Photo by Timotheus Fröbel on Unsplash
Are ATVs street legal in Texas? Many ATV owners have this question in mind. In Texas, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are considered off-road vehicles and are not allowed on public roads. Off-road vehicles (ATVs) may be driven on private land if the owner allows it.
However, you need to make your ATV street legal to drive it on public roads. This guide has everything you need to know about ATV street legal in Texas.
We’ll cover the registration requirements, the necessary safety equipment, and the various laws and regulations that apply to ATV use on the streets. After reading this article, you’ll better understand the process and be able to get your ATV out on Texas streets safely and legally.
Driving a Street Legal ATV in Texas
In Texas, the Department of Public Safety regulates street-legal ATVs. You must meet certain requirements to drive an ATV on public streets legally. These requirements include valid registration, driver’s license, correctly displayed triangular orange flag, and safety gear. Let’s understand the steps involved in making ATVs street legal in Texas.
1- Get the Necessary Paperwork in Order
To make an ATV/UTV street legal in Texas, you must first obtain a Certificate of Title from the Texas Motor Vehicles Department (TxDMV). The Certificate of Title will include information such as the ATVs’ make, model, and year. Once you have the Certificate of Title, you must obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).
Once you have the VIN, you can take the paperwork to the county tax assessor-collector, who will issue you a Title Transfer (Form 130-U). It is imperative that this document be completely filled out and signed by all parties. You will then need to pay the appropriate paperwork fees.
Once the documentation has been processed, you will obtain a new registration certificate by your name.
2- Obtain an ATV Safety Course Certificate
In Texas, to operate ATVs on public streets all ATV riders must get an ATV Safety Course Certificate and current texas ohv decal. Whereas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers these ATV safety courses in conjunction with the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). However, to take an ATV safety course and obtain a course certificate, you must be at least 16 years old. After completing the safety course, you will officially receive a safety certificate. This certificate is valid for a lifetime, and you don’t need to renew it later.
3- Meet all Legal and Safety Requirements
Texas requires all ATV owners to equip their street legal vehicles with certain safety equipment features. These equipment features include a speed governor, rollover protection system, headlight, and tail lights. All ATV riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet while operating their vehicle. However, the Texas Department of Transportation has established helmet safety standards that you must adhere to.
Plus, you must follow all Texas ATV street operation laws that govern the procedure of ATVs. These laws include rules about where you can ride, and how fast you can drive. Prior you entering Texas’s roadways, make sure you are aware of these regulations. Now lets’ understand a few additional equipment specifications that make the ATVs street-legal in Texas:
- A headlight and tail light that is visible for at least 500 feet. And a brake light that is also seeable from at least 500 feet.
- A horn or other warning device and an exhaust system that fulfills the requirements of the Texas state law.
- Mirrors are visible from the seat and a Texas Forest Service-approved spark arrestor.
- A seat belt or safety harness.
- Your ATV must also have an effective muffler.
4- Get your ATV Equipment Inspected
In Texas, ATV equipment inspections are wholly managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. ATVs will be inspected by a law enforcement officer. The inspection process includes two sorts of assessment: visual and functional. A visual inspection of the ATV includes the frame, suspension, brakes, and tires. The functional inspection includes the lights, horn, and other safety equipment.
The ATV must be in excellent operating condition and comply with all fortification standards in order to pass these two inspections.
5- Obtain a License Plate
You need to register your ATV and get a license plate to make it street-legal. It can be done at your local county tax office and will require proof of ownership and evidence of insurance. When you register your ATV, you can effectively apply for a license plate at the same tax office. You will have to pay a one-time fee as well as yearly registration fees for this. Once you have paid these fees, you will receive a license plate from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and your ATV will be officially street-legal.
6- Pay the Applicable Registration Fees
To pay the applicable registration fee for street-legal ATVs in Texas, you can take the following steps:
- You can pay the applicable registration fees at your local Texas DMV office by mail or in person online.
- To pay online, you must visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.
- Select “Registration” from the main menu.
- Click on “ATV/Off-Highway Vehicles” from the list of existing services.
- Read the information and select the “ATV/Off-Highway Vehicle Registration” option.
- Follow the prompts to effectively end the registration process.
- Provide your payment information and submit your registration application.
- You will receive an invoice with the applicable registration fees after applying.
Here’s How 5 Star Registration Can Help You to Make ATV Street Legal in Texas
ATVs need a number of modifications before they can be driven legally on public streets. The process of making an ATV street legal might be challenging for a newbie.
You can save time and money by working with the specialists at 5 Star Registration. They will take care of everything with the DMV so you don’t have to worry about it. They’ll take care of the required documents to get your ATV registered and on the road.
You may start reaping the advantages of having a street-legal ATV as soon as you get it registered, insured, and outfitted with the necessary safety features.
Email or Call experts at 5 Star Registration & start the process of making your ATV street legal.
Are ATVs Street Legal in Texas: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can make your ATVs street-legal in Texas under some circumstances with a few additional requirements. Meanwhile, it is essential to comprehend the regulations and laws in your particular area before operating a street-legal ATV in Texas. The above-mentioned information and understanding of the required law will enable you to enjoy the freedom of riding your street-legal ATV in Texas.
Read our other helpful guides here
How to Register a Car in Montana
