Dirt bikes are a popular recreational vehicle for kids, teens, and adults. As long as riders take appropriate safety precautions, dirt bikes can be a lot of fun. However, if you own a dirt bike or are thinking about getting one, you should consider what the law says about these vehicles. Although they are often used for recreation, they may be subject to certain legal rules and regulations.
Dirt bikes are classified as motor vehicles or motorcycles but are not always given the same legal treatment. Only those at least 16 years old and properly licensed may operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle. However, dirt bikes are not street-legal, and you may operate one on private property without a license or registration. A dirt bike would need to undergo extensive modification to be street-legal, and you would need to have it registered like a normal motorcycle or motor vehicle. If you get into trouble for riding a dirt bike on public roads, speak to a lawyer about your situation.
For a free, confidential review of your case, call our South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.
License and Registration Requirements for Dirt Bikes in South Carolina
Dirt bikes are often considered off-road vehicles, but you might have seen one on a public road or highway. Typically, a dirt bike cannot be registered because it is not a street-legal vehicle. Since dirt bikes lack much of the equipment needed to be driven on public roads, they are typically reserved for off-road trails. However, if a dirt bike were converted to be street-legal, it may be classified as a motor vehicle under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-10(7). Alternatively, they may be classified as motorcycles under subsection (8) of the same law.
If a dirt bike is operated on public roads or highways, the rider must be at least 16 and have a license. Under § 56-3-110, every motor vehicle must be registered if it is going to be operated on public roads and highways. This brings us back to the issue of dirt bikes not being street legal. You cannot register a dirt bike because they are not street-legal, at least not when you first buy them.
As mentioned, dirt bikes are usually considered recreational vehicles meant to be driven on off-road trails and tracks. Riding a dirt bike without a license or registration on a private trail or track is perfectly fine. Many businesses operate private dirt bike tracks that people can pay to use without a driver’s license or registration. Talk to our Columbia, SC motorcycle accident lawyers if you were issued a citation or in an accident while riding a dirt bike.
Where You Can Ride Dirt Bikes in South Carolina
Dirt bikes might be legally classified as motor vehicles or motorcycles, but they are usually not meant for use on public roads, streets, or highways. Some people treat dirt bikes like motorized bicycles and ride them around their neighborhoods. Please note that this is illegal unless the bike has been modified to be street legal. Even riding a dirt bike to a friend’s house a few blocks away is illegal unless the bike is street legal.
It is legal to ride a dirt bike on private property. It is not unusual for people who live on large, rural properties to ride dirt bikes on their own property. Some people might even have access to private nature trails where they can freely ride their dirt bikes. On top of that, it is not necessary to have a license or registration to operate a dirt bike on private property.
If you own a dirt bike and want to use it on public roads as a form of transportation, you may do so only after having the bike modified to be street legal. Dirt bikes are illegal on public roads because they lack the necessary equipment to keep riders safe. To make a dirt bike street-legal, you would need to install headlights, taillights, turn signals, a horn, mirrors, and more. You might need a new exhaust system to meet emission standards.
What to Do if You or Your Child Are Stopped for Riding a Dirt Bike on a Public Road in South Carolina
It is common to see people, sometimes young kids, riding dirt bikes on public streets. Again, this is likely illegal unless the bike has undergone extensive and usually costly modifications. The police often stop people riding dirt bikes because they do not know whether they are street legal. If you or your kids are stopped by law enforcement for riding a dirt bike, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Were you issued a citation? What was it for? It is not unusual for the police to assume that a dirt bike is not street-legal and issue the rider a citation without much investigation. However, if your bike is street-legal and you can prove it (e.g., registration, passed inspection, evidence of modifications), we can help you fight the citation.
Even if the dirt bike is legal to operate on public roads, you might still get a ticket if you are underage or do not have a license. Remember, if it is a street-legal motor vehicle, you need a license, and people younger than 16 cannot drive on public roads even if they use a dirt bike on private property all the time.
You should also note that any legal penalties someone might face while driving a car might apply to dirt bikes. For example, if someone drives their street-legal dirt bike home from the bar after too much to drink, they may be arrested for a DUI. You might be arrested even if the bike is not street legal. Either way, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Call Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help
For a free, confidential review of your case, call our Florence, SC motorcycle accident lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.
