Riding a dirt bike is fun. But you shouldn’t miss out on an important factor; ensuring the dirt bike is legal. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) set some requirements to legalize dirt bikes. Laws on what requirements matter differ in different states.
You should consider confirming the requirements for your state on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Done? Now, you can proceed on how to make a dirt bike street legal. It’s nothing complicated, and you can do it all by yourself.
Let’s get started.
How To Make A Dirt Bike Street Legal
According to Michael Benes, making dirt bike street legal is easy. You must install the necessary bike parts in compliance with your state’s DOT rule. Laws differ per state. But generally, here is a list of parts and accessories to fix to make dirtbike street legal:
Tail lights
Tail lights are important across all the states. They make you visible on the road and communicate your next moves. Also, they serve as brake lights for the front and rear brakes. This tells other road users that you're slowing down or stopping.
To make the dirt bike street legal, you must install the switch such that the front lever and the rear brake pedal trigger it. You can achieve this through pressure connectors.
Many people use a banjo-bolt switch with more pressure in the brake line. This helps to trigger the tail lights or the mechanical switch. This switch is suitable for drum brakes. A banjo bolt enables easy installation of a pressure-activated tail light switch without adding a tee fitting.
In some states, you must leave the tail light on every time. You must also connect it to a battery source that can sustain it for at least 20 minutes.
You should consider using LED lights for your dirt bike tail light. This helps to reduce how much power it uses and extend the battery's life.
Headlights
Headlights are also required in all states in the US to make dirtbike street legal. Functional headlights will help keep you and other road users safe. It does this by enhancing your ability to see at night or during extreme weather. Also, it indicates to others that you're riding.
They must function during the day and night. You should be able to switch them between low and high beams. Furthermore, you should add indicator lights to show which beam is on. But you should be careful with your headlights and ensure it's not too blinding to other drivers.
The DOT rule on the high/low switch placement is installing it in a visible place. Thus, install the switch in a spot you can access.
Mirrors
You need mirrors to make a dirt bike street legal. You can see what's behind you with functional mirrors, boosting road safety. In some states, you need two functioning rear mirrors. In others, at least one working mirror is okay.
Two mirrors are better as you get a wider scope of what's happening behind you. While maintaining the law is important, so is your safety. Thus, avoid using cheap or shaky mirrors. Instead, use wide-angle mirrors and long-stem mirrors. You may also install bar end mirrors if your bike isn't designed to accept them.
Turn signals
Many states don't require turn signals. So, you should confirm before installing, though it doesn't hurt to do that. Instead, they prefer that you signal with your hands when turning. Installing turn signals will help you keep your hands on your dirt bike. This helps when turning to avoid losing control.
Flashing turn signals are especially helpful at night when other users can hardly see you signaling with your hand. Check with your state requirements for installing turn signals on dirt bikes.
Generally, you should install them on the left-hand grip. This is to enable easy usage without letting go of the throttle and visibility. You should consider using LED blinkers for your signals to reduce power usage.
A side stand
You don't exactly need a side stand to make a dirt bike street legal. This is often due to safety concerns that the stands may cause the bike to fall off or catch onto things.
But having a side stand benefits you as it helps you easily park your dirt bike. It will save you the hassle of finding a parking spot or breaking the law by resting your bike against a wall.
Horn
To make riding it legal, you must have a functional electric or nonelectric horn on your dirt bike. But some areas require that the horn be electrical. So, confirm which applies to you. It's easier and safer to install an electric horn to avoid issues with the government.
They are also quite affordable, draw less than 10 amps, and setting up a charging system is easy. Finally, they don't use too much electrical power, so you won't experience power issues.
Tires
You must use tires that are Department of Transportation (DOT) certified. This boosts road safety and ensures you don’t fall off your bike when on the road. Generally, DOT-approved tires are often marked DOT in the sidewall. They also tend to contain extra layers of rubber.
While you may get away with using basic off-road tires, they may not last. The seams may fall apart after many uses. DOT-certified tires last longer, are lightweight, and boost maneuverability on the road.
License plate holder
You need a license plate holder to make your dirt bike street-legal. The bike must display the license. Regulations for placement and location of the license plate holder differ. Some states require that you put the holder behind the rear wheel for easy readability. The important thing is that it must be visible from the bike's rear.
Furthermore, a light must illuminate the holder when on the road. There, mount a LED strip above the plate to enable visibility.
You must also fasten it to prevent it from falling off when riding the dirt bike. Consider using zip ties or mounting the plate beneath the fender.
Stator
You need a stator to generate electricity on your dirt bike. It works with dirt bikes without lights. A stator also works with minimal electrical requirements, likely producing minimal wattage.
It should have about 13 to 15 volts left to charge the battery after the electrical parts draw power. You may consider using a high-output stator to generate more power for your dirt bike and to make it last longer.
Regulator
Adding a regulator to your dirt bike to make it legal is not compulsory. But you may need a regulator or rectifier to use with the stator. It converts alternating current from the stator to direct current.
Furthermore, it regulates the high voltage from the stator. Thus, bringing it down to the required 13 to 15 volts needed to charge the battery.
Find a regulator that's compatible with the stator for functionality. Avoid operating the lights off alternating currents, especially when they can't handle them.
Battery
Batteries are not compulsory to make dirt bike street legal. But they come in handy to prevent the lights from dimming. The lights tend to dim when the bike is idle, and you need lights to keep the law. There are small batteries available meant for making dirt bikes legal.
Some types can work as only power sources, while you need to combine others with a charging system. Both types function well and supply the power needed for your bike. But the former tends to drain fast and needs frequent charging.
Charging system
You should consider getting a charging system for your dirt bike or upgrading it to power the lights. This may need upgrading the stator to power other components like the battery.
Documentation
Asides from the mechanical parts, making dirtbike street legal requires documentation. Documentation for verifying your bike varies between states and countries. So, check for state and federal standards.
Some states need the Manufacturer's Certificate (or Statement ) of Origin. Other states may need:
- a NOVA declaration
- an Inspection Certificate that signifies approval for the bike to operate on main roads
- a number plate
- a V5 log book, and insurance
You may also need proof of ownership, a valid driver's license, an odometer statement, and a certificate of equipment compliance. Research what your state requires from you. Then prepare the documents and seal the legal use of your dirt bike on the road.
Conclusion
All requirements for making your dirt bike street legal are for your safety and other road users. However, researching your state's requirements is crucial to making a dirt bike street legal. Install accessories, parts, and other necessary things to keep you safe and make the bike last long. Good luck!
FAQs
Are dirt bikes street-legal?
Riding dirt bikes on city sidewalks and public roads is illegal, as they are made for offroad use. They also don’t have the equipment needed to make them legal, like headlights, tail lights, insurance, or registration.
Can you make a dirtbike street legal?
You can make a dirtbike street legal by installing the required equipment on the bike in compliance with federal and state laws.
What makes a dirt bike not street-legal?
Dirt bikes are not street-legal because they are not meant for street use. They also lack the necessary features required for street-legal bikes.
Can you make a 2 stroke dirt bike street legal?
You can make a 2 stroke dirt bike street legal by installing tail lights, headlights, and horns. Also, install blinkers, license plate holders, and other requirements per your state laws.
What do you need to make a dirt bike street legal?
You need the following to make a dirt bike street legal: headlights, tail lights, horns, DOT-approved tires, rearview mirrors, turn signals, odometer, license plate holders, stator, battery, documentation, and other requirements in compliance with your state law.
Can you turn a dirt bike into a street bike?
You can turn a dirt bike into a street bike by following the requirements of the Department of Transport of your state.
What CC dirt bike is street legal?
The CC requirement to make a dirt bike street legal varies between states. Some states require at least 250cc to make the dirt bike legal. But confirming with your local DMV will help you know which applies to your state.
What CRF are street legal?
The CRF230L, CRF230M, CRF250L, CRF250L Rally, CRF300L, and CRF300L Rally are street legal.
Where can I ride my dirt bike legally?
You can ride your dirt bike legally at state trails, private property, motocross tracks, off-road riding parks, national forests, BLM Land, campgrounds, beaches, sand dunes, and backyard courses.
Can you ride a dirtbike on the road in: CA, NY, TX, FL, NJ, PA, MI, CO, MA?
Riding a dirtbike on the road in CA, NY, TX, FL, NJ, PA, MI, Co, and MA is illegal. If you are pulled over for riding a dirtbike on the road, you may face fines or impoundment of the vehicle.
How is making dirt bike street legal different in Canada, UK, and Australia?
Only dirt bikes with blue and white license plates are legal in Canada. You must have insurance, an appropriate M license, and equip the bike with lighting, horn, and proper signals. You must also display the plate on the rear and adhere to the rules of the Highway Traffic Act to ride the bike in public.
To make a dirtbike street legal in the UK, you need insurance, motorcycle tax, indicators, number plates, reflectors, lights, horns, insurance, and a driver’s license. You must also complete your CBT and ensure that the bike meets the legal gas emission restrictions and noise requirements.
In Australia, you must register the bike, get a valid and current license, and be ADR-compliant when riding it on the road to make it street-legal.
Through Faster Faster, I want to talk through all of the information and tips I have found helpful, to guide other people through owning and riding dirt bikes.
You will find a mixture of both informational and review pieces on this site that will help you with any questions you may have.
- Honda Street Legal Dirt Bike: Dual Sport and Enduro Guide - March 9, 2023
- KTM Street Legal Dirt Bike: Enduro and Supermoto Models - March 9, 2023
- Yamaha Street Legal Dirt Bike: Dual Sport Guide - March 6, 2023