Overview of NC’s UTV Laws
North Carolina has specific laws governing the use of utility task vehicles (UTVs) and ensuring they are street legal on public roads and highways. These sets of laws provide for the safe use of UTVs, as well as an explanation of what constitutes a street-legal UTV. Vehicles such as the CAN AM Mavrick, Polaris Ranger and others have seen a boom in popularity among North Carolinians over the past decade. Aside from work uses and recreation, many are choosing to drive their UTVs on the roads, either by commuting to work or running errands. This increase in UTV use outside of private property and off-road adventure locations has left authorities scratching their heads about how these vehicles, which were not originally intended for road use, should be treated when it comes to registrations and enforcement of traffic laws, among other things. Some local jurisdictions attempt to require two-plates, while some may require them to stop driving on the road illegally. Others restrict how far or where street legal UTVs can drive. As we mentioned, this issue is primarily one for state and local law enforcement. However, the North Carolina General Assembly has provided many guidelines that local law enforcement is required to use when determining whether a UTV is legal or not. In North Carolina, UTVs fall under the category of motorcycles for legal purposes . However, there are some differences in the regulations regarding motorcycles and those that apply to UTVs. The primary way you can distinguish a "UTV" from a motorcycle in North Carolina is the "side by side" feature. This essentially means that the vehicle has two seats with drivers and passengers positioned beside each other. All the same, UTVs cannot be treated the same as other motor vehicles. Therefore, North Carolina laws have special regulations to ensure UTVs can safely be driven on public streets. In North Carolina, "street legal" simply means that the vehicle qualifies for registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles and can be legally driven on the road to and from locations where it is most appropriate to be driven. Street legal does not mean "highway legal." UTVs are not allowed to be driven "in or on the right-of-way of any interstate highway or highway that is part of North Carolina’s system of primary, designated, or officially designated routes, highways, roads, or streets." The North Carolina General Assembly clearly defines what is classified as an UTV. To qualify as an "off-road vehicle," the vehicle must be: These definitions only apply to off-road vehicles that meet the above definitions. A vehicle that meets these definitions is not subject to the provisions of G.S. 20-4.01 (1)c3.
UTV Features Required for Street Legality
Essential UTV Features for Street Legal Requirements
While not exhaustive, the following list is intended to provide additional insight into some features which are necessary for the street legal designation:
Headlight – Must be white and visible from 500 feet.
Tail Light – Red illuminating the rear of the vehicle visible from 500 feet.
Brake Light – Must be red and visible from 300 feet at night and 500 feet during the day.
License Plate Light – Red to amber in color and must illuminate or light the license plate at night. Also visible for 50 feet.
Stop Lamp – Must be red and illuminate when the brake is applied. Also visible for 300 feet at night and 500 feet during the day.
Horn – Audible and can be heard 200 feet away.
Turn Signal – May be either required or optional.
Windshield – all UTV’s except those designed for off road use only, must be equipped with a windshield. Whether the windshield is fixed or folding, it should be at least 4 inches above the center of the steering wheel. There are exceptions such as Go Cart’s (kart’s) and dual UTV’s.
Rear View Mirror – Rubber straps, eligible for use only on enclosed golf carts.
Wheels and Tires – Must have 4 wheels and tires that are equivalent to DOT specifications.
DOT approved tires are not required for off road use.
Seatbelt – Must be equipped with a 4 point seatbelt system which is equipped by the manufacturer. With that being said a 2 point buckled seat belt is legal in some areas. However, for safety reasons many North Carolinians prefer and advise utilizing the recommended 4 point seatbelt system.
Requirements for Registration and Insurance
To be street legal in North Carolina, the UTV must have a license plate and must carry liability insurance. For the vehicle to qualify for street licensure, it must have no more than four low-pressure tires, a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on level ground, a steering wheel, seat belts or other restraints, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield, a rearview mirror, and red reflectors in the front and rear. The following documents must be provided to the NCDMV License and Theft Bureau to get a license plate for the UTV:
The NCDMV License and Theft Bureau offices that issue new license plates are located in greater metropolitan areas, allowing you to apply in the office most convenient to you. Have the necessary documents in hand and allow approximately 30 minutes for the process. You will be given a number to place on the windshield and given an MDV sticker to place above the red sticker already on the windshield. (Keep your receipt in your glove compartment or attach it to your insurance card. You will need to show the receipt if stopped by law enforcement before your license plate is received in the mail.) The license plate, registration card, insurance card, and inspection receipt should be kept in the glove compartment.
Inspection and Compliance Process
Once a UTV has been issued the required legal paperwork to be street legal in North Carolina, it is subject to the same inspection and compliance checks that all other street legal vehicles are subject to. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles operating on state roadways are in compliance with NC General Statute Section 20-183.4A regarding vehicle inspections. The manner in which the NCDOT checks for compliance may vary by location, but may include simple license registration checks at specific locations or on an as-needed basis throughout the state or complete vehicle inspections at official DMV Licensing and Theft Bureau facilities across the state.
But inspections do not occur without probable cause first, specifically the presence of one or more of the following:
If any of these scenarios occur, the officer is authorized to request that the vehicle in question be stopped and checked for compliance with NC General Statute Section 20-21 et seq., which governs what vehicles operating in the state must be equipped with to be in compliance.
One thing to keep in mind, this step does not occur until after the UTV has been given the required legal paperwork and is under the impression it is in compliance with NC law. It is up to the onus of the owner to ensure that while they may be operating a UTV, it is in compliance with North Carolina statutes governing street legal vehicles.
