Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal? Everything You Need to Know by State
Dirt bikes are built for trails, mud, and tough terrain. But what if you want to ride yours on the street? Are dirt bikes street legal in your state? The answer depends on where you live and how your bike is set up.
This guide breaks it all down by state. We’ll cover laws from Alabama to Wyoming. We’ll also explain what “street legal” really means and what to look for when converting your dirt bike.

Contents
- 1 What Does Street Legal Mean for a Dirt Bike?
- 2 Federal vs. State Rules
- 2.1 Alaska
- 2.2 Arizona
- 2.3 Arkansas
- 2.4 California
- 2.5 Colorado
- 2.6 Connecticut
- 2.7 Delaware
- 2.8 Florida
- 2.9 Georgia
- 2.10 Hawaii
- 2.11 Idaho
- 2.12 Illinois
- 2.13 Indiana
- 2.14 Iowa
- 2.15 Kansas
- 2.16 Kentucky
- 2.17 Louisiana
- 2.18 Maine
- 2.19 Maryland
- 2.20 Massachusetts
- 2.21 Michigan
- 2.22 Minnesota
- 2.23 Mississippi
- 2.24 Missouri
- 2.25 Montana
- 2.26 Nevada
- 2.27 New Hampshire
- 2.28 New Jersey
- 2.29 New Mexico
- 2.30 New York
- 2.31 North Carolina
- 2.32 North Dakota
- 2.33 Ohio
- 2.34 Oklahoma
- 2.35 Oregon
- 2.36 Pennsylvania
- 2.37 Rhode Island
- 2.38 South Carolina
- 2.39 South Dakota
- 2.40 Tennessee
- 2.41 Texas
- 2.42 Utah
- 2.43 Vermont
- 2.44 Virginia
- 2.45 Washington
- 2.46 West Virginia
- 2.47 Wisconsin
- 2.48 Wyoming
- 3 How to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal (Step-by-Step)
- 4 Conversion Kit vs Dual-Sport Bike
- 5 Common Myths and FAQs
- 6 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- 7 Conclusion
What Does Street Legal Mean for a Dirt Bike?
A dirt bike is not street legal when it’s made for off-road use only. That means it doesn’t have the parts or paperwork needed to ride on public roads.
To be street legal, a dirt bike usually needs:
- A headlight and taillight
- Turn signals
- Brake light
- Horn
- Rearview mirror(s)
- DOT-approved tires
- A license plate
- A working speedometer
- A proper exhaust (often with a spark arrestor)
- Registration and title
- Liability insurance
Each state has its own list of what’s required. Some allow dirt bike street conversion kits. Others are very strict and won’t register off-road bikes, even with upgrades.
Federal vs. State Rules
The federal government has basic safety rules (through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), but the power to say whether a dirt bike is street legal is left to the states.
That means:
- A bike may be legal in one state but not in another.
- You must follow your state DMV laws.
- Local counties and cities may add more rules.
Always check with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency before riding your bike on the road.
Table Table Table
State-by-State Guide: A–W
Each state below gives a quick summary of whether dirt bikes are street legal and what you’ll need to do to ride legally.
Alabama
Dirt bikes are not street legal unless fully converted. You need:
- Title and registration
- DOT-approved equipment
- Motorcycle license and insurance
The process involves inspection and fees at the DMV.
Alaska
Alaska allows off-highway vehicles (OHVs) like dirt bikes on certain public roads. But to ride anywhere else:
- You must register the bike
- Add lights, a mirror, and a horn
- Get plates and wear a helmet
Arizona
In Arizona, dirt bikes can be street legal if they:
- Have a title and insurance
- Include mirrors, lights, a horn, and a license plate
- Use DOT tires
You must also pass emissions testing in some areas.
Arkansas
Arkansas does not allow off-road bikes on public streets. But dual-sport bikes with proper features are fine. A converted bike must have:
- Lights and signals
- License plate and insurance
- A valid title and VIN
California
California has some of the strictest laws. Most off-road bikes come with a red sticker or green sticker, and red sticker bikes are NOT street legal. To convert, you must:
- Add all DOT-required equipment
- Pass inspection and emissions
- Pay fees and submit a special application (often denied)
Most riders buy dual-sport bikes instead of converting.
Colorado
Colorado allows dirt bikes on some roads but requires:
- Street-legal equipment
- Title and OHV registration
- Turn signals, horn, mirror
Many cities don’t allow dirt bikes, even if the state does.
Connecticut
You must convert your bike to meet motorcycle requirements, including:
- DOT lighting and mirrors
- Brake inspection
- Insurance and registration
Inspection at a DMV facility is required before it becomes street legal.
Delaware
Delaware is strict. Off-road bikes can’t be registered for street use. Dual-sport bikes (made for both dirt and street) are allowed if already titled and street-equipped.
