What Are The Best UTVs For Street Legal Driving?
TLDR: The Best Street Legal UTVs (Quick Answer)
To be driven on public roads, a UTV/side-by-side must be "street legal," meaning it is equipped with required safety features like lights, mirrors, a horn, and a windshield, and is registered according to local laws.
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Best All-Around Sport/Street UTV: Honda Talon 1000X (Fast, reliable, seats 4).
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Best for Speed & Performance: Polaris RZR Turbo R or Can-Am Maverick R (Both are high-horsepower sport models).
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Best for Utility & Work: Polaris Ranger XD 1500 (High towing, spacious, refined ride).
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Best Diesel Option: Mahindra Roxor (Rugged, excellent for heavy utility work).
Key Street Legal Requirements for UTVs
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Lighting: Must have proper headlights, brake lights, and turn signals (this is essential for road use).
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Safety Features: Required equipment typically includes a windshield, mirrors, a horn, seat belts, and a roll cage.
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Speed/Engine: Look for models with 1000cc+ engines and top speeds over 65 mph to safely keep pace with road traffic.
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Compliance & Tires: Ensure the UTV can be properly registered and titled, and use DOT-approved tires for road use.
Tip: Street legal kits (like those for the Polaris Ranger or Can-Am Maverick) are the easiest way to add essential equipment like turn signals and a horn for compliance.
Are you thinking about driving your UTV or side-by-side on public roads legally? Whether you want the freedom to cruise local streets, run errands, or just enjoy your versatile off-road vehicle on paved roads, making your UTV street legal is key. But with so many models out there, what are the best street legal UTVs? How do you choose the right one before making a purchase?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the best street legal side by side, highlighting top models, important features, and practical tips to get started.
What Does “Street Legal” Mean for UTVs?
A street legal UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) or side-by-side is one that meets the necessary requirements to be driven on public roads. These may include proper lighting (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), mirrors, horn, windshield, seat belts, and sometimes emissions or safety inspections depending on your state or locality.
Street legal utility vehicles combine the ruggedness and versatility of off-road vehicles with critical road-ready safety features, so they are compliant with vehicle codes. You can find high-quality turn signal kits and mirrors designed specifically for many popular UTV brands to complete your street legal setup.
Top Reasons to Choose a Street Legal UTV
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Versatility: Use the same vehicle for work on your land and for street driving.
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Convenience: Travel around neighborhoods, rural areas, or even town streets without trailering your UTV.
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Fun Factor: Enjoy the unique driving experience and open-air ride on legal roads.
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Cost Efficiency: Save money compared to owning separate vehicles for road and off-road use.
With kits tailored for different models like the Polaris Ranger turn signal kits and Can-Am Maverick kits. Turning your UTV street legal has never been easier.
What to Look for in the Best Street Legal Side by Side
Before buying, consider these key factors for a street legal UTV or SxS (side by side):
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Engine Size & Power: Look for models with about 1000cc or more and top speeds above 65 mph to safely keep up with traffic.
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Seating Capacity: Depending on your needs, two-seat or four-seat models are popular.
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Safety Features: Full roll cage, seat belts, proper lighting, and mirrors are crucial.
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Utility & Storage: Cargo capacity and towing ability for work tasks.
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Comfort: Enclosed cabs, HVAC, and noise reduction for longer rides.
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Compliance: Check if it can be registered and titled as street legal in your state.
For ease of installation and high compatibility, check out Polaris RZR turn signal kits or Yamaha Wolverine turn signal kits for those specific brands.
Pros and Cons Lists
Honda Talon 1000X
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Pros: Reliable, fast, seats 4 comfortably, great for sport and everyday street use.
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Cons: Less cargo space than some utility models.
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Find kits here:
Polaris RZR Turbo R
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Pros: Very powerful, high top speed, advanced handling.
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Cons: Usually seats 2 only, may need street tires for road use.
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Street legal accessories available:
Can-Am Maverick R
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Pros: Exceptional horsepower, durable gearbox, confidence-inspiring ride.
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Cons: Higher price point, aggressive sport focus.
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Accessories:
Mahindra Roxor
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Pros: Diesel engine, great for heavy utility work, rugged.
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Cons: Diesel noise, lower top speed.
Polaris Ranger XD 1500
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Pros: Best utility vehicle feel, smooth ride, multiple configurations.
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Cons: Pricey at top trims.
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Kits & accessories:
Tips for Making Your UTV Street Legal
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Research Local Laws: Regulations vary widely by state and municipality.
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Install Required Equipment: Lighting, mirrors, seat belts, horn, and windshield.
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Get Proper Registration & Title: Work with a service or DMV for street-legal paperwork.
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Choose the Right Tires: Swap to DOT-approved tires for road use.
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Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular safety inspections keep it compliant and safe.
WD Electronics offers comprehensive street legal kits with features like turn signals, hazards, horns, and license plate brackets to make compliance easier.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best street legal UTV or side by side is about balancing performance, utility, comfort, and compliance. Models like the Honda Talon 1000X, Polaris RZR Turbo R, and Can-Am Maverick R stand out for their speed and agility on roads and trails alike. For heavy-duty tasks, the diesel-powered Mahindra Roxor or versatile Polaris Ranger XD 1500 offer unmatched utility.
With the right knowledge, accessories, and preparation, your street legal UTV can become an indispensable vehicle for work and play that you enjoy legally on public roads.
Ready to make your UTV street legal? Visit our WD Electronics collection of turn signal kits to get started today.