Most states do not allow side-by-sides on public roads without special permits or registration
A side-by-side (also called a UTV or utility terrain vehicle) is classified as off-road equipment in most states, which means it cannot be driven on regular streets or highways. However, the rules vary significantly by state. Some states allow side-by-sides on public roads if they meet specific safety requirements and are registered as off-highway vehicles. Others permit them only on certain types of roads — rural highways, county roads, or roads with speed limits below a certain threshold. A few states have no legal pathway to road use at all.
The key factor is your state's definition of what counts as a motor vehicle and what safety equipment is required. Side-by-sides typically lack the safety features that cars and trucks must have: airbags, crumple zones, seat belts rated for highway speeds, and headlights and taillights that meet federal standards. Because of this, even states that allow road use usually restrict where and when you can drive one.
Key Takeaways
- Side-by-sides are off-road vehicles in most states and cannot be driven on public roads unless your state has a specific off-highway vehicle registration program.
- States that permit road use usually limit it to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, rural county roads, or roads designated for off-highway use.
- You will need to register your side-by-side with your state's DMV or off-highway vehicle program and carry proof of registration while driving.
- Your side-by-side must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and a horn to be street-legal in states that allow road use.
- Insurance requirements for road-legal side-by-sides vary by state and by insurer, and many standard auto policies do not cover them.
How states classify side-by-sides and what that means for road use
States use different legal categories for side-by-sides. Some classify them as off-highway vehicles (OHVs) or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are explicitly prohibited on public roads. Others have a separate category for off-road utility vehicles that can be registered and driven on certain roads under specific conditions. A third group treats side-by-sides the same as motorcycles or light trucks, which means they must meet the same safety standards as those vehicles — a requirement most side-by-sides cannot meet without significant modification.
The distinction matters because it determines whether your state's DMV will issue you a registration at all. If your state classifies your side-by-side as an OHV, you cannot legally drive it on any public road, period. If it classifies it as an off-road utility vehicle, you can drive it on certain roads if you register it and meet equipment requirements. You need to check your specific state's vehicle code or contact your state DMV to find out which category applies to you.
States that allow side-by-sides on public roads and their restrictions
As of now, roughly 20 states have some form of legal pathway to drive a side-by-side on public roads, though the rules differ widely. States like Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana allow off-highway vehicle registration and permit road use on certain county roads and rural highways. Colorado allows side-by-sides on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Texas permits them on ranch roads and county roads in rural areas. Florida allows them on roads designated by local authorities.
Even in states that allow road use, you will face restrictions. Most require that the road have a speed limit of 35 mph or lower, or that it be a county road or rural highway rather than a state highway or interstate. Some states require you to drive only during daylight hours. Others require you to stay in the right lane or prohibit you from crossing the center line. You need to check both your state's rules and your county's or municipality's rules, because local governments often impose additional restrictions on top of state law.
States that do not currently allow side-by-sides on public roads include California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In these states, driving a side-by-side on any public road is illegal, regardless of how it is equipped or registered.
Registration and documentation you will need
If your state allows side-by-side road use, you will need to register your vehicle with your state DMV or off-highway vehicle program. The process is similar to registering a car or motorcycle, but the forms and fees differ. You will typically need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and proof that the side-by-side meets your state's safety equipment requirements.
Some states issue a separate off-highway vehicle registration or OHV registration that is distinct from a standard vehicle registration. Others issue a regular registration but mark it as valid only for off-road or limited-road use. You must carry proof of registration while driving, just as you would with a car. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle.
The registration fee varies by state. Some charge a flat fee of $20 to $50 per year. Others charge based on the vehicle's age or engine size. A few states include the registration fee in a broader off-highway vehicle program fee. Contact your state DMV or search for your state's off-highway vehicle program online to find the exact fee and process process.