Florida
Florida allows dirt bikes on roads only if:
- They’re converted with DOT parts
- You get a title and a license plate
- You carry insurance
You’ll need a full inspection at the DMV. Riders under 21 must wear a helmet.
Georgia
You can ride a dirt bike on Georgia roads if it’s street legal. That means:
- It passes inspection
- Has a valid VIN
- Includes mirrors, horn, lights, and street tires
Georgia often treats converted bikes like motorcycles.
Hawaii
Hawaii requires a full conversion. You must:
- Add street-legal equipment
- Submit your dirt bike for an inspection
- Get a license plate and registration
Some counties may have extra rules, so always double-check.
Idaho
Idaho is dirt bike–friendly. To ride on the street:
- Get a plate and registration
- Add a brake light, headlight, mirror, and horn
- Pass an OHV inspection
Some forest roads are open to non-street-legal bikes.
Illinois
In Illinois, off-road motorcycles can’t be made street legal unless they’re originally manufactured as dual-sport. There’s no inspection process to upgrade them.
Indiana
Indiana lets you register a dirt bike as a motorcycle, but only if:
- You have a VIN and title
- It meets DOT safety requirements
- You show proof of insurance
Iowa
Dirt bikes must be titled, insured, and pass inspection. Add DOT equipment like:
- Turn signals
- Horn
- Lights
- Mirror
Iowa allows street conversion with proper paperwork.
Kansas
Kansas allows converted dirt bikes if they pass a sheriff’s inspection. You must:
- Submit an affidavit of equipment
- Title and insure the bike
- Add DOT components
Kentucky
In Kentucky, dirt bikes can be titled and registered if converted. You’ll need:
- Inspection form
- DOT tires, horn, lights
- Motorcycle insurance
Louisiana
Louisiana allows dual-sport bikes and converted dirt bikes if they meet safety rules. You’ll need:
- Proof of street-legal parts
- Registration and insurance
- Emissions inspection in some areas
Maine
Maine is flexible. To make a dirt bike street legal:
- Add necessary safety equipment
- Show proof of ownership
- Get a motorcycle license
OHV registration is different from street registration.
Maryland
Maryland is strict. Most off-road bikes cannot be converted. Street-legal dirt bikes must be sold as dual-sport and already meet safety standards.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts allows conversion, but the process is hard. You must:
- Prove compliance with safety standards
- Go through a special inspection
- Register as a motorcycle
Michigan
Michigan allows ORVs on certain rural roads but not highways. To make a dirt bike fully street legal:
- Title it as a motorcycle
- Add DOT equipment
- Get insurance and plates
Minnesota
Minnesota lets you ride on public roads if the bike is fully converted. You’ll need:
- Lights, signals, horn, mirror
- Title and plates
- Dual registration (ORV and street)
Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the hardest states. Off-road bikes are not legal on streets unless sold as dual-sport with proper tags and documents.
Missouri
Missouri allows conversion with:
- Safety inspection certificate
- Title application
- Proof of DOT-compliant parts
Montana
Montana is friendly to riders. Many dirt bikes can be street legal if:
- They have a clean VIN
- You complete a vehicle inspection
- All street gear is installed
Some counties may allow more leniency than others.
Nevada
Nevada allows dirt bike street conversions with:
- A completed inspection
- Title and registration
- All DOT-required equipment
You can also get off-highway vehicle tags for trail-only use.
New Hampshire
Dirt bikes must be inspected, registered, and fully street legal. The process includes:
- Proof of ownership
- Lights, horn, mirrors, etc.
- Safety inspection at an approved station
New Jersey
New Jersey is strict. Off-road bikes cannot be converted. Only dual-sport motorcycles that meet EPA and DOT rules are street legal.
New Mexico
Dirt bikes can be converted in New Mexico. You need:
- DOT tires and lights
- Inspection form
- Registration, plates, and insurance
New York
New York has tough rules. You cannot register a dirt bike for street use unless:
- It’s labeled as street legal from the factory
- You go through an extensive inspection process (rarely approved)
Off-road motorcycles are not legal on public streets.
North Carolina
Street legality is possible with:
- DOT parts
- Motorcycle title and registration
- Liability insurance
The state follows strict inspection procedures.
North Dakota
Dirt bikes can be street legal if:
- You install safety equipment
- Submit a VIN inspection
- Register and insure the bike
Ohio
Ohio allows street conversion. You’ll need:
- A title and out-of-state inspection (if necessary)
- DOT lights, mirrors, horn, and tires
- License plate and registration
Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not allow conversions for off-road bikes. Only factory-built dual-sport bikes can be registered for road use.
Oregon
You cannot make an off-road bike street legal unless it was manufactured for road use. Oregon requires:
- Emissions certification
- Factory DOT-compliant equipment
Off-road registration is separate.
Pennsylvania
Dirt bikes must be registered as motorcycles to be street legal. You need:
- Proof of DOT equipment
- State inspection
- Insurance
Off-road motorcycles can only be used on trails.
Rhode Island
Conversion is not allowed. You may only ride a dirt bike on private land or approved off-road parks. No street registration is offered for off-road models.
South Carolina
Street legality is possible but not easy. You must:
- Equip the bike with DOT-approved parts
- Pass a state inspection
- Get plates and a title
Some local areas restrict where you can ride.
South Dakota
South Dakota supports conversions. You’ll need:
- OHV title
- Safety upgrades
- Registration and insurance
Many rural counties are more flexible with enforcement.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows dirt bikes to be street legal if:
- You have a valid title
- DOT parts are installed
- The bike passes the safety inspection
Helmet laws are enforced for riders under 21.
Texas
Texas requires a Motorcycle Street Title. To get it, you must:
- Install DOT equipment
- Get a VIN inspection at a state-certified location
- Provide insurance and ownership documents
Utah
Utah is one of the most dirt bike–friendly states. To ride on the road:
- Apply for a street-legal OHV permit
- Install DOT-compliant parts
- Register and insure the bike
Vermont
Dirt bikes are street legal if converted. You must:
- Pass state inspection
- Provide the DOT equipment list
- Register the bike and get a plate
Virginia
Virginia does not allow street conversion unless the bike was built for street use. No clear process exists to make an off-road bike legal.
Washington
Washington allows conversion if the bike:
- Has a valid title
- Meets all DOT safety rules
- Passes the state patrol inspection
West Virginia
West Virginia supports conversions. You need:
- Inspection report
- DOT tires, lights, and horn
- Street title and license plate
Wisconsin
Wisconsin lets you register a dirt bike as a dual-purpose vehicle if:
- You add the correct safety gear
- It passes inspection
- You pay the registration fee
Wyoming
Dirt bikes can be made street legal with:
- Proper lighting
- Insurance and plates
- Approval by the county treasurer’s office
Some countries are more flexible than others.
How to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal (Step-by-Step)
If your state allows it, here’s how to turn your dirt bike into a street-legal motorcycle.
- Title the Bike
Some bikes don’t come with a title. Apply for one at your DMV if needed. - Install DOT-Approved Equipment
- Headlight (with high/low beam)
- Brake light
- Turn signals (front and rear)
- Rearview mirror(s)
- Horn
- DOT tires
- Speedometer
- License plate holder with light
- Get Insurance
Most states require basic liability insurance, even for dirt bikes. - Pass Inspection (If Required)
Some states need a physical inspection before issuing a plate. - Register Your Dirt Bike as a Motorcycle
Submit your paperwork, pay the fee, and get your license plate. - Ride Safely and Legally
Follow helmet laws, speed limits, and all motorcycle rules.
Conversion Kit vs Dual-Sport Bike
You can either:
- Convert your off-road dirt bike using a street-legal kit
- Buy a dual-sport motorcycle built for road and trail use
Conversion Kit Pros:
✅ Customize your current bike
✅ Save money if parts are available
Conversion Kit Cons:
❌ May not pass inspection
❌ Time-consuming process
Dual-Sport Bike Pros:
✅ Already street legal
✅ Reliable and legal in all 50 states
Dual-Sport Bike Cons:
❌ More expensive upfront
❌ Heavier than pure dirt bikes
Common Myths and FAQs
Myth 1: If I install lights, my bike is legal.
❌ False. You still need registration, a title, and insurance.
Myth 2: A dirt bike registered in one state is legal in all others.
❌ No. Some states will not recognize street conversions from other states.
Myth 3: You don’t need insurance for a street-legal dirt bike.
❌ Insurance is usually required, just like any other vehicle.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I ride a dirt bike on the road without converting it?
No. If it’s not street legal, you’re limited to private land or designated OHV areas.
What is a dual-sport motorcycle?
A dual-sport bike is made for both off-road trails and public roads. These are fully legal in all 50 states with the right paperwork.
Do I need a motorcycle license?
Yes. Most states require a motorcycle endorsement to ride a street-legal dirt bike.
Conclusion
So, are dirt bikes street legal? The short answer is, it depends on your state. While many states let you convert a dirt bike with the right equipment, others ban the practice completely. In some places, it’s easier (like Utah or Montana), while others (like California or New York) are more strict.
Always:
- Check your local DMV site
- Use DOT-certified parts
- Keep insurance and paperwork up to date
If you’re serious about riding your dirt bike on the road, consider buying a dual-sport bike or working with a mechanic to complete a safe and legal conversion.