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If you love riding your dirt bike on the trails, you might wonder if you can also ride it on the streets. The answer is yes, but only if you make your dirt bike street legal in Texas. This means you have to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.
Dirt bikes are motorcycles that are made for riding on rough terrain. They are popular for various sports like racing, climbing hills, and more. They are different from regular motorcycles because they are less heavy and complex.
They also have more space under them and longer springs to absorb shocks. They have very few parts covering them. In this blog post, I will show you how to make a dirt bike street legal in Texas in a few simple steps.
You will learn what equipment you need, what paperwork you have to fill out, and how much it will cost you. By the end of this post, you will be ready to hit the road with your dirt bike legally and confidently.
how to make a dirt bike street legal in texas
If you love riding your dirt bike on rough terrain and tracks, you might also want to ride it on public roads and enjoy the thrill of speed and freedom. However, not all dirt bikes are street legal by default, and you need to make some modifications and follow some procedures to make your dirt bike street legal in Texas.
Requirements to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Texas
To make a dirt bike street legal in Texas, you need to meet both mechanical and non-mechanical requirements. The mechanical requirements are the equipment and parts that you need to install on your dirt bike to make it safe and visible on the road.
The non-mechanical requirements are the paperwork and fees that you need to complete and pay to register your dirt bike with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Read More: do you need a motorcycle license for a dirt bike ?
dirt bike street legal kit: mechanical requirements
The mechanical requirements to make a dirt bike street legal in Texas are:
1. DOT-Approved Headlight with High and Low Beam: Ensure the dirt bike is equipped with a headlight meeting DOT standards, featuring both high and low beams. The headlight should boast a minimum candlepower of 150 and must be securely and permanently attached to the bike.
2. Battery-Powered DOT-Approved Tail and Brake Lights: Install DOT-approved tail and brake lights on the dirt bike, both running on batteries. The tail light should be visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet to the rear, while the brake light must be visible from at least 300 feet when the brakes are applied.
3. Audible Horn within 200 Feet, Not Exceeding 105 Decibels: Incorporate a horn on the dirt bike that produces an audible sound from a distance of at least 200 feet without exceeding 105 decibels.
4. Left-Side Mounted Rearview Mirror: Attach a rearview mirror on the left side of the handlebar, providing a clear view of the rear for enhanced safety.
5. Accurate Speedometer Displaying MPH within 10% Tolerance: Install a speedometer on the dirt bike that displays the speed in miles per hour and maintains accuracy within a 10% tolerance.
6. Illuminating License Plate Light: Integrate a license plate light that effectively illuminates the license plate from the rear, ensuring visibility and compliance.
7. Front and Rear Turn Signals with Visibility: Incorporate turn signals on the dirt bike that are visible from at least 300 feet to both the front and rear. These signals should flash at a rate ranging between 60 to 120 times per minute.
8. DOT-Approved Tires with Adequate Tread Depth: Equip the dirt bike with DOT-approved tires featuring a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches, ensuring suitability for street use.
9. Securely Mounted, Non-Leaking DOT-Approved Fuel Tank: Ensure the dirt bike is equipped with a securely mounted and non-leaking fuel tank that meets DOT approval standards for enhanced safety and compliance.
dirt bike street legal kit: non-mechanical requirements
The non-mechanical requirements to make a dirt bike street legal in Texas are:
1. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Decal from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD):
An Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal is issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and costs $16 per year. The OHV decal allows you to ride your dirt bike on designated public lands and trails in Texas. You can buy the OHV decal online or at any TPWD office or an authorized vendor.
2. Title and Registration from Texas DMV for Ownership Verification:
A title and registration that are issued by the Texas DMV prove your ownership and legal status of your dirt bike. The title and registration fees vary depending on the type and age of your dirt bike. You can apply for the title and registration online or at any county tax office or authorized dealer.
3. Motorcycle License from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS):
A motorcycle license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and proves your ability and knowledge to operate a motorcycle on public roads. The motorcycle license requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a skills test.
You can also take a motorcycle safety course to waive the skills test and get a discount on your insurance. You can apply for the motorcycle license online or at any driver’s license office.
4. Liability Insurance with Minimum Coverage:
Secure liability insurance covers minimum amounts of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Purchase this insurance from any licensed insurance company or agent in Texas to ensure compliance with legal requirements and safeguard against unforeseen incidents.
Read More: Do You Need A License To Drive A Moped? (Answered)
Steps to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Texas
To make a dirt bike street legal in Texas, you need to follow these steps:
1. Buy and Install Required Equipment for Your Dirt Bike:
Purchase the necessary equipment and parts for your dirt bike from any motorcycle shop or online store. Alternatively, consider acquiring a comprehensive kit, such as the Tusk Kit or the Baja Designs Kit, which includes most components in a single package.
Follow the provided instructions and wiring diagrams meticulously during installation, ensuring each part functions correctly.
2. Obtain OHV Decal from TPWD and Affix to Dirt Bike:
Procure an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal from the TPWD website or an authorized vendor. Provide your dirt bike’s vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and color during the purchase. Receive the OHV decal via mail or email and prominently affix it to your dirt bike in a visible location.
3. Certified Inspection for Your Dirt Bike:
Visit any inspection station in Texas with your dirt bike, OHV decal, and proof of insurance for a certified inspection. The inspector will assess your dirt bike for the required equipment and parts, issuing you an inspection certificate and a sticker. The inspection fee is $7.50, and the certification remains valid for one year.
4. Title and Registration Application:
Apply for the title and registration of your dirt bike at any county tax office or authorized dealer. Bring your dirt bike, inspection certificate, proof of insurance, proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin), and the application form.
Receive the title by mail and the registration sticker via email or at the office. Affix the registration sticker to your license plate and mount the plate visibly on your dirt bike.
5. Motorcycle License Application:
Head to any driver’s license office to apply for a motorcycle license. Bring your dirt bike, proof of insurance, proof of identity (driver’s license or passport), proof of residency (utility bill or bank statement), and the application form.
Pass the written test, vision test, and skills test, or present the completion certificate of a motorcycle safety course. Receive the motorcycle license by mail or in person at the office.
Tips and Resources to Make a Dirt Bike Street Legal in Texas
Here are some tips and resources to help you make a dirt bike street legal in Texas:
♦ Check the laws and regulations of your local city and county, as they may have additional or different requirements for street-legal dirt bikes. You can find the laws and regulations on the websites of your city and county, or contact them directly for more information.
♦ Keep all the receipts and documents of your purchases and applications, as they may be useful for future reference or proof.
♦ Maintain your dirt bike regularly and keep it in good condition, as it will ensure your safety and performance on the road.
♦ Wear the appropriate gear and equipment when riding your dirt bike on the road, such as a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing. This will protect you from injuries and accidents, and comply with the law.
♦ Follow the rules and etiquette of the road when riding your dirt bike, such as obeying the traffic signs and signals, using the turn signals and horn, keeping a safe distance and speed, and respecting other drivers and pedestrians. This will prevent you from getting tickets and fines, and enhance your enjoyment and reputation as a dirt bike rider.
♦ Join a dirt bike club or community in Texas, as they can offer you support, advice, and friendship. You can also participate in events, rides, and races with other dirt bike enthusiasts, and have fun and learn from each other.
Some popular dirt bike clubs and communities in Texas are the Texas Off-Road Network, the Texas Motorcycle Riders Association, and the Texas Adventure Riders Association.
What is the penalty for riding a dirt bike without a license in Texas?
Riding a dirt bike without a license in Texas is a misdemeanor offense that can result in a fine of $100 to $1,000, depending on the circumstances and the officer who pulls you over.
You may also face additional penalties for driving without a registration, insurance, or inspection certificate. To avoid these consequences, you should obtain a Class M license, register your dirt bike, and make sure it meets the street-legal requirements in Texas.
Do you need a license for a dirt bike in Texas?
Yes, you need a license for a dirt bike in Texas. According to the Texas Transportation Code, you need a Class M license to operate a motorcycle on public roads.
To get a Class M license, you need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a skills test or a motorcycle safety course. You also need to have a valid driver’s license or a learner’s license. You can apply for the Class M license online or at any driver’s license office in Texas.
Are mini bikes street legal in Texas?
Some additional information that I can provide are:
- A mini bike is a small motorcycle that has a low seat height, a small engine, and a simple design. They are also known as pit bikes, pocket bikes, or monkey bikes.
- A Texas OHV decal is a sticker that costs $16 per year and allows you to ride your off-highway vehicle on public lands and trails that are approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. You can buy the OHV decal online or at any TPWD office or an authorized vendor.
- To find out where you can ride your mini bike legally in Texas, you can visit the TPWD website and check the list of OHV venues across the state. Some of the popular venues are Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area, Hidden Falls Adventure Park, and Red River Motorcycle Trails.
Texas Transportation Code § 551.351
Conclusion
how to make a dirt bike street legal in texas: Making a dirt bike street legal in Texas is not impossible, but it does require some effort and investment. You need to meet the mechanical and non-mechanical requirements and follow the steps to make your dirt bike legal to ride on public roads.
You also need to be aware of the laws and regulations and follow the rules and etiquette of the road. By doing so, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: riding your dirt bike on the dirt and the street. Happy riding
FAQs
1. Can you ride dirt bikes on the road in Texas?
No, you cannot ride dirt bikes on the road in Texas unless they are registered as street-legal vehicles. You need to meet certain mechanical and non-mechanical requirements to make your dirt bike street-legal.
2. Where can I ride my dirt bike legally?
You can ride your dirt bike legally on private property or at OHV legal venues on public land with a Texas OHV decal. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website offers a list of OHV venues across the state.
3. Can you ride a dirt bike on the sidewalk in Texas?
No, you cannot ride a dirt bike on the sidewalk in Texas. The Texas Transportation Code prohibits operating off-road vehicles like dirt bikes on sidewalks, highways, or any other public roadways.
You can only ride your dirt bike on private property or at designated OHV venues on public land with a Texas OHV decal. Riding a dirt bike on the sidewalk in Texas is a misdemeanor offense that can result in a fine of $100 to $1,000.
4. Do dirt bikes need titles in Texas?
Dirt bikes do not need titles in Texas unless they are used on public roads. Titles are proof of legal ownership and can be valuable, but they are not very common for dirt bikes.
