Are Side By Sides Street Legal in Ohio: Everything You Need to Know

Are Side by Sides street legal in Ohio? The answer to this question is not straightforward because the legality of the side by side UTV depends on its usage and jurisdiction.

In the state of Ohio, side by sides also known as UTVs are not considered street legal. So, in the state of Ohio, Side by Sides are not allowed to be driven on public roads and limited access highways. However, you can drive your UTV on private property with the consent of the property owner.

Fortunately, there is a way to make Side by Sides street legal in Ohio. Therefore, we have this guide for you. In this guide, you will know exactly what to do to make a side by side street legal in Ohio. We discuss the necessary modifications and paperwork to make UTV street legal in Ohio. So, read on.

The Side-By-Sides Street Legal Laws in Ohio 

Depending on a number of factors, Ohio has different regulations for what kinds of side-by-side vehicles are allowed on public roads. However, just like any other self-propelled vehicle, Side by Sides needs to be titled and registered, and they must also adhere to certain equipment requirements in terms of headlights, brakes, and other safety measures.

On public property in Ohio, you cannot ride side by side unless you are going no faster than the posted speed limit. In this section, we’ll take a quick look at the necessary components that make a side-by-side vehicle lawful for use on Ohio roads.

Required Equipment to Make Side-By-Side Street Legal in Ohio

To make a side-by-side street legal in Ohio, you must follow the below-mentioned steps:

1-    Side-By-Side Registration And Title

Side-by-side vehicles in Ohio need to be titled and registered with the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). The first step for registration and getting a license plate is to complete and sign a 4202 Ohio BMV title application form and provide proof of ownership and financial responsibility. You may also need to provide a bill of sale or original title, and vehicle identification number, and pay the registration fee.

In addition, the owner must have a valid driver’s license and is required to provide identification and residence documents. A temporary operating permit with a maximum validity of a year may be acquired by a non-resident.

2-    An Operator License/Permit 

In Ohio, the laws regarding the use of street legal side-by-side are handled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). At the same time, they do not mandate riders to take unique licensing or permits to operate side-by-side. However, drivers must obey all applicable traffic laws when operating their side-by-side.

3-    Obtain a Safety Inspection Sticker

Making an all purpose vehicle/side-by-side street legal in Ohio requires an up-to-date safety inspection sticker. It is acquired from a certified Ohio State Highway Patrol Inspection Station.

For this purpose, you must complete the required paperwork and pass the safety inspection. Pay the 30$ appropriate inspection fee for the safety inspection sticker. Receive the safety inspection sticker and affix it to your side-by-side. This sticker is valid for one year, so you must keep the receipt of the sticker, as it is mandated to renew it every year.

4-    Headlights, Taillights, and Brake Light

All street-legal side-by-sides/all purpose vehicles must be equipped with two white, and one yellow headlight, two red taillights, and adequate brakes. These lights must be turned on during the hours of darkness in the street. At the same time, all the side-by-side have a red brake light that must be turned on when the brakes are applied.

5-    Turn signals and a Horn

The turn signals and horn of a side-by-side street legal in Ohio must include two amber lamps on each side of the vehicle and are visible from the front and rear. A horn, on the other hand, has to be audible from at least 200 feet away. Ohio state law also mandates that it not exceed certain decibel levels.

6-    An Approved Exhaust System and Mufflers

Street legal side-by-side is required to be equipped with an approved exhaust system and muffler. The following is a list of approved exhaust systems and mufflers that ultimately make a side-by-side street legal in Ohio:

• HMF Performance and UTV Inc.
• Big Gun and Trinity Racing
• Yoshimura RS-9 and FMF
• Pro Circuit and SuperTrapp
• Two Brothers Racing and Vance & Hines
• DMC, Cobra and Akrapovic

7-    An Appropriate Windshield and Side Mirrors

To make a side-by-side street legal in Ohio, it must have a windshield and two side mirrors. The windshield must be shatterproof, while the two side mirrors must be mounted outside the UTV (All Terrain Vehicles).

The driver also needs a clear vision of the road behind the vehicle. In contrast, the side mirrors must be adjustable to the rider’s line of sight.

8-    DOT-Approved Seat Belts

Ohio does not currently have a law requiring seat belts for riders of the street-legal side-by-sides. However, the Ohio Department of Public Safety does encourage the use of seat belts for all occupants of side-by-sides. While it is recommended that all riders wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved safety belt while operating their side-by-side.

Here’s How 5 Star Registration Can Help You to Make Side By Side Street Legal in Ohio

Several changes must be made to Side by Side before it can be driven lawfully on public roads in Ohio. Making a Side by Side UTV street legal can be difficult for a novice.

Getting help from experts at 5 Star Registration will save you time and money. You won’t need to worry about anything because they will handle everything. They will handle the paperwork needed to get your Side By Side registered and on the road.

As soon as you have your side by side registered, insured, and fitted with the required safety equipment, you can begin reaping the benefits of owning a street-legal vehicle.

Email or Call experts at 5 Star Registration & start the process of making your side by side street legal in Ohio.

Final Thoughts: Are Side By Sides Street Legal in Ohio

With street legal side by side, you can get around town, explore the momentous areas, and enjoy the convenience and freedom of riding it on the streets in Ohio. So whether you are looking for a recreational ride or want to make it street-legal, we hope this guide will be helpful for you.

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