How To Make Your OHV Street-Legal
OHVs, or off-highway vehicles (a generic term for off-roading powersports vehicles like UTVs), are generally suited to off-road riding in deserts and other open areas, or on designated trails. However, in some states, you can alter your UTV to make it street-legal for either highway usage or city street usage in certain cases. A number of aftermarket features can be added to your OHV that will improve visibility and handling so that your vehicle doesn’t present a hazard to other drivers. If you’re interested in taking you side by side out on the road, the fine folks at Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania have created this guide to making your OHV street-legal.
Adding Lights
Your OHV is smaller and less visible than passenger cars and many don’t have lights added, so this will be a modification you’ll need to make yourself. To be street-legal, UTVs need to have several lighting systems that improve your visibility as you drive while also alerting other drivers to your presence. You will need to have turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and taillights on your side by side. All of these will be helpful for you and other drivers, particularly in inclement weather or dark conditions.
Upgrading Hardware
Other safety requirements for your side by side include upgraded hardware. You’ll need a license plate on your OHV in order to ride over public highways or streets, which will require a visit to the DMV to properly register your vehicle for road usage. The license plate will need to be mounted to the bumper and illuminated for visibility.
Your OHV’s muffler may need to be upgraded to be more efficient and cut down on noise. A windshield may also be required to improve safety while riding on highways or roads. If your vehicle has seat belts, these must be worn while the vehicle is in motion, just as they are on a passenger vehicle.
Checking State Laws
Every state (as well as Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.) has its own laws governing whether or not OHVs may be ridden on public streets and highways. Generally, you’ll need to register your UTV with the state DMV, but this isn’t always the case. You will also need to have a current driver’s license and avoid operating your UTV in an irresponsible manner, which means that you should always wear the appropriate safety gear, follow posted speed limits, and remain sober. Age restrictions change by state, so before allowing users under 18 to operate an OHV on the highway, check to see what the rules are for young riders where you live.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a list of state-by-state ATV/UTV riding information and laws. To brush up on what’s legal in your area when it comes to riding your OHV, check this link:
Here’s an additional resource that lays out ATV laws by state:
https://www.edgarsnyder.com/atv/atv-laws-by-state/
In some cases, the legality of your OHV on public streets can change due to certain conditions. This could include the need to cross a highway or to have transport in severely inclement weather where other vehicles cannot be driven.
Safe Street Riding
When riding your UTV on the highway or city streets, you may need to ride on the shoulder of the road depending on your state’s laws. Make sure you are going in the same direction as traffic and that traffic can see you. Travel below posted speed limits unless there is a state rule limiting how fast your OHV can go on a public road. Always make sure to wear your helmet just as you would when off-roading. Use your side by side’s headlights and taillights in poor weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow, and turn them on if you’re riding before dawn or after dusk. You will want to adjust your driving to be more even and cautious than how you operate on a deserted trail or desert off-roading area because you’re surrounded by passenger and commercial traffic that presents more of a danger to you than wide open spaces do.
If you plan to ride your side by side out-of-state, you’ll also need to make sure you get the appropriate registration, tags, or licenses for the state you’re visiting. Planning ahead can save you from hefty fines or even arrest! Taking a UTV safety training course is also a great strategy to help you learn the best practices when it comes to off-roading, trail riding, or using your OHV on the highway.
Now that you know a little more about making UTVs street legal, you should come into our Upper Darby dealership to check out our wide array of new and used side by sides for sale. Crossroad Powersports proudly serves the cities of Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, as well as Deptford Township, NJ.