Are Dirt Bikes Street Legal?

Have you ever wondered if it’s legal to ride your all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or dirt bike on a paved road or street? Well, it's a good question, considering that these vehicles are specifically designed for off-road travel on grass, dirt, clay, sand, and other natural terrain. Let’s take a closer look at the regulations governing the use of these vehicles in Oklahoma.

According to Oklahoma Statute 47-1151, ATVs may be driven on unpaved roads within the boundaries of any property of the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. However, some local cities and municipalities may permit ATVs and golf carts on public streets, but only during daylight hours and only if a local ordinance specifically permits their use.

Interestingly, an ATV may travel on public streets and highways if making a direct crossing while traveling from one area of a regularly traveled trail to another. In other words, you can use an ATV or dirt bike to cross streets, but you definitely can't take one for a ride on the highway. When planning your off-roading excursion, it's safest to transport your ATV or dirt bike to the location by trailer.

When it comes to crossing public streets, ATV and dirt bike riders must follow specific rules. They must come to a full stop before exiting their trails, and yield to all traffic on the public streets they’re crossing. Furthermore, the crossing must be as direct as possible to rejoin the trail. Three additional rules are noteworthy:

• Street or highway crossings are prohibited where the posted speed limit is over 35 mph.
• Drivers must hold valid driver licenses to cross public streets or highways.
• Street crossings are only permitted during daylight hours.

In Oklahoma, the definition of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is clear. According to state regulations, an ATV is a motorized vehicle designed specifically for off-road use. To meet the criteria, the ATV must have a width of 60 inches or less, weigh less than 1,500 pounds when empty, and be equipped with two or more low-pressure tires. So, if you're looking for an ATV that meets these requirements, you've come to the right place. Our dealership can help you find the perfect ATV for your off-road adventures in Oklahoma.

Although most motorcycles categorized as dirt bikes aren’t designed for road use and hence aren’t street legal, they can be made so if they meet two conditions:

• They have been modified for road use.
• They are dual-sport bikes/street legal dirt bikes by default.
• To make a dirt bike street legal, it must have a VIN, be registered and titled, and carry a valid license plate. Moreover, it must be equipped with a speedometer, headlight, and taillight. The driver must also have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver license.

When it comes to offroad riding on private property, there aren’t any specific rules. However, you must abide by any posted rules for offroad riding on public lands, such as state parks. Despite the absence of laws on private property, we strongly recommend that all riders wear a helmet, respect the vehicle's weight limit, not allow more passengers than the vehicle is designed for, and supervise and train children appropriately.