Montana Bike Laws: What You Need to Know

Off-Road Use: Registration Requirements

In Montana, dirt bikes are classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) when used off-road. To operate on designated motorized trails or public lands, your OHV must be registered.

• Registration Process:
  • Register your OHV at your local County Treasurer’s office.
  • A registration decal will be issued, which must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
  • Registration remains valid as long as you own the OHV.
  • If the decal is lost or becomes illegible, apply for a duplicate immediately and pay the required fee.
  • OHVs used exclusively on private property are exempt from registration requirements.
• Non-Resident Use:
  • Non-residents with OHVs properly registered in their home state may operate in Montana for up to 30 consecutive days.
  • If not registered elsewhere, a “Nonresident Temporary Off-Highway Vehicle Use” permit must be obtained before operating in Montana. 

Street Use: Converting a Dirt Bike to Street-Legal

Converting a dirt bike for street use in Montana is possible by meeting specific equipment and registration requirements.

1. Install Required Equipment:
   • DOT-approved headlight with high and low beams.
   • Taillight with brake light function.
   • Front and rear turn signals.
   • Rearview mirrors (at least one, preferably two).
   • Horn audible from at least 200 feet.
   • Speedometer and odometer.
   • DOT-approved tires.
   • Muffler to comply with noise regulations.
2. Title and Registration:
   • Obtain a certificate of title as proof of ownership.
   • Register the dirt bike for street use at your local County Treasurer’s office.
   • Montana offers permanent registration for street-legal motorcycles and quadricycles.
   • Fees:
     • Flat Fee – street-legal only: $53.25
     • Flat Fee – street-legal/off-highway combination use: $114.50
     • Motorcycle/Quadricycle Safety Fee: $16.00
     • Montana Highway Patrol Salary and Retention Fee: $10.00
     • Plate Manufacturing Fee (if applicable): $12.00
3. Insurance:
   • Secure liability insurance for the dirt bike as required for all street-legal vehicles in Montana.

Where You Can Ride

Off-Road:

• Private Property: Riding is permitted with the landowner’s consent.
• Public Lands: Riding is allowed on designated trails and areas where OHV use is permitted. Ensure your OHV is registered and displays the appropriate decal.

On-Road:

• Permitted Roads: Operation of dirt bikes on public roads is allowed only if the bike has been converted to meet street-legal requirements and is properly registered and insured.
• Crossing Roads: Off-road dirt bikes may cross public roads at a 90-degree angle during daylight hours, provided they come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic.