How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas (July 2024)

Thousands of customers from Virginia have saved an average of $7,000+ .

How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas

Do you want to know how to make a UTV street legal in Texas? In Texas, a UTV (utility terrain vehicle) is considered a recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) and must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it is to be operated on public streets. 

If you plan on making your UTV street legal in Texas, there are a few necessary things you need to do. This blog post will guide you through the process of making your UTV street legal in Texas so that you can enjoy riding on public roads.

Calculate Your Savings

State Sales Tax Rate: $0%

Your Current Registration Cost:

5 Star Registration Cost:$1049

You'd save:

Financing your vehicle? Not a problem.
43% of registrations are financed.

$0

5 stars - 7327 reviews

How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas?

UTVs are compact off-road vehicles that may be used for a wide range of purposes. UTVs are becoming increasingly popular as both work and recreational vehicles. 

In many states, UTVs are not considered street legal. This can be a problem if you want to use your UTV for transportation purposes, but there are ways to make your UTV street legal in Texas.

Your first step is to register your UTV with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TX DMV). You must pay the requisite registration fee and provide evidence of insurance. 

Next, you need to get your UTV inspected by a licensed mechanic. The inspection must include a safety check and emissions test. Finally, you need to install some safety equipment on your UTV, such as turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts.

How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas: Step By Step

In Texas, you will be allowed to legally ride your UTV on public roads if you have fulfilled all of the following requirements.

1. Register your UTV with the Texas DMV

In Texas, OHV registration is necessary. The first thing you need to do is register your UTV with the Texas DMV. To do this, you will need to submit the following: 

-Proof that you own the vehicle (manufacturer’s certificate of origin or title)

 -A notarized bill of sale from when you purchased the vehicle 

-A completed Vehicle Registration Application.

2. Purchase liability insurance

It is illegal to operate a UTV or ATV on any public roadway without liability insurance. That means you’ll need to purchase insurance before your vehicle is street-legal. Insurance costs vary based on the type of motor vehicle and coverage levels.

3. Install hand controls if necessary

You’ll also need to install hand controls if necessary and make sure your vehicle’s headlights, tail light, brake light, license plate light, and turn signal lights are all working properly.

4. License Plates

Another thing you need is a license plate from the DMV. This may be costly, but it will also be the most important. Get in touch with your regional DMV office for specific instructions. If you want to legally use your UTV on public lands, you’ll need to register it with the DMV when you have your license plate.

What specifications must a UTV have to be considered street legal? 

The definition of a UTV is a little different in every state. In Texas, a UTV is street-legal if it meets the following criteria:

  • The UTV must be equipped with working headlights, tail lights, and brake lights.
  •  A windshield is required on the UTV.
  • In order to legally drive the UTV, a rearview mirror is required.
  • UTV registration and insurance coverage are prerequisites.
  • A current driver’s license. 

Here’s How 5 Star Registration Can Help You to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas 

You have to go through the tedious and long process to make your UTV street legal. Experts at 5 Star Registration can make your UTV street legal in Texas while saving you time and money. 

You don’t have to go to DMV for registration, professionals at 5 Star Registration will do everything for you to make your UTV street legal.

Click here to contact 5 Star Registration and start the process of making your UTV street legal in Texas.

The benefits of making your UTV street legal

Let’s discuss why it’s a good idea to make your UTV legal for public roads:

When your UTV is street legal, you can take it on any public road. You won’t have to restrict your riding to off-road paths or private land.

If you live in a rural area and need to travel to town for work or errands, a street-legal UTV can be a great option. It will save you time and money on gas, and you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park.

Guidelines for Driving a Utility Vehicle (UTV) on the Road

A few considerations must be considered while driving UTVs (recreational off-highway vehicles) on public roads. The following are the guidelines for safe UTV driving.

  1. Use seatbelts at all times.
  2. Be extra cautious when passing other vehicles. UTVs are smaller and have less visibility than other vehicles on the road. Use your turn signal and give yourself plenty of room to pass. 
  3. When driving in poor weather conditions, exercise extreme care. slippery roads can be especially dangerous for UTVs. 
  4. Plan your route in advance and avoid areas with heavy traffic.
  5. Be aware of your blind spots and make sure to signal when changing lanes or making turns.

What makes a UTV different from an ATV?

UTVs, or side-by-sides, have several features that make them distinct from ATVs. 

  • UTVs have four seats and room for four adults, whereas ATVs only seat one or two people. 
  • UTVs have roll cages and safety belts for all passengers, making them much safer than ATVs. 
  • UTVs have a shorter wheelbase and wider stance than ATVs, making them more stable and easier to handle. 
  • Utility vehicles (UTVs) are better than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in terms of ground clearance.
  • UTVs are generally larger and have more storage space than ATVs. And finally,
  • UTVs typically have more powerful engines than ATVs, so they can handle more difficult terrain. 

Conclusion: How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas

There are a few requirements to meet before your UTV can be driven legally on Texas streets. You should have your UTV registered and insured with the state first. Then, you’ll need to ensure it has all the required safety equipment, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and mirrors. 

Finally, you’ll need to make sure your UTV meets all the emissions requirements. Once you’ve done all that, you’ll be ready to hit the streets!

The process of making a UTV street legal in Texas can be tedious. You can contact experts at 5 Star Registration. They will make your UTV street legal while ensuring that you meet all legal requirements.   

Scroll to Top