UTV’s, more commonly known as “Side by Sides,” has taken the world by storm in the past decade. Every adventure junkie owns one, and those who don’t yet can’t wait to get their hands on it. Its compact and functional design paired with all-terrain adaptability makes it a top choice for everyone.
UTVs don’t only come in handy in handling farm work or using it for hunting. They are exceptional vehicles for curious explorers to ride over a plethora of riding destinations.
From work, hauling, racing, and thrilling off-road adventures, UTVs have always come through for every need. A trusted and popular brand that deals with UTVs is Polaris. One of their most sold UTV models is the Polaris RZR. Given how similar they are to a typical car, many wonder how they can make their Polaris RZR’s street legal.
If you own a Polaris RZR and have the same thoughts – you’ve found the correct article. In this article, we’ll discuss whether Polaris RZR is considered street legal in your state. If not, you’ll get to know how you could do so.
Ready to ride your Polaris RZR on your state roads? Read on!
Is Polaris RZR Street Legal?
UTV, short for Utility Terrain Vehicle (or Utility Task Vehicle), is almost like a car that comes with sitting for two-four people. While UTVs are mainly used for work and recreational purposes, they are considered street legal. However, there’s a catch here – not all the states in the US deem them street legal.
If you’re wondering whether the Polaris RZR is street legal or not, there’s good news for you. You have a green signal for driving the Polaris RZR on the road in many of the states. Before you fret about whether your state considers it street legal or not, hold your horses!
With certain modifications on your Polaris RZR, you can make it street legal. If you add a little tweaks like safety lights, front windshield, rearview mirrors, etc., you can ride your RZR on the streets. Not to forget, you’ll also need to get a registration for the same.
Although, remember that the requirements will vary from state to state. To know which changes you’ll need to make in your Polaris RZR, you must read-up about it.
Which States Allow Polaris RZR On the Streets?
Did you know that almost half of the US states allow you to drive a UTV on the road? However, many clauses and rules apply here. Although a UTV is very much like a car, it comes with its own set of street safety complications.
Nonetheless, many states will allow your Polaris RZR on the road, given you take care of certain regulations. Many of the UTV rules are closely linked to the ATV laws.
In any case, given below is a handy table to see what requirements you need to fulfill to drive Polaris RZR on the road.
| Name of the state | Requirements |
| Arizona | A statewide licensing is needed. |
| Hawaii | Is allowed only for use as farm equipment. |
| Idaho | A statewide licensing is needed. They also have an ‘out of state’ program. |
| Indiana | Needs to be grandfathered in. |
| Iowa | There’s no statewide system that is set in place. Different counties have their exceptions. |
| Kansas | Is allowed for ice fishing only. |
| Maine | You will require a registration |
| Massachusetts | People under 18 will need to take a recreational vehicle safety course. Other small laws are applicable. You’ll also need to add these changes to your UTVs:
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| Missouri | The following will be required:
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| Montana | Your UTV needs to be registered and licensed. It should also have taillights and headlights. |
| New Jersey | Your UTV needs to be registered. You also need to renew this registration every year. |
| New Mexico | It is dependent on the county. It will vary for all. |
| Oklahoma | There’s no statewide licensing required. However, other requirements depend on the county. |
| South Dakota | A statewide licensing is needed. |
| Tennessee | Entirely dependent on the area. |
| Utah | A statewide licensing is needed. It cannot be operated in the following:
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| Washington | It is dependent on the county. |
| Wisconsin | It can only be used for agricultural purposes. |
As you can see from the above table, some states consider it street legal while others don’t. They all have their set of modifications that you can do to be able to use the RZR on the highway or roads. You must’ve noticed that many states have provided the cities and counties to decide their rules.
It is sensible to check the rules and requirements as per your state. It will help you to decide whether doing all the modifications is worth the effort or not.
Is There Any State-Specific Requirement You Must Know to Make Your RZR Street Legal?
Apart from the general regulations, a few requirements are specific to some states. Given below are some of them.
- If you want to use Polaris RZR on the street or highway, you will only require one mirror on the UTV.
- Apart from Salt Lake City, I-50, and I-70, you will be able to drive your RZR on the Utah roads.
- For many states like Washington and Nevada, the maximum speed limit that you drive your RZR in is 45 mph or less.
- Similarly, for Tennessee, the maximum speed limit for UTVs on the road is 35 mph.
- To drive your RZR on the Michigan roads, you’ll need to put windshield wipers and washers on your vehicle.
What Changes Do You Need to Make to Your Polaris RZR To Make It Street Legal?
Finally, the section you’ve been waiting to read all the while. To make your Polaris RZR fit to be driven on roads, you will need to make some changes to it. Even though UTVs are loaded with most of the things that you’ll require to make them street legal, there could be scope for additions like:
- Safety Lights
- Installed Mirrors
- A windshield at the front
- Installed Bumpers as well as horn
- Insurance of the UTV
- Registration of the UTV
Most of the UTVs in the market already come with company-fitted headlights, seatbelts, taillights, mufflers, brake lights, etc. However, your UTV could be lacking a few of the requirements, as mentioned by your state. It’s always prudent to be safe and legal when you’re hitting the paved road.
All You Need to Know About Making Polaris RZR Street Safe
To better understand some vital safety requirements for the road, we’ve provided a detailed section.
Safety Light Requirements
Lucky for you, Polaris RZR already comes with safety lights. You just need to ensure that they’re adhering to the state regulations. It could be that you need to replace your lights with more powerful ones.
Generally, the headlights of the UTV must illuminate at least 500 feet ahead. This is to ensure that these lights can be used when you’re stepping on the pedal for speed. The tail lights also need to be bright enough to be spotted from at least 500 feet behind you. You can also purchase the DOT (US Department of Transportation) approved lights.
Even the brake lights and turn lights need to be strong and visible. If they’re not, you can be pulled over for having insufficient safety lights.
Side-View Mirrors
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), you need to install side-view mirrors. To make your RZR street legal, it needs to have mirrors on both sides. It will keep you safe from any accidents.
Windshield
Putting a front windshield is a crucial requirement to make your RZR street legal. Both DOT and NHTSA require it. The rules set up by them are, according to the ANSI (American National Standard Institute). When three organizations ask you to do it – you should.
Tires
As you know, the tires of the UTV are best for off-roading. They don’t meet the standards set by DOT. You can get street-friendly tires that are DOT approved online. By changing-up the tires of your RZR, you can take it down the road.
Horn and Bumpers
Horn is vital for the road as it helps to warn people. It’s a mode of communication in your vehicle. Bumpers, on the other hand, are meant for safety. You must inquire as to which type of bumper is required for RZR. You can also check your state’s requirements to see if any other requirement is to be met.
Insurance
Some of the states, as well as state parks, do require you to have insurance for your UTVs. You’ll need to get this done before you even register your RZR for road use.
Registration
To get on-road with your RZR, you must get it registered. Many states across the nation will require it if you intend to use your RZR on the public road.
License Plate
Like the cars, you’ll be required to mount your license plate both on the front and the back of your RZR. If you wish to use your UTV like a car, you’ll have to make sure you incorporate all the needful elements.
Title of Ownership
The title of ownership also comes in handy for times when you get pulled over by the cops. Many states do require it.
Summing Up
UTVs are a fun vehicle to get your work done and also please that adventurous streak in you. They are used extensively for off-roading as well as many other activities. If you own a Polaris RZR and wish to take it on the road, you need to check your state’s rules.
Many states allow UTVs to be used on roads. By adding certain accessories to your RZR, you’ll be able to ride around the town with ease!
