Street Legal
Street Legal Dirt Bike? We Make It Happen.
Turning your dirt bike or side-by-side (“SXS”) into a street-legal machine might seem like a complicated process—but with the right guidance and support, it’s absolutely doable. At Heggen Law Office, we’ve helped thousands of off-road riders make the leap to street legality, and we’re here to simplify the process for you.
Fact vs. Fiction: What the Law Really Says
You’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting information about making a SXS or dirt bike street legal. Some say it’s only possible if the bike came with a title. Others think slapping on a headlight and brake light is all it takes. The truth? Nearly any dirt bike can be street legal—it just depends on how you go about it.
Whether your bike came with a title, a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), or nothing at all—we’ve seen it, we’ve handled it, and we can help you too.
Here’s how it works:
- We review your existing vehicle title and provide feedback.
- You send us the title and we prepare the paperwork for the motor vehicle dept.
- We get your Montana License Plates, Registration, and Title
The Basics: What You’ll Need to Install
Your vehicle may need some modifications to comply. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most commonly required parts:
- DOT-Compliant Headlight
You’ll need a light with high/low beam functionality that stays on during both day and night. An LED option helps conserve power and is ideal if your bike doesn’t have a robust charging system.
- Functional Taillight with Brake Light
A single LED tail assembly can check off several boxes at once: taillight, brake light, license plate light, and even turn signals. It must light up when either brake is engaged—this usually means installing switches at the front and rear brake controls.
- Mirrors
Most states require at least one rearview mirror. Go with a durable, vibration-resistant option. Bar-end and wide-angle mirrors are great choices for visibility and a clean look.
- Turn Signals
While hand signals are legal in some states, electric turn signals are safer and help keep your hands on the handlebars. LED indicators are the go-to for energy efficiency and easy installation.
- DOT-Approved Tires
Your tires must be marked with the DOT symbol. Whether knobby or slick, the important part is the certification—don’t take chances with off-road-only tires on pavement.
- Horn
All states require a horn—some even require it to be electric. A small, battery-powered horn is affordable and easy to install.
- License Plate Bracket
No matter where you ride, you’ll need a visible license plate with an accompanying light. Horizontal or vertical mounting is fine in many areas—just check your local rules.
Powering It All: Your Electrical System
If your bike wasn’t built with lights in mind, you’ll likely need to upgrade its charging system. Here’s how:
- Stator: Powers your bike’s electrical system. Most off-road stators aren’t powerful enough for lights—consider a rewind or a high-output aftermarket stator.
- Regulator/Rectifier: Converts the stator’s AC power to usable DC current.
- Battery: Optional, but helpful for keeping lights on when idling. Choose a small, reliable 12V battery built for motorcycles.
Many riders opt for a full electrical conversion kit to streamline this process.
Extra Add-Ons That Make a Difference
Though not legally required in most places, these upgrades can seriously improve your street-riding experience:
- Odometer: Not mandatory in most states, but tracking speed and mileage helps with maintenance and fuel planning.
- Kickstand: Off-road bikes often skip this, but it’s incredibly useful in daily street use.
- Street Gearing: Adjust your sprockets to reduce torque and increase top-end speed for pavement.
- Radiator Fan: Great for city traffic where you’re not moving fast enough to cool the engine naturally.
- Cush Drive Hub: Softens drivetrain stress, extending the life of your transmission—especially useful if you plan to ride on rough roads.
Want It Street Legal? Let Us Handle the Red Tape.
At Heggen Law Office, we’ve built our reputation helping riders just like you turn off-road dreams into on-road reality. We’ll guide you through:
- Converting off-road or MSO titles into legal registration
- Handling all DMV documentation and submissions
Looking for a street legal dirt bike or side by side? We do this every day. In every state. For over 25 years. Call today for a FREE, no-commitment legal consultation.
Why Choose Heggen Law Office?
✔ We can help legalize nearly any dirt bike
✔ Experience with out-of-state and title-less bikes
✔ We deal directly with the Montana DMV—so you don’t have to
✔ Fast, efficient, and legal—done right the first time
Ready to Ride? Let’s Get Started.
Give us a call or fill out our quick intake form, and we’ll take care of the rest. Whether you’re building your dream dual sport or just want to ride your dirt bike to town, Heggen Law Office is your trusted partner to make it legal.
Making your dirt bike street legal? That’s our lane. Let’s ride.