Mini bikes are fun to ride, easy to park and get great gas mileage. These qualities make them seem like a great option for running around town, unfortunately it’s not that simple.
Mini bikes cannot be driven on public roads or highways in most states. Stock mini bikes don’t meet the requirements of the motor vehicle laws and regulations in the majority of states. Below is a state by state overview of the laws that govern the use of mini bikes.
Alabama
Alabama does not allow mini bikes on public roads. Alabama classifies a mini bike as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, to determine if a motor vehicle not subject to titling may be registered, the license plate issuing official must physically inspect the vehicle and vehicle ownership documentation.
Sources: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/810-5-1-.238-1-4.pdf; https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/motorcyclemanual_0.pdf
Alaska
Alaska permits the use of mini bikes on public roads, but slight modifications may be necessary. In the state of Alaska, mini bikes are considered to be All-Purpose Vehicles (APV). An APV is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that is used on public roads or highways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less in a community that has not prohibited its use. APVs must conform to all of Alaska’s motor vehicle safety standards and be properly insured, registered, and titled.
To legally operate an APV in Alaska, the operator must:
- Hold a valid license of Class D, or higher
- Follow standard motor vehicle titling and registration procedures
- Carry proof of liability insurance
- Operate the APV in a community that allows for APV use on a public road or highway
- Drive APV on roads or highways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less
- Equip APV with all required safety equipment, including:
- Lights and reflectors
- Brakes
- Throttle
- Muffler and emission control system
- Require passengers to wear a helmet
- Use seat belts, if APV is equipped with them
Source: https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/reg/snow.htm
Arizona
Mini bikes cannot be ridden on public streets in Arizona. The State of Arizona classifies mini bikes as a motorcycle if the engine is over 5 horsepower and a “motor driven cycle” if the engine is 5 horsepower or less. Both classifications must meet the same safety equipment standards to be driven on public roads.
Sources: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00101.htm, https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/99-0129.pdf, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00924.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00925.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00926.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00927.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00939.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00944.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00954.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00955.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00956.htm, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00964.htm
Arkansas
In the State of Arkansas mini bikes may not be used on the public streets and highways. Arkansas classifies a mini bike as either a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle depending on the engine size. Mini bikes with an engine displacement of over 250cc is classified as a motorcycle per state laws. A mini bike with an engine displacement of 250cc or less is classified as a motor-driven cycle. Regardless of the classification, the mini bikes are subject to the same regulations.
Sources: A.C.A. 27-20-104, A.C.A. 27-20-101
California
Mini bikes are considered off-highway vehicles and may not be ridden on public roads in California. In order to drive a mini bike on the highway, it must be modified to meet the state highway requirements for motorcycles.
Sources: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety/motorcycles-and-similar-vehicles, https://california.public.law/codes/ca_veh_code_section_25650.5, https://california.public.law/codes/ca_veh_code_section_27202.1, https://california.public.law/codes/ca_veh_code_section_38012
Colorado
Mini bikes are not permitted to drive on public roads in Colorado. Colorado classifies anything with three wheels or less with an engine that has a displacement of 50cc or more as a motorcycle. Two wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement less than 50cc is classified as a low-speed scooter.
Source: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2018-title-42.pdf
Connecticut
Connecticut does not allow mini bikes to be driven on the road. Connecticut puts mini bikes in the same category as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. Therefore anyone riding a mini bike must follow the applicable state laws including those that prohibit ATVs and dirt bikes from being allowed on public roadways.
Source: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm#sec_14-96x, https://www.cga.ct.gov/2020/sup/chap_255.htm
Delaware
In Delaware stock mini bikes are classified as off-highway vehicles and may not be operated on public streets or highways. Delaware defines off-highway vehicles as a motor driven off-road vehicle capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail, on or immediately over land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain.
Source: https://www.dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/specialvehicles/index.shtml?dc=ve_reg_ohv, https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/index.html
Florida
Mini bikes may not be operated on public roads or highways in the state of Florida. Mini bikes fall under the state’s definition of an off-highway motorcycle. All-terrain vehicles, motorized recreational off-highway vehicles, and off-highway motorcycles are all treated the same under Florida’s off-highway vehicle laws.
Sources: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/motorcycle-rider-education-endorsements/motorcycle-motor-scooter-moped-and-motorized-scooter/, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Index&Title_Request=XXIII#TitleXXIII
Georgia
The State of Georgia does not permit the use of mini bikes on public roads or highways. Georgia does not have a vehicle classification for mini bikes, therefore by default mini bikes fall under the definition of a motorcycle. Although motorcycles may be legally used on public roads, mini bikes do not have the state required equipment to meet the motorcycle licensing requirements.
Sources: https://dps.georgia.gov/georgia-code-low-speed-vehicles, https://advance.lexis.com/container/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=7cb73fd5-d40e-45d3-81e9-ebfe581dc718&action=publictoc&hrefvalue=%2Fshared%2Ftableofcontents%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A63RH-PW33-CH1B-T4TR-00008-00&config=00JAAzZDgzNzU2ZC05MDA0LTRmMDItYjkzMS0xOGY3MjE3OWNlODIKAFBvZENhdGFsb2fcIFfJnJ2IC8XZi1AYM4Ne&pddocfullpath=undefined&pdtocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Ftableofcontents%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A63RH-PW33-CH1B-T4TR-00008-00&pdtocnodeid=ROOT&pdtocsearchterm=&ecomp=m3vckkk&prid=b8fc615d-8803-4386-83b2-4e4183e46035
Hawaii
Mini bikes are not permitted to be driven on public roads or highways in the state of Hawaii. Mