A Guide to Making Your UTV Street Legal in Each State

So, you’ve got a side-by-side built to handle anything off-road. But what if you want to take it a little further, onto the actual road? That’s where things get tricky. Making your UTV street legal opens up a lot of freedom, but the rules change fast depending on where you live, what you drive, and how your machine is set up.

This guide covers what “street legal” really means for UTVs, what it takes to get there, and which states are in (or completely out). If you’re looking to simplify the whole process, we’ll show you where to start.

What Does "Street Legal" Mean for a UTV?

“Street legal” isn’t a universal checklist. In most states, a street legal UTV needs to be equipped with certain accessories (turn signals, mirrors, horn, license plate bracket, etc.), registered with the DMV, and operated by a licensed driver.

Think of it this way: if your UTV looks like a car and behaves like a car, some states will let you drive it like one. Others? Not so much.

How to Make a Side-by-Side Street Legal

Most side-by-sides don’t come off the lot ready for the street. You’ll need to add equipment that brings it up to state code, and that often includes:

• Turn signals (front and rear)
  
• Brake lights and running lights
  
• A functioning horn
  
• Side mirrors and rearview mirror
  
• License plate bracket with a light
  
• Possibly DOT-rated tires or a speedometer (state-dependent)

The good news? You don’t have to piece it all together from scratch.

Plug-and-Play UTV Street Legal Kits

WD Electronics offers complete, vehicle-specific UTV street legal kits that take the guesswork out of the equation. These kits are made to integrate with your ride’s existing wiring and lighting — no splicing, no headaches.

You get:

• Front turn signals (no drilling required for many models)
  
• Easy-to-install turn signal lever
  
• Horn system
  
• Dash indicator lights (for compatible models)
  
• Rear integration with factory taillights
  
• License plate mount with a bright lighted frame
  
• All wiring and hardware included
• Built in the USA
• Weather-sealed for all conditions
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Use the WD Turn Signal Kit Selector to find your model

Do You Need to Register a Street Legal UTV?

Yes, adding turn signals doesn’t automatically make your UTV legal to drive on public roads. You’ll typically need to:

• Register your UTV with your state DMV
  
• Add a street-use license plate
  
• Provide proof of insurance
  
• Pass a vehicle inspection (in some states)
  
• Possibly meet emissions requirements

And just a heads-up: In some states, you’ll also need to display your off-road registration when riding trails, even after your UTV is street legal.

Where Can You Actually Drive a Street Legal Side by Side?

Here’s where the road opens up — or slams shut.

States That Welcome Street Legal UTVs

These states allow UTVs to be registered for on-road use with minimal red tape:

• Arizona
  
• Idaho
  
• Michigan
  
• Montana
  
• North Carolina
  
• North Dakota
  
• Oklahoma
  
• South Dakota
  
• Utah
  
• Wyoming

In most of these states, once your UTV has the right gear and plates, you can drive on most roads (excluding interstates) just like any other registered vehicle.

States with Limited or County-Level Approval

These states allow street legal side by sides in specific areas or under strict rules. That might mean only on roads under a certain speed limit, or only with additional permits.

• Alaska
  
• Arkansas
  
• Connecticut
  
• Florida
  
• Georgia
  
• Illinois
  
• Indiana
  
• Iowa
  
• Kansas
  
• Kentucky
  
• Louisiana
  
• Minnesota
  
• Missouri
  
• Nevada
  
• New Hampshire
  
• New Mexico
  
• Ohio
  
• Pennsylvania
  
• Tennessee
  
• Vermont
  
• Washington
  
• West Virginia
  
• Wisconsin

In these states, legality often depends on your ZIP code. Some counties or towns allow UTVs on public roads, while the state doesn’t offer full registration. Always check with your local DMV or police department.

States That Shut It Down

These states do not allow UTVs to be made street legal for full-on-road use, no matter what equipment you add:

• Alabama
  
• California
  
• Colorado
  
• Delaware
  
• Hawaii
  
• Maine
  
• Maryland
  
• Massachusetts
  
• Mississippi
  
• Nebraska
  
• New Jersey
  
• New York
  
• Oregon
  
• Rhode Island
  
• South Carolina
  
• Texas
  
• Virginia
  
• Washington, D.C.

If you’re in one of these states, your best bet is to trailer your UTV to legal riding areas. (We know, it’s frustrating.)

Pro Tips Before You Hit the Road

• Check local laws: Even if your state allows UTVs on the road, certain counties or cities may not.
  
• Watch your speed: Most states limit UTVs to roads with speed limits under 35–45 mph.
  
• Use proper tires: Some states require DOT-approved tires for road use.
  
• Stay safe: Just because you can drive on the road doesn’t mean every driver expects to see a UTV. Stay visible, stay alert.

The Easiest Way to Get Street Legal

You’ve got enough to figure out between DMV paperwork and local regulations. Outfitting your machine shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why riders go with WD Electronics’ turn signal and horn kits — they’re clean, reliable, and built for the ride.