Last Updated on February 1, 2024
We understand the thrill of driving a sand rail, dune buggy, dirt bike or similar off-road vehicles on open roads.
Unfortunately, the process of making these off-road vehicles street legal can be a challenging process, especially in states like Texas where the regulations are quite strict.
The first step is understanding the limitations in Texas. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not register off-highway vehicles, including sand rails, for operation on public roads. This means that you cannot directly register your sand rail in Texas for on-road use.
Under the Texas Administrative Code dated April of 2013, Section 217.3 (6)(B), any vehicle determined by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, (TDMV) to be a Dune Buggy, cannot be Titled or Registered in the State.
Since Texas does not allow the registration of sand rails for on-road use, you can consider registering your sand rail in another state that allows these vehicles to be registered for on-road use.
Dirt Legal can walk you through the process of making your dune buggy street legal in Texas by registering it in another state.
States like Montana and South Dakota permit the registration of UTVs as street-legal vehicles.
Required Parts for Out-of-State Registration
When registering your sand rail in another state, you’ll need to comply with the specific requirements of that state.
Common components necessary for street-legal operation include headlights, taillights, properly functioning brakes, a spark arrestor, and a working muffler.
Once you have registered your sand rail in another state and obtained the necessary street legal documentation, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind:
A street legal sand rail in Texas must observe all laws and rules of the road, just like any other motor vehicle. Ensure that you are familiar with the local traffic laws and regulations to avoid any legal complications.
While Texas does not have specific helmet laws for street legal UTVs, it is highly recommended to wear helmets while operating a sand rail on public roads for your safety.
In addition to this, all occupants should wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and seat belts if available.
Registering Your Vehicle Out of State
If you plan to use your sand rail for off-highway purposes in Texas, such as on public lands and OHV areas, you will need to obtain an OHV registration from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
This will allow you to legally operate your sand rail in designated off-highway vehicle areas.
For more up-to-date information on the status of ATV regulations in Texas, please check the Dirt Legal website:
> Can You Make a UTV Street Legal in Texas?
> Street Legal Registration Services
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Read also: How To Make a Dirt Bike Legal in Texas
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