Side-by-Side Vehicles: Street Legal Status and Regulations
Understand side by side vehicles
Side by side vehicles (SAS), besides know as utility terrain vehicles (TVs) or recreational off highway vehicles (roads), have gain tremendous popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and work professionals likewise. These versatile machines combine the rugged capability of ATVs with car like features such as side by side seating, steering wheels, and roll cages.
Primitively design for off-road use on private property, farms, ranches, and designate trails, many owners directly wonder if they can lawfully drive their side by sides on public roads. The answer isn’t straightforward and vary importantly base on location and vehicle specifications.
The default status: not street legal
By default, most side by sides come from manufacturers as off-road vehicles exclusively. This mean they don’t meet the federal safety standards require for on road vehicles. The national highway traffic safety administration (nNHTSA)establish federal motor vehicle safety standards ( (vFMVSS)at all road legal vehicles must meet.
Standard side by sides typically lack:
- Dot approve tires
- Turn signals
- Windshield with wipers
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Speedometer
- Emissions equipment that meet EPA standards
- Proper lighting (headlights, taillights, brake lights )
Without these features, side by sides can not be lawfully operate on public roads in most jurisdictions.
State by state regulations
While federal regulations provide a baseline, street legality for side by sides is mainly determined at the state level, with further restrictions possible at county and municipal levels.
States with more permissive UTV laws
Some states have created pathways for side by sides to become street legal, though commonly with significant restrictions:
-
Arizona
allows right equip uTVson roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Require registration and a special ohohecal. -
Utah
permits street legal uTVson roads with speed limits up to 50 mph and limited use on highways. Require registration, insurance, and specific safety equipment. -
Wyoming
allow register uTVson public roads ououtsidenterstate highways. -
Alaska
have provisions for aATV/ uUTVuse on certain roadways, peculiarly in rural areas. -
Montana
permits limited road use with proper registration and equipment.
States with restrictive laws
Many states either prohibit side by sides on public roads exclusively or seriously limit their use:
-
California
mostly prohibit uTVson public roads, with really limited exceptions for agricultural use or crossing roadways. -
New York
prohibits side by sides on public highways except for really specific crossing situations. -
Texas
restrict uTVsfrom public roads except for agricultural use, utility company work, or law enforcement.
Local ordinances
Yet within states that mostly prohibit TVs on public roads, some counties or municipalities have pass ordinances allow limited use. These typically restrict operation to certain roads, times of day, or specific purposes.
Requirements to make a side by side street legal
In jurisdictions where side by sides can potentially become street legal, owners must typically make several modifications and complete administrative steps:
Essential safety equipment
-
Dot approved tires
standard ooff-roadtires must bbe replacedwith department of transportation approve tires. -
Lighting system
installation of headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that meet dot standards. -
Mirrors
rearview and side mirrors for proper visibility. -
Horn
an audible warning device that can bbe heardfrom a reasonable distance. -
Windshield
many states require a windshield with wipers. -
Seat belts
dot approve restraint systems for all seating positions. -
Speedometer
a function device sshowsspeed in miles per hour. -
License plate bracket and light
for display and illuminate registration plates.
Emissions compliance
In states with emissions testing requirements, side by sides must meet applicable standards. This can be especially challenging as most TVs are not design with emissions equipment comparable to passenger vehicles.
Registration and insurance
East decently equip, owners typically need to:
- Register the vehicle with the state’s department of motor vehicles
- Obtain a title (iif yourequ)e )
- Purchase liability insurance that meet state minimums
- Pay applicable fees and taxes
- Display proper registration plates
Inspection
Many states require a safety inspection to verify that all necessary modifications have been right complete before grant road legal status.
Factory street legal options
Recognize the demand for road capable side by sides, some manufacturers have begun offer models design to be street legal in certain jurisdictions right hand from the factory:
-
Polaris slingshot
while technically a three wheeled motorcycle instead than a traditional side by side, the slingshot is design to be street legal in most states. -
Can am
offer street legal packages for some models in certain states. -
Hi sun
provide street legal versions of some uUTVmodels.
Yet with these factory options, owners must inactivate navigate state specific registration requirements.
The gray area: low speed vehicles
Some side by sides may qualify as low speed vehicles (lCSVs) a federal classification for fofour-wheelehicles with a top speed between 20 25 mph. LsCSVsace less stringent requirements than standard passenger vehicles but must however include basic safety features like lights, mirrors, and seat belts.
CSVs are limit to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, make them practical for neighborhood use but not for highway travel.
Common exceptions and limited use cases
Yet in states where side by sides aren’t broadly street legal, exceptions oftentimes exist for:
Agricultural use
Many states permit farmers and ranchers to operate TVs on public roads adjacent to their property or when travel between portions of their land. These exceptions typically require:
- The operator to be engaged in agricultural activities
- Daylight operation exclusively
- Display of a slow move vehicle emblem
- Stay on the shoulder when possible
Crossing public roads
Most states allow momentary crossing of public roads when travel between off-road areas, provide:
- The crossing is make at a 90-degree angle
- The vehicle come to a complete stop before cross
- The crossing is make when it’s safe to do hence
Government and utility use
Law enforcement, emergency services, and utility companies oftentimes have exemptions allow UTV use on public roads when perform official duties.
Risks and considerations
Before attempt to make a side by side street legal, consider:
Safety concerns
Yet with modifications, side by sides lack many safety features of passenger cars:
Source: crowsurvival.com
- No airbags
- Limited crash protection
- Higher center of gravity increase rollover risk
- Smaller size make them less visible to other drivers
Cost analysis
The expense of necessary modifications can be substantial:
Source: crowsurvival.com
- Basic street legal kits start around $1,000 $2,000
- Professional installation add $500 $1,500
- Registration, titling, and insurance costs vary by state
For occasional road use, the investment may not be justified.
Legal liability
Operate a modify side by side on public roads may have insurance implications. Some policies specifically exclude coverage for off-road vehicles use on public roads, yet if lawfully modify. Invariably verify coverage with your insurance provider.
Alternative transportation solutions
Alternatively of modify a side by side for street use, consider:
-
Trailer transport
haul your uUTVto trail access points -
Dual sport motorcycles
street legal vehicles design for both on and ooff-roaduse -
Jeeps and off-road trucks
factory street legal vehicles with ooff-roadcapability
How to research your local laws
To determine if your side by side can be street legal in your area:
- Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles or transportation
- Consult with local law enforcement
- Check county and city ordinances
- Join UTV owner groups for location specific information
- Speak with dealers who sell street legal conversion kits
Conclusion
While the question” are side by sides street legal? ” dDoes’t have a simple yes or no answer, understand the regulatory landscape can help owners make informed decisions. The street legality of uTVsdepend on state and local laws, vehicle modifications, and proper registration.
For those determined to drive their side by side on public roads, the path to street legal status require research, investment in proper equipment, and compliance with all applicable regulations. Yet, many enthusiasts find that the freedom and versatility of a street legal UTV make the process worthwhile.
Remember that regulations change over time, thus stay inform about current laws in your area is essential for legal operation. When in doubt, consult with local authorities or legal professionals familiar with off-road vehicle regulations.
