here on highways or public roads.

But, you can make your dirt bike street legal by purchasing a registration sticker from-

• a dealer, local shop, or online for $12.50.

However, you can ride a dirt bike in the neighborhood, on private property, on trails, or off-road without this sticker.

❖ Illinois:

Dirt bikes are not street legal in general. You must register with DOT-approved tyres, low and high headlight beams, horns, signal lights, a license plate, etc., and must have a driver’s license.

❖ Indiana:

It is illegal to ride dirt bikes on highways or public roads here without permission from the authorities and necessary documents. But you won’t need a permit or document to ride on limited trails, off-road, and some limited-access roads.

❖ Iowa:

You can ride dirt bikes here if you have a valid driving license and registration. You will need to install DOT-approved equipment such as brakes, headlights, etc. to get the registration.

• Anyway, you can easily get permission to ride dirt bikes on public roads for ‘Agricultural Migration’.

❖ Kentucky:

It is illegal to ride dirt bikes on public roads in Kentucky. You can only ride a bike on private property or off-road if you have a legal permit.

But for $15, you can apply for a dirt bike title can help you get a permit to ride legally a dirt bike on public roads with the necessary safety gear and bike accessories.

❖ Kansas:

In cities of the second or third class in Kansas with a population under 15,000, a rider may ride a dirt bike on public roads without registration.

But in first-class cities, they may not ride dirt bikes without registration. Also, for riding the bike at night, the bike must include standard lights.

❖ Louisiana:

You can ride dirt bikes on public roads here subject to special permission. But the bike must include a speedometer, brake, headlight, taillight, etc. Also, the rider must be at least 21 years old and have a driving license, title, insurance, etc.

❖ Maine:

Yeah, you can ride dirt bikes on public roads by completing the registration process and paying an annual fee of $33. However, registration is not mandatory for off-road. A rider can also ride a dirt bike in the neighborhood, on trails, or private property.

❖ Maryland:

Only dirt bikes registered as motorcycles are street legal on public roads in Maryland. To ride these bikes, the bike must have a headlight, muffler, red taillight, and protective headgear with eye protection for the rider.

❖ Massachusetts:

To legally ride a dirt bike here, the rider must be at least 18 years of age and must pass the responsibility course.

And, registration is mandatory for riders that require it to be renewed every 2 years. H/she has to have a driving license, including a registration plate and necessary accessories should be attached to the bike.

❖ Michigan:

You must have the registration, driver’s license, title, and proper safety equipment to ride a dirt bike in Michigan. But they are not mandatory for off-road riding.

Moreover, riders under the age of 10 can ride dirt bikes on a parent’s private property under the direct supervision of someone with an ORV safety certificate.

❖ Minnesota:

Dirt bikes are not street legal in Minnesota. But if anyone wants, then h/she must be registered with the State Division of Natural Resources to ride a dirt bike legally on off-roads. That means bikers can ride these bikes based on getting a decal from there, although need to follow the prescribed rules while riding.

❖ Mississippi:

Dirt bikes are not street legal on highways or public roads in Mississippi, and there is no way to even legalize these bikes for on-road riding.

Nonetheless, a rider with a valid driver’s license or a safety certificate can ride a dirt bike on public property such as a national forest, wildlife area, or state park. And, riders under the age of 16 must wear a crash helmet.

❖ Missouri:

A rider can make a dirt bike street legal in Missouri by installing DOT-approved equipment. For this, the rider has to apply with proper documents. After that, the authorities issue a decal which is mandatory to display while riding. And, you need to spend $10 for this purpose, which will be valid for 3 years.

• Minors can ride dirt bikes under the supervision of parents or someone with a valid driving license.

❖ Montana:

After making the bike street legal, a rider can ride it on public roads in Montana. To make it street legal, you need to install or update some equipment on the bike like brakes, mirrors, horns, mufflers, headlights, taillight, license plate, etc.

Also, the rider must have a valid driving license to ride a dirt bike here. But riding dirt bikes off-road doesn’t require so much commitment.

❖ Nebraska:

You may ride a dirt bike on-road by completing registration here. And, this registration requires insurance, a driver’s license, and DOT-approved equipment attached to the bike. Also, headlights and taillights should be turned on while riding on public roads. But these are not required to ride on private property, neighborhoods, or trails legally.

❖ Nevada:

Dirt bike riding rules here are like those in Nebraska. But, to ride a dirt bike, the rider must be at least 16 years of age and must apply for bike registration. After getting permission, a rider can ride his dirt bike on public roads.

❖ New Hampshire:

Dirt bikes are not street legal on public roads in New Hampshire unless the rider has special permission. Plus, the rider has to register with his/her dirt bike.

• Furthermore, wearing a helmet with eye protection is mandatory for minors, and cannot carry any passengers.

❖ New Jersey:

A rider in New Jersey can receive a permit to ride a dirt bike on roads or public land by registering and paying a $50 fee.

If you want to ride a dirt bike in the neighborhood, on private property, or off-road, no legal formalities are required. Rider must complete vehicle safety course if under 18 years of age.

❖ New Mexico:

A rider can ride a dirt bike anywhere in New Mexico by collecting and displaying a local DMV-issued sticker. This requires a title and proper safety equipment installed on the bike.

• And, riders under the age of 10 can ride dirt bikes under the direct supervision of an adult with a valid driving license.

❖ New York:

There are strict laws for dirt bikes and they are not allowed in public parks, highways, or streets. Because of the lack of public trails, private property is the only option for dirt bike riding.

• Minor riders can ride dirt bikes on land owned by their guardian or parent.

❖ North Carolina:

Traffic rules are the same for dirt bikes and motorcycles in North Carolina. Riders must have a driving license, registration, and safety equipment installed on the bike to ride on public roads. A driver’s license is not required to ride in neighborhoods, on private property, or trails.

• Minor riders can ride dirt bikes under adult supervision.

❖ North Dakota:

Registration at the North Dakota Department of Transportation Office (NDDOT) makes dirt bikes street legal here. The registration fee is $20 and requires a full name and address.

❖ South Carolina:

By registering for a $15 fee, riders receive a title in South Carolina that serves as a legal document in the state. But no one under the age of 6 can ride a dirt bike here, though age restrictions do not apply to dirt bike rides on private property.

❖ South Dakota:

No rider may ride a dirt bike in South Dakota without proper qualifications or documentation. Both title and registration are now important as documents. But the law is very flexible with riding dirt bikes on private property or off-road.

❖ Ohio:

Dirt bikes are not allowed on highways or public roads in this state. But off-road trails or private property are the only legal places to ride these bikes.

To ride a dirt bike on the road, you need to apply with your bike model number and personal details. Besides, the bike must have the necessary equipment installed and must have a driving license.

• Riders under the age of 16 can ride dirt bikes under the supervision of a licensed adult.

❖ Oklahoma:

Although dirt bikes are not street legal in Oklahoma, a rider can ride a dirt bike on public land or state park roads with a valid driver’s license and the proper safety equipment installed on the bike. However, there are no restrictions on riding dirt bikes off-road in this state.

❖ Oregon:

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved bikes can ride on public roads in Oregon and are considered street legal. And, DOT-approved accessories must be attached to the bike.

• Riders under 16 can ride bikes under adult supervision.
• It is completely illegal for riders under the age of 7 to ride a dirt bike on public land.

❖ Pennsylvania:

These bikes are not street legal on highways or public roads in this state. But after making the bike street legal, the rider can ride his bike both on-road and off-road, for which both registration and title are mandatory.

• Although riders ages 8-15 can ride dirt bikes on public land under parental supervision.
• But those- under 8 are prohibited.

❖ Rhode Island:

Dirt bikes are completely illegal on highways or public roads here. Dirt bike riding on private property requires written permission from the landowner. But there are some off-road trails in Rhode Island where you can legally ride your dirt bike.

• Registration of both dirt bikes and motorcycles is mandatory in this state.

❖ Tennessee:

Road bikes are street legal in Tennessee and you can ride dirt bikes on two-lane highways. But the bike must have headlights and taillights and use other safety gear, including helmets.

❖ Texas:

Dirt bike laws in Texas are owner-friendly and street legal here. But the bike must have DOT-approved parts and purchase an OHV decal.

❖ Utah:

Dirt bike laws in this state are like Texas. After making it street legal, the rider can ride his dirt bike on highways or public roads.

❖ Vermont:

The law here is like Texas, but the rider must have a driver’s license. There are no specific restrictions for off-road dirt bike riding in this state.

❖ Virginia:

Riding a dirt bike in Virginia requires $15 to collect a title that is considered a legal document but does not require mandatory registration. And, you can ride your dirt bike on private property with no title or registration.

❖ Washington:

If your dirt bike has on-road and off-road tags, you can ride your dirt bike on certain public roads in Washington.

But the bikes must be equipped with DOT-approved mechanical equipment. And, dirt biking on someone else’s property without permission is a punishable offense in this state.

❖ West Virginia:

Dirt bikes are street legal in West Virginia but must be equipped with DOT-approved equipment.

A driving license is mandatory here and there are no specific laws for riding dirt bikes off-road.

❖ Wisconsin:

It is completely illegal to ride a dirt bike on public roads in Wisconsin and you can be fined anywhere from $150 to $2000. But you can use private property, off-road, or trails to ride dirt bikes in this state.

❖ Wyoming:

After making your dirt bike street legal, you can ride it on public roads. But you must have a driving license, proof of ownership, and insurance with you while riding.

How To Make Dirt Bikes Street Legal In The USA?

By now, you may know dirt bikes don’t come with many accessories in stock condition. That’s why you need to add the necessary accessories to make them street legal. The requirements for these accessories vary slightly from state to state. And, now I’ll present it below in a chart to help you know what to add according to your state.

Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal In Australia?

Yes, dirt bikes are street legal in Australia, but you must meet certain conditions.

• To ride a dirt bike on public roads here, you must have a valid license and registration of the bike.
• Roads, where bikes are allowed, your dirt bike must be ADR (Australian Design Rules)
• In addition to maintaining the speed limit, you must obey all traffic laws.

Remember- Australian authorities do not allow dirt bikes to be ridden on footpaths or in national parks.

Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal In Europe?

Dirt bikes are not street legal in many European countries. There are generally 3 reasons these bikes are illegal. These include a lack of safety accessories, smog emissions, and mostly unregistered vehicles. That is why it is illegal to ride bikes on public roads, neighborhoods, or sidewalks. But fortunately, you can ride dirt bikes on public roads by meeting certain conditions in most places.

England:

If you are considering England, there are some steps you need to take to make dirt bikes street legal here. First, you need to collect a Certificate Of Newness from the manufacturer. Also, a valid MOT, V5 log book and NOVA Declaration will be required.

Bike insurance and number plates are also important to get permission for public roads. If you can collect these documents, you can make your dirt bike street legal by registering it.

Ireland:

Dirt bikes are permitted to ride on public roads in Ireland. But the rider needs to hold a license and be aware of taxes and insurance.

❖ In this way and maintaining the local rules & regulations, Dirt bikes are OKAY to ride on public roads in different European countries. You just need to know the local laws regarding dirt bikes.

Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal In South Africa?

A dual-sport motorcycle approved for public roads in South Africa, generally suitable for on-road and off-road use. Because these bikes have necessary equipment like indicators, speedometers, lights, mirrors, number plates, etc.

But, if your bike comes without these accessories in stock condition, then by attaching them you can register your dirt bike and ride it on the public road in many regions of South Africa.

And, Are Electric Dirt Bikes Street Legal?

Although electric dirt bikes are designed for off-road use only, you can use them on public roads as well.

• The registration process for a gas-powered dirt bike and an electric dirt bike is the same. But you need to make sure that you attach the equipment required for road riding to your electric dirt bike like lights, brakes, speedometer.

If you have a valid proof of ownership, title, or MCO along with the said materials, you can easily get your dirt bike approved.

You just need to make sure that you have all kinds of necessary & mandatory accessories like gas-powered dirt bikes on your e-dirt bike.

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Wrapping Up Dirt Bike Legality On Streets

Dirt bikes come in all shapes and sizes, from small to large. So, there is plenty of opportunities to choose according to your demands. If you live in the countryside, a dirt bike may be the best option for raising your excitement. This is because most states have no restrictions on riding dirt bikes on private property, trails, or off-road.

But living in urban areas, we often have to worry about whether dirt bikes are legal on the street or illegal. Since dirt bike laws vary by state, I’ve already described the roadworthiness of dirt bikes by region. And, these will confirm what will you need to ride a dirt bike in your area, or if you need to make any changes at all. Happy Riding!