Areas and Situations Where you CANNOT Drive your UTV
There are areas where the ability to operate a street legal UTV is restricted. In particular, street legal UTVs may not be operated on highways which have been designated as part of the National Highway System; interstate highways; these types of highways which are not designated as National Parks (G.S. 120-160.2(f)(6)).
Furthermore , a state law enforcement agency or local regulatory authority having jurisdiction may prohibit, for any period of time, the operation of off-road recreational vehicles on a highway in the area under their jurisdiction if the regulation is necessary for the public safety. Operations are also prohibited on property owned by an airport authority without first obtaining written permission from the airport authority.
Penalties and Fines
For those who take their UTVs on the public roads without complying with North Carolina law, they risk facing steep fines and penalties. The potential penalties for operating a non-compliant UTV in North Carolina can be found in North Carolina General Statutes 20-141, 20-383, 20-175, and 20-37.15. Violation of G.S. 20-141 results in fines for driving too fast to safely by cross referencing another statute. Violation of 20-383 is a class 2 misdemeanor. Violating G.S. 20-175 will result in a fine of no less than $100.00 but not exceeding $1,000.00 or imprisonment for no more than 60 days or both. While for a non-compliance with 20-37.15 a person may be fined no less than $250 and up to and including $500. Multiple violations of these statutes can result in enhanced penalties. For example, a second NC UTV non-compliance offense, will be a felony punishable by up to 120 days in prison and/or a fine of $2,500.00. Moreover, it is important to remember that depending on the severity of the crime, the motor vehicle insurance may not cover the damages caused by the UTV operator while the vehicle was being operated under prohibited circumstances.
How to Go About Making your UTV Street Legal
A potential buyer or an owner of a new or used UTV may have the option to make the UTV street legal. But the cost and steps to make a UTV street legal can be confusing and cost prohibitive for a potential buyer. Because the process can be confusing, I will outline step by step on how to make a UTV street legal. The costs and steps might differ slightly based on county; but the following steps should get a person started.
1. Find a vehicle that meets the qualifying specs that the NC Code requires for UTV. Requirements: a) Seat Belts Pentons that are installed per manufacturer b) 20 inch wide tires (33 inches may be permitted if the width is at least 8 inches) c) A working tail light d) A windshield installed per manufacturer e) Whip or flag (36 inch height required) f) 25 MPH rear trail reflector standard g) Designated NMVTIS vehicle (Bennche allowing a special inspection should be used by DMV) Estimate from Purchase: $11,000 – $16,000 Added after Purchase: $2,000 – $5,000 Added Later: Registration Fee, Title Fee, and Taxes
2. Pay DMV Registration Fee. (Normally due annually) Cost: $37.00 +/- Estimate from rental: $45.00 – $100 3. Pay DMV Title Fee. Cost: $52.00 4. Contact a company that does inspections. Cost: Harrins motorcycles billed one person $370 to do the work and certify the vehicle. 5. Have insurance put on the vehicle. This can often be added to your other vehicle insurance. Cost: $100.00 – $350.00 6. Have a special inspection performed by NC law officer. Will determine if the vehicle can be titled as a NC roadworthy vehicle. Cost: No charge. 7. Have vehicle inspected. Cost: $5.00 8. Fill out forms and file all paperwork with the NCDOT. Cost: A nominal fee was charged to use an online vehicle registration service. The service would mail the forms to DMV.
UTV Street Legal FAQs
Many people have questions about the process of making their UTV street legal in North Carolina. While we can’t cover everything in a single blog post, here are a few common questions we hear about this process:
Do You Have to Have a License to Drive a UTV on the Road?
Texas has a minimum age of 12 for operating an off-highway vehicle, but North Carolina does not set a minimum age. You can even drive it without a license so long as you are accompanied by someone with a license who is at least 18. So the answer to the question is yes, you can legally drive a UTV without a license in North Carolina.
Do You Have to Have Liability Insurance to Get a UTV Street-Legal in NC?
Like many other states, North Carolina requires that you have liability insurance coverage if you want to have legal road access with your UTV. Liability-only policies are available and will likely be less expensive than policies that include collision coverage because UTVs are more likely to be totaled in a crash than a traditional road vehicle. Assuming you can get it insured, having liability insurance should not significantly add to your expenses.
Do You Have to Carry a License?
While you can gain access to the roadways without a license , you do have to have a license if you want to drive your UTV on one of the roads maintained by the state. Therefore, the short answer is yes – if you meet the minimum age and other requirements, you must have a license to legally drive your street-legal UTV.
Is There a Minimum Age to Get a Street-Legal UTV?
While Texas sets a minimum age for driving an off-highway vehicle, North Carolina does not have a minimum age. As long as you are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old, you are good to go.
How Long Does it Take to Get Your UTV Legal to Drive on the Road?
You can usually get a new UTV legal to drive on the road in a couple of weeks. If we don’t have the parts in stock that you need, it may take longer, though we are typically able to order and maintain the basic components for making your UTV as quickly as possible. A used vehicle may take longer, though we will strive to assist you as quickly as we can to install any additional components you need to gain legal road access for your UTV.
Is There Any Type of UTV That Cannot Get Road Access in North Carolina?
U-TVs are generally street-legal in North Carolina but not in every case. The DMV issues a wide range of classifications for all types of vehicles. A UTV that meets the classification for an off-highway vehicle will not be road legal.