Dirt bike riding is an amazing motocross sport and it has seen significant growth in recent years. Dirt bike riding is a famous sport in almost all countries of the world and they have set up proper tracks to enjoy this adventurous sport. Technically, it is an offroad sport that riders love to ride on muddy, rocky and unpaved tracks and roads. Well, riding a dirtbike on the road is undoubtedly fun but often people are confused. Can they legally or technically ride dirt bikes on the road?
Technically, you can ride your dirt bike on the roads and it is actually more joyful to some extent. In fact, you can ride your dirt bike anywhere on the planet be it on hills, roads, or anything else. Second thing, Is a dirt bike fun to ride on the road? Yes, It is! It is fun driving dirt bikes on roads. Legally, it can be ridden on the roads too! But, there are a lot more things that you need to know before going ahead.
Can You Drive A Dirt Bike On The Road | Can dirt bikes go on the road?
Dirt bikes can obviously go on the roads both technically and legally. But, when it comes to “legally”, you need to follow some rules, and guidelines before you can take your bike’s wheel on the roads. Both legally and technically as well. You don’t need a license to ride a dirt bike off-road, but the situation is different on the road.
Dirt bikes can be nicely off road due to their good power and lightweight body giving a decent ride on bumpy roads. It is for fun rather than commuting and travelling long distances, unlike motorcycles. You can do that too but you first need to make it road legal by adding side mirrors, DOT approved tires and helmets, adding turn indicators, a headlight, brake lamps, exhaust, goggles, gloves, and working brakes.
First, ensure these things and then you need to get it registered first. If you already have all these things on your machine, you will only need legal documentation such as a driving permit, your vehicle’s documents and insurance (in some cases). Now, all these requirements can vary from state to state and city to city even. Some states won’t allow 250cc+ engines but the others may allow big engines too.
However, some states may still not allow you to ride dirt bikes on the road. Because they are not silent but noisy that would come under noise violation. Other than that, if your 2 or 4 stroke engine smokes, you will still not be allowed to get your dirt bike on the road and even in the residential areas.
Now, if your bike surpasses all these requirements, you can go ahead and apply to get approval from your state’s relative authority. If you get approval to ride, make sure to get goggles, gloves, boots, stickers and your registration sticker or plate on your bike. If they don’t approve of you, they will give a reason or at least ask them by yourself. This could be if your bike or you don’t meet the requirements.
Is it illegal to ride dirt bikes on the road?
Keep in mind, if you ride illegally on the road whether it’s by law or if it’s due to your bike, you will get a penalty and your bike can be impounded too. And getting it clear would be a mess in itself. If you and your bike follow the rules and regulations, they will legally allow you to take your dirt bike on the road, be it a 50cc or 125cc. 125cc dirt bikes can be road legal if they follow the criteria. You need to register your dirt bike to make it road legal. However, the registration can be different from a standard license. This is how to get a dirt bike road legal.
What dirt bikes are road legal?
This is the question you should technically ask. Well, if you have a dirt bike which is strictly off-road without any turn signals, brake lamps, head and tail lights, no speedometer, average braking, poor exhaust and a noisy engine, making it street legal would cost you anywhere between $200 and $300. The final price may vary on the quality and brand of products you opt for. But yes, it is not cheap!
Other than the budget, some dirt bikes can be modified but there are some bikes in which you can’t install these things. So, you might need to opt for a dirt bike which is technically road legal and has all these things pre-installed. The license cost and mechanic’s fee aren’t included in those $300. Adding that too would increase your overall cost. You can check this detailed guide for such dirt bikes.
Are dirt bikes road legal in Australia?
Dirt bikes aren’t road legal in Australia by default, you will need to get them road legal. Depending upon the state and city, you need to have a proper and safe dirt bike that covers indicators, mirrors, brakes, headlights, minimal engine noise and proper riding gear. After that, you can apply for a license to get it on the road.
