What makes a side by side street legal
A side by side becomes street legal when it meets your state's vehicle code requirements for on-road operation. Most states require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a title, liability insurance, and registration with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The machine itself must pass safety inspections — typically headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a horn. Some states also require a muffler that meets noise limits and a windshield or eye protection.
The catch is that not every side by side can be made street legal, and the rules vary significantly by state. A few states allow any side by side on public roads if it has the right equipment. Most states restrict them to certain road types — rural highways, county roads, or roads with speed limits under 35 mph. Some states do not allow them on public roads at all, only on private property and designated trails. Before you spend money on modifications, check your state's specific rules through your DMV website or by calling your local motor vehicle office.
Key Takeaways
- Street legal requirements vary by state and may include a VIN, title, registration, insurance, and safety equipment like lights and mirrors.
- Many states restrict side by sides to rural roads, county roads, or roads with lower speed limits rather than allowing them everywhere.
- Some states do not permit side by sides on public roads under any circumstances, so verify your state's rules before making modifications.
- You will need to contact your DMV or state highway patrol to learn the exact equipment list and road restrictions that explore where you live.
- Factory-built side by sides are easier to register than custom-built machines because they already have a VIN and manufacturer documentation.
Getting a VIN and title for a new side by side
If you bought a new side by side from a dealer, it comes with a manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) instead of a title. Take the MCO, your bill of sale, and proof of insurance to your DMV. The DMV will issue you a title and registration in your name. This process usually takes one to two weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
The dealer should handle most of this paperwork for you before you leave the lot, so ask what they will submit and what you need to bring back. Some dealers charge a documentation fee for this service. If you bought the side by side used, the seller should give you the existing title. If the title is missing or the seller cannot locate it, your DMV can issue a replacement or a bonded title (which requires a surety bond and takes longer).
Safety equipment you will need to install
The exact equipment list depends on your state, but most require headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals on all four corners, side mirrors, a rearview mirror, seat belts for each occupant, and a functioning horn. Some states also require a windshield or require you to wear eye protection if there is no windshield. A few states mandate a muffler system that keeps noise below a certain decibel level, typically measured at 82 to 86 decibels at a set distance.
You can buy complete street legal kits from aftermarket manufacturers like Seizmik, SuperATV, and Baja Designs that bundle lights, mirrors, and wiring harnesses together. These kits are designed to fit popular models and usually cost between $300 and $800. Installation typically takes two to four hours if you have basic mechanical skills, or you can pay a dealer or shop to install it for you. Before you buy a kit, verify the exact equipment your state requires — some states do not mandate all of these items, and buying unnecessary parts wastes money.
Insurance and registration steps
You will need liability insurance before you register the side by side. Contact your auto insurance company or a local agent and ask for a quote on side by side coverage. Some insurers treat them as ATVs (which may not be insurable for road use), while others have a separate side by side or UTV category. Rates vary widely depending on your age, driving history, and location, but expect to pay $200 to $500 per year for basic liability coverage.
Once you have insurance, bring your proof of insurance, title, and completed registration form to your DMV. You will also need to pay registration fees, which vary by state and sometimes by the side by side's engine size or dry weight. Some states charge a flat fee of $50 to $150, while others charge more. The DMV will issue you license plates and a registration card. In most states, you can register online or by mail if you have all the required documents, which speeds up the process.
Road restrictions and where you can legally drive
Even after your side by side is registered and insured, you may not be able to drive it everywhere. Many states restrict side by sides to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Some allow them only on county roads and rural highways, not on state highways or interstate roads. A few states permit them on any public road as long as they meet safety requirements. Check your state's vehicle code or call your state highway patrol to learn the specific road types where side by sides are permitted in your area.
Some states also require a special endorsement on your driver's license to operate a side by side on public roads. This endorsement is usually obtained by passing a written test about side by side operation and safety. The test covers topics like proper seating, speed limits, and how to handle the machine on different road surfaces. Contact your DMV to find out whether your state requires this endorsement and where to take the test.
Custom-built and used side by sides
If you built your side by side from a kit or heavily modified an existing machine, getting it street legal is more complicated. You will need to obtain a VIN from your state's DMV, which typically requires submitting photos of the frame, engine, and completed machine, plus documentation of where you sourced the major components. Some states issue a new VIN through an inspection process; others require a bonded title. This process can take several weeks and may cost $100 to $300 in fees.
Used side by sides that already have a title are simpler — you just transfer the title to your name at the DMV. However, if the side by side has been modified since it was originally titled, you may need to pass a safety inspection to confirm that all modifications meet your state's requirements. Some states do not inspect side by sides at all, while others require a full inspection by a certified mechanic or state inspector. Ask your DMV whether an inspection is required before you buy a used machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a side by side on the highway?
Most states do not permit side by sides on highways or roads with speed limits above 35 mph. Some states allow them only on county roads and rural roads. Check your state's vehicle code or contact your state highway patrol to learn which road types are open to side by sides in your area.
Do I need a special driver's license to operate a side by side on public roads?
Some states require a special endorsement on your driver's license, while others do not. The endorsement usually involves passing a written test about side by side safety and operation. Contact your DMV to find out whether your state requires this endorsement.
What if my state does not allow side by sides on public roads?
You can still operate your side by side on private property, designated off-road trails, and at organized events. Some states have specific trail systems and recreation areas where side by sides are permitted. Check with your state's parks and recreation department or forestry service to find legal riding areas near you.
How much does it cost to make a side by side street legal?
Costs vary by state and machine, but expect to spend $300 to $800 on safety equipment, $50 to $300 on registration and title fees, and $200 to $500 per year on insurance. Custom-built machines may cost an additional $100 to $300 to obtain a VIN. Total first-year costs typically range from $650 to $1,900.
Can I register a side by side that does not have a VIN?
No. You must have a VIN to register any vehicle. If your side by side does not have a VIN, you will need to obtain one from your DMV through a bonded title or inspection process. This typically takes several weeks and costs $100 to $300.