Photo by Bradley Dunn on Unsplash
Are you considering making your dirt bike street legal in Michigan so you may use it as a thrill ride or a fuel-efficient mode of transportation? If you want this, you will have to put in some effort.
The process of making a dirt bike street legal in Michigan is not straightforward. It requires the owner to have extensive knowledge of rules and regulations and mechanical expertise or access to a good mechanic.
There are a lot of red tape hoops to jump through, as well as a lot of extra gear that needs to be put into the bike before this can happen. In this guide, you will know how to make a dirt bike street legal in Michigan easily.
How to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Michigan?
The first step in meeting DOT (Department of Transportation) standards in your state is to install the required components. Making a dirt bike legal will take effort and expense.
To a large extent, the ease with which you can construct your dirt bike will rely on the specific model you intend to put into service. The accompanying infographic lists the bare minimum of gear that must be carried into each state. Here are some mechanical parts of the street-legal dirt bikes.
- Light in the driver’s line of sight, indicating that the high beams are on, is a common feature of modern headlights.
- Battery-operated, Department of Transportation-approved brake light and tail lights (with switches for front and rear controls); must be able to go the distance for at least 20 minutes without recharging.
- Turn signals up to Department of Transportation standards are required for all bikes manufactured after January 1, 1973. (most states mandate this, but some do not).
Let’s discuss all the required components of street-legal dirt bike in detail.
Headlight
A street legal bike must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant headlight to pass inspection in Michigan.
A headlight requires a constant supply of electricity. Installing an LED headlamp is one option for reducing battery drain caused by the vehicle’s lighting system. If you don’t want to use the charging mechanism, these lights still work with regular batteries.
Mirrors
Mirrors are also necessary to install to make the dirt bike street legal. With the help of mirrors, dirt bike riders can easily ride their bikes in heavy traffic and keep themselves safe.
Turn Signals
Having brake lights/turn signals installed is a good idea. Turn signals are essential to alert others when making a turn. The flashing yellow lights are far more noticeable at night than a human hand to cars.
Horn
Adding a horn is another easy modification to take a dirt bike onto the street lawfully. Some jurisdictions demand that street bike horns be electrically powered, whereas others have no problem with the traditional squeeze variety.
DOT Approved Dirt Bike Tires
Tires made for off-road dirt bikes are not acceptable. Installing dot-approved tires is also required to make dirt bikes street legal. So, you have to replace the dirt bike off road tires with dot approved tires.
License Plate Bracket
You must have a license plate if you ride your motorcycle on public roads in Michigan state. This regulation is uniform throughout the country, albeit certain states have more stringent requirements regarding public display.
Registration
To register your dirt bike with the Michigan Secretary of State, you’ll need to visit a local branch office and fill out a registration form. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and the make, model, and year of your dirt bike.
You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a registration certificate, title, or bill of sale. Once you’ve registered your dirt bike with the Michigan Secretary of State, you’ll need to get a title to make the dirt bike street-legal.
Here’s How 5 Star Registration Can Help You to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Michigan
The process of registering a dirt bike as a street-legal motorcycle in Michigan can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have any prior experience.
You may avoid unnecessary expenses and waste of time by consulting with 5 Star Registration experts. They will take care of everything so you don’t have to worry about anything. You can trust them to handle all the necessary paperwork to get your dirt bike registered and on the road.
With proper licensing, insurance, and safety equipment in place, your dirt bike may finally be used legally on public roads.
Email or Call experts at 5 Star Registration & start the process of making your dirt bike street legal in Michigan.
How to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Michigan: Final Thoughts
Once you’ve registered your dirt bike with the Michigan Secretary of State, gotten a title, and installed the required safety equipment, you’re ready to ride your dirt bike legally in Michigan. Also, be sure to obey all traffic laws when riding your dirt bike.
Read our other helpful guides here
How to Register a Car in Montana
