Street legal side by sides are regular off-road vehicles modified to meet road safety standards so you can drive them on public streets
A street legal side by side (also called a UTV or utility terrain vehicle) starts as an off-road machine — built for trails and rough terrain — and gets equipped with the parts required by your state to drive it on regular roads. That means headlights, turn signals, mirrors, a horn, seat belts, and a windshield or wipers. The vehicle itself doesn't change much; the modifications are mostly about visibility and safety equipment.
Whether you can actually buy and drive one depends entirely on your state and sometimes your county. Some states allow street legal side by sides with few restrictions. Others ban them outright or allow them only on certain roads. A few states let you drive them only during daylight hours or only in rural areas. Before you look at any vehicle, you need to know what your state permits.
Key Takeaways
- Street legal side by sides require factory modifications or aftermarket kits to add headlights, signals, mirrors, and other safety equipment your state requires.
- State laws vary widely — some allow them on all public roads, others restrict them to rural roads or specific counties, and some ban them entirely.
- You will need to register the vehicle with your state's DMV or equivalent, and registration rules differ by state and sometimes by county.
- Buying from a dealer who knows your state's rules is safer than buying a private vehicle, because dealers can tell you what modifications are already done and what you still need.
- Insurance for street legal side by sides is harder to find than insurance for regular vehicles, and some insurers do not offer it at all.
How states regulate street legal side by sides
Your state's transportation or motor vehicle department sets the rules for what counts as street legal. Some states have a specific category for side by sides; others treat them as ATVs or off-road vehicles and do not allow them on public roads at all. A few states allow them but only on roads with speed limits below a certain number (often 35 mph or 45 mph).
The safest first step is to contact your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles directly and ask whether street legal side by sides are permitted where you live. If they are, ask what modifications are required and whether registration is available. Some states require you to pass an inspection before you can register the vehicle. Others require proof that the vehicle came from the factory with street legal equipment, or that a certified shop installed an approved kit.
If your state allows them, also check your county or city rules. Some counties ban them even when the state permits them. Rural counties are more likely to allow them than urban ones.
What modifications make a side by side street legal
A side by side needs specific equipment to meet road safety standards. The exact list depends on your state, but typically includes: headlights (low and high beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals (front and rear), side mirrors, a horn, a windshield or windshield wipers, seat belts for each seat, and a muffler that meets noise limits. Some states also require a backup camera or a specific type of frame or roll cage.
You can buy a side by side that already has these modifications from the factory. Polaris, Can-Am, and John Deere all make models with street legal packages. These are more expensive than base models, but you know the modifications are done correctly and meet your state's standards.
You can also buy a regular off-road side by side and add a kit. Aftermarket kits are sold by shops and online retailers and typically cost between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on what you need. The risk is that not all kits meet all state requirements, and some states require a certified technician to install the kit and sign off on it. Before you buy a kit, confirm with your state's DMV that the specific kit you are considering will be accepted for registration.
Registration and title requirements by state
Once your side by side has the required modifications, you register it with your state's DMV just like a regular vehicle. You will need a title (proof of ownership), proof of insurance, and proof that the vehicle meets your state's safety standards. Some states require an inspection at a designated facility; others accept a form signed by the dealer or shop that installed the modifications.
Registration fees and renewal periods vary by state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's age or value. Some require annual renewal; others allow multi-year registration. Contact your DMV to find out what applies where you live.
If you are buying a used side by side, make sure the title is clear (no liens or outstanding loans) and that it matches the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number). If the previous owner modified the vehicle, ask for documentation that the modifications were done correctly and that the vehicle was registered in its previous state. Some states will not register a vehicle if the modifications are not documented.
Where to buy a street legal side by side
Authorized dealers for brands like Polaris, Can-Am, and John Deere are the most reliable source. They know your state's rules, they can tell you which models come with street legal packages, and they can handle the paperwork and registration process. They can also tell you if additional modifications are needed in your specific state.
Private sellers and online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay Motors) have lower prices but higher risk. A private seller may not know whether the modifications they made meet your state's standards, and you have no recourse if the vehicle fails inspection or cannot be registered. If you buy privately, hire a mechanic to inspect the vehicle and verify that all modifications are present and functional before you hand over money.
Some dealers specialize in street legal conversions and sell vehicles that are already modified and registered. These are more expensive than buying a base model and adding a kit yourself, but you avoid the risk of buying a kit that does not meet your state's rules.
Insurance for street legal side by sides
Insurance is one of the hardest parts of owning a street legal side by side. Most major insurers do not offer policies for them, or they offer them only in certain states. Your options are usually limited to specialty insurers or your state's insurer of last resort (a pool that covers drivers who cannot find insurance elsewhere).
Call your current auto insurance company first and ask whether they insure street legal side by sides in your state. If they do not, ask for a referral to an insurer that does. You can also contact your state's insurance commissioner's office for a list of insurers licensed in your state; some of them may cover side by sides even if the major national companies do not.
Expect to pay more for insurance on a side by side than on a regular vehicle of similar value. Premiums vary widely depending on the vehicle's age, your driving record, and your location. Get quotes from at least three insurers before you buy, because the cost of insurance can change your decision about whether the vehicle makes sense for you.
Costs beyond the purchase price
The total cost of owning a street legal side by side includes more than just the purchase price. If you are buying a base model and adding modifications, budget $1,500 to $3,500 for the kit and installation. Registration fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Insurance premiums can range from $400 to $1,500 per year depending on the vehicle and your location.
Maintenance costs are similar to those for regular vehicles: oil changes, tire replacements, brake service, and repairs. Side by sides are simpler than cars in some ways (fewer electronic systems) but more rugged in others (suspension and drivetrain take more abuse). Budget for regular maintenance and set aside money for unexpected repairs.
Fuel economy varies by model and driving conditions but is typically in the range of 15 to 25 miles per gallon. If you plan to drive it regularly on public roads, factor fuel costs into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a street legal side by side on the highway?
That depends on your state. Some states allow street legal side by sides on all public roads including highways. Others restrict them to roads with speed limits below 45 or 55 mph. A few states allow them only on rural roads. Contact your state's DMV to find out what roads are open to side by sides in your area.
Do I need a special driver's license to drive a street legal side by side?
Most states treat a street legal side by side like a regular vehicle and require a standard driver's license. A few states require a separate endorsement or a safety course. Check with your state's DMV to find out whether any special licensing applies where you live.
What is the difference between a street legal side by side and an ATV?
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is smaller and lighter, usually seats one or two people, and is designed for off-road use only. A side by side (UTV) is larger, seats two to six people side by side, and can be modified for street use. ATVs are rarely street legal; side by sides can be with the right modifications.
Can I buy a side by side in one state and register it in another?
Yes, but the vehicle must meet the safety standards of the state where you plan to register it. If you buy in a state with looser rules and move to a state with stricter rules, you may need to add modifications before you can register it. Always check the requirements of your destination state before you buy.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving a street legal side by side?
If your vehicle is properly registered and insured, you should be treated like any other driver. If you are stopped, have your registration, insurance card, and driver's license ready. If an officer questions whether your vehicle is street legal, you can show your registration as proof that it meets your state's standards.