How to Make a UTV Street-Legal: A Guide to Hitting the Road

If you’re a proud UTV owner, you already know the thrill of tearing up trails, climbing rugged terrain, and exploring the great outdoors. But have you ever found yourself wishing you could take your UTV to grab a coffee, run errands, or drive around town? If so, you’re not alone! For many enthusiasts, turning a UTV into a street-legal vehicle is a dream come true, but the rules can be more challenging than navigating the trickiest of muddy trails. Don’t worry—we’re here to help!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of making your street-legal UTV in the U.S., highlight the requirements in a few specific states, and share the essential UTV accessories you’ll need to hit the road with your street-legal UTV. Let’s dive in!

What Does "Street-Legal" Mean for UTVs?

First, let’s clarify what “street-legal” actually means. A street-legal UTV complies with your state’s safety and equipment standards, allowing you to drive it on public roads. However, these standards vary significantly from state to state. Some states are UTV-friendly, while others have stricter regulations.

In general, to make your street-legal UTV, you’ll need to equip it with specific accessories and meet certain safety requirements, such as lights, mirrors, and license plates. But before you start decking out your ride to create the ultimate street-legal UTV, it’s crucial to check your state’s laws and regulations.

UTV Street-Legal Requirements: State-by-State Overview

Let’s take a look at the rules in a few popular states to give you an idea of what’s required for a street-legal UTV. (Disclaimer: Laws can change, so always double-check with your local DMV or state authorities before making modifications!)

1. Arizona: UTV Paradise

Arizona is a UTV owner’s dream. The state is incredibly UTV-friendly, and making your vehicle street-legal is relatively straightforward. To hit the road in Arizona with a street-legal UTV, you’ll need:

• A license plate (Arizona issues special OHV plates for UTVs).
• A horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away.
• Rearview mirrors (both driver’s side and center).
• A windshield (or goggles for the driver if there’s no windshield).
• Brake lights, headlights, and taillights.

Arizona also requires UTV owners to purchase an OHV decal, which helps fund trail maintenance and conservation efforts. Once you’ve met these requirements, your street-legal UTV is ready to hit the road!

2. Florida: Sunshine and Street-Legal UTVs

In Florida, UTVs are permitted on certain public roads, but they must comply with specific requirements.  Here’s what you’ll need for a street-legal UTV:

• Turn signals.
• A horn.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Brake lights and headlights.
• A windshield (or eye protection for the driver).

Additionally, Florida has restrictions on where street-legal UTVs can be driven. They’re generally limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, so keep that in mind when planning your route.

3. Texas: Everything’s Bigger (Including the Rules)

Texas is another state where UTVs can be made street legal, but the process is a bit more complex. You’ll need to equip your UTV with:

• DOT-approved tires.
• Turn signals.
• A horn.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Brake lights, headlights, and taillights.
• A windshield (or goggles for the driver).

Texas also requires UTV owners to register their vehicles and obtain a license plate. However, street-legal UTVs are generally restricted to roads with a speed limit of 45 mph or lower.

4. California: Strict but Doable

California is known for its strict vehicle regulations, and UTVs are no exception. To make your UTV street legal in the Golden State, you’ll need:

• DOT-approved tires.
• Turn signals.
• A horn.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Brake lights, headlights, and taillights.
• A windshield or goggles.

California also requires UTVs to meet emissions standards, which may involve additional modifications. It’s not the easiest state for street-legal UTVs, but with the right upgrades, it’s possible to make your ride compliant.

Essential Accessories to Make Your Street-Legal UTV 

No matter where you live, certain UTV accessories are almost always required to make your street-legal UTV. Here’s a checklist of the most common items:

Mirrors
You’ll need at least one rearview mirror, and many states also require side mirrors. Check out Kemimoto’s UTV mirrors for durable, high-quality options.

Turn Signals
Turn signals are a must-have for signaling your intentions to other drivers. Kemimoto offers easy-to-install turn signal kits designed specifically for street-legal UTVs. 

Horn
A loud, functional horn is essential for alerting pedestrians and other drivers. Make sure yours meets your state’s requirements for audibility. 

Lights
Most states require headlights, brake lights, and taillights for lighting. If your UTV doesn’t already have these, you’ll need to install them. 

Windshield or Eye Protection
Depending on your state, you’ll either need a windshield or goggles for the driver. Kemimoto offers a variety of windshield options to suit your needs.  

DOT-Approved Tires
Many states require UTVs to have tires that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Make sure your tires are up to code before hitting the road with your street-legal UTV.

License Plate Mount and Light
If your state requires a license plate, you’ll need a mount and a light to keep it visible at night. 

Speedometer
Some states require a speedometer to monitor your speed on public roads. If your UTV doesn’t have one, you may need to install an aftermarket option.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Making your UTV street legal takes effort, but the freedom to cruise around town or take scenic routes is well worth it. Whether you’re in Arizona, Florida, Texas, or anywhere else, the key is to know your state’s requirements and equip your UTV with the right accessories.

At Kemimoto, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our wide range of UTV accessories is designed to make your ride safer, more comfortable, and street legal as well. Here is the best part: If you purchase our UTV accessories now and use the limited-time discount code: KEMI12, you can enjoy an extra 12% off! 

FAQs

1. Can I drive my UTV on highways?

Generally, no. Most states do not allow UTVs on highways because they are not designed for high-speed traffic. However, some states permit UTVs on roads with lower speed limits (e.g., under 35 or 45 mph). Always check your state’s specific regulations to avoid fines or unsafe situations.

2. Do I need insurance for a street-legal UTV?

Yes, in most states, you’ll need to insure your UTV if you plan to drive it on public roads. Insurance requirements vary, but liability coverage is typically the minimum. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to discuss your options and ensure you’re covered.

3. How much does it cost to make a street-legal UTV?

The cost depends on your state’s requirements and the accessories your UTV needs. Basic modifications such as mirrors, turn signals, and a horn might cost a few hundred dollars. However, if you need additional upgrades or emissions modifications (in states like California), the cost can increase significantly. At Kemimoto, we offer affordable, high-quality accessories to help you stay within budget while meeting legal requirements.