Safety equipment requirements for road-legal side-by-sides
States that allow side-by-side road use require certain safety equipment to be installed and functional. The most common requirements are headlights, taillights, brake lights, and a horn. Some states also require turn signals, reflectors, a rearview mirror, and seat belts. A few states require a windshield or safety cage, though this is less common.
The equipment must be in working order at all times. If you are stopped and a light is out or a mirror is missing, you can be cited for a safety violation. Some states allow you to install aftermarket lights and mirrors that meet federal standards. Others require OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. Check your state's specific requirements before you buy or install equipment.
If your side-by-side did not come from the factory with these items, you will need to install them yourself or have a mechanic do it. This can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on what you need and the quality of the parts. Budget for this before you assume your side-by-side can be made road-legal.
Insurance and liability coverage for side-by-sides
Insurance for a road-legal side-by-side is not always straightforward. Many standard auto insurance policies do not cover side-by-sides, even if they are registered and equipped for road use. Some insurers offer a separate off-highway vehicle policy or recreational vehicle policy that covers side-by-sides. Others will not insure them at all.
If your state requires you to carry liability insurance to drive a side-by-side on public roads, you need to confirm with your insurer that your policy covers road use before you drive. Some policies cover only off-road use. Others cover road use only on certain types of roads. If you are in an accident and your policy does not cover road use, you could be personally liable for all damages.
Contact your insurance agent and ask explicitly whether your policy covers a side-by-side on public roads in your state. If it does not, ask whether the insurer offers a separate policy or whether you need to switch insurers. Do not assume that registration means insurance is available — the two are separate requirements.
What happens if you drive a side-by-side illegally on public roads
If you drive a side-by-side on a public road in a state or county that does not allow it, you can be cited for operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license (if the vehicle requires a license), or violating local ordinances. The fine varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from $100 to $500 for a first offense. Repeat violations can result in higher fines or confiscation of the vehicle.
If you are in an accident while driving illegally, your liability insurance will not cover the damages, and you will be personally responsible. You could also face criminal charges if someone is injured. Additionally, if your side-by-side is not registered and insured, you cannot legally park it on public property or transport it on a trailer on public roads in many states.
How to find out your state's specific rules
The best source for your state's rules is your state DMV website or your state's off-highway vehicle program. Search for "[your state] off-highway vehicle registration" or "[your state] side-by-side road use" to find the official rules. You can also call your state DMV directly and ask whether side-by-sides are allowed on public roads and what the requirements are.
If your state allows road use, also contact your county or municipality, because local governments often have additional rules. A side-by-side might be legal under state law but prohibited in your county or city. Your local sheriff's office or police department can tell you what the local rules are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a side-by-side on a private road or driveway?
Yes. Private property is not subject to public road regulations, so you can drive a side-by-side on your own land or on someone else's land with their permission, regardless of whether your state allows road use. You do not need registration or insurance for private use in most states.
Do I need a driver's license to operate a side-by-side on public roads?
It depends on your state. Some states require a regular driver's license. Others require an off-highway vehicle safety certificate, which you obtain by taking a short course. A few states do not require any license. Check your state's rules to be sure.
Can I tow a side-by-side on a trailer on public roads if I cannot drive it there?
Yes, in most states you can tow an unregistered side-by-side on a trailer as long as the trailer itself is registered and insured. However, some states have restrictions on what types of vehicles can be towed. Check your state's towing regulations before you assume it is legal.
What if I modify my side-by-side to meet safety requirements — can I then drive it on public roads?
Only if your state allows side-by-sides on public roads. If your state classifies them as off-highway vehicles and prohibits road use entirely, no amount of modification will make it legal. If your state allows road use, modifications must meet your state's specific equipment standards, and you may need to have the vehicle inspected before registration.
Can I drive a side-by-side across state lines?
No. Your side-by-side is registered in one state and is legal only in that state (and only on roads that state allows). If you cross into another state where side-by-sides are prohibited, you are driving illegally. If you want to use a side-by-side in multiple states, you need to check the rules in each state and may need separate registrations.