Riding dirt bikes on public roads is illegal in all states, including Oregon.
The reason is that dirt bikes are because they are made only for off-road use, and lack the equipment which is required for a vehicle to be ridden legally on public roads, like headlights, taillights, turn signals, registration, and insurance.
You may, in fact, end up with some consequences if you ride a dirt bike on the street. There are chances you may end up with a citation or ticket, a small fine will be charged, or the bike may be towed or impounded.
Dirt bike laws in Oregon are such that they only allow motorcycles recognized as legal for use on streets to be used on public roads. Otherwise, dirt bikes must remain off the roads and streets.
How do I make my dirt bike street legal in Oregon?
If you intend to make your dirt bike street legal in Oregon, you need to consider some issues.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has two sets of standards of emission standards for all vehicles, including motorcycles.
These two standards are for vehicles for street use and vehicles for off-road use, which include dirt bikes, UTVs, ATVs, etc. The motorcycle or bike you use should comply with the standards for those of street use, and only then can you register it in the state of Oregon.
In order to be legal for use on public roads, motor vehicles, including motorcycles and bikes, must meet the design safety and equipment requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. These are also the standards that are adopted by Oregon.
Manufacturers complying with these requirements need to provide a VIN-Vehicle Identification Number, and an MCO-Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, certifying that the vehicle meets the standards of U.S. DOT. Other proof of compliance may also be required to be provided.
Do you have to register dirt bikes in Oregon?
In Oregon, it is not a requirement to have a registration, title, or insurance for ORMs, ATVs, or side-by-side.
However, it is highly recommended by the state to have your vehicle titled as it provides the proof of ownership for it, in case the vehicle gets stolen or lost.
If you have financed or insured your ORV, you may need a title.
You can visit the Oregon DMV website to get the title for your unregistered dirt bike.
Though insurance is not a requirement, it will protect your vehicle, yourself, and those involved in a case of any incident.
Street-Legal ORMs
A title, registration, and liability insurance are required as must-haves for any off-road motorcycle-like dirt bikes, to become street legal. You can then operate them on public roads instead of off roads.
There are certain requirements for street-legal motorcycles. They are:
- Valid license plate, having a white license plate light
- White headlight turned on at all times
- A red reflector on the vehicle’s rear
- Red taillight and brake light
- Fenders
- Muffler along with spark arrestor
- Rearview mirror
- Turn signals
- Operable brake
- Horn
A street-legal motorcycle rider must also carry a valid driver’s license, where a DOT-approved helmet and have a valid motorcycle instruction permit or motorcycle endorsement when riding a motorcycle.
Are mini bikes street legal in Oregon?
Mini bikes are not legal for use on streets and highways in Oregon, as these bikes are built only for off-road use.
A pocket bike, mini bike, go-kart, an all-terrain vehicle, or other similar motor vehicles are illegal for use on public roads in Oregon.
If someone is found using these vehicle types on the public roads, they can be charged for at least two traffic violations:
- Classic C violation – Operation of a vehicle violating the equipment rules, fine up to $360.
- Classic C violation – Operation of a vehicle violating the equipment rules, fine up to $180.
