Last Updated on February 1, 2024
If you are the owner of a dune buggy in Texas, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make it street legal – the answer is yes, although the process is far from straightforward.
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.
While Texas laws do not allow for registering a conventional dune buggy as a regular street legal vehicle, there is a workaround: registering your vehicle outside of Texas, and then bringing it into the state.
Dirt Legal can walk you through the process of making your dune buggy street legal in Texas by registering it in another state.
Understanding the Limitations in Texas
In Texas, the Department of Motor Vehicles does not register off-highway vehicles, including dune buggies, for operation on public roads.
The state’s definition of a highway includes any publicly maintained road, making it impossible to register a dune buggy as a regular street legal vehicle.
Registering Your Dune Buggy in Another State
To make your dune buggy street legal in Texas, you can register it in another state that allows dune buggies to be registered for on-road use.
States like Montana and South Dakota have vehicle codes that permit the registration of UTVs as street legal vehicles.
By registering your dune buggy in one of these states, you can obtain a title, registration, and license plate that will enable you to drive on roads, highways, and city streets in Texas and beyond.
Required Parts for Out-of-State Registration
When registering your dune buggy in another state, you’ll need to comply with the specific requirements of that state.
While the parts required may vary, there are some common components necessary for street legal operation.
Headlights
Install at least one headlight on your dune buggy to ensure proper visibility during night-time or low-light conditions.
Taillights
Equip your dune buggy with at least one taillight to indicate your presence and intentions to other drivers on the road.
Brakes
Ensure that your dune buggy has properly functioning brakes to ensure safe and reliable stopping power.
Spark Arrestor
Fit an unmodified Forest Service-qualified spark arrestor to your dune buggy to prevent the risk of sparks or fires during operation.
Muffler
Install a working muffler on your dune buggy without any cutouts or bypasses to control noise levels and comply with sound regulations.
Driving Considerations and Safety
Once you have registered your dune buggy in another state and obtained the necessary street legal documentation, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind:
Compliance with Traffic Laws
A street legal dune buggy 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.
Safety Equipment
While Texas does not have specific helmet laws for street legal UTVs, it is highly recommended to wear helmets while operating a dune buggy 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.
Off-Highway Vehicle Areas
If you plan to use your dune buggy 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 and display the corresponding decal on your vehicle.
Note that Texas does not offer reciprocity for other states’ OHV registrations.
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 Dune Buggy Street Legal: Guide & Kits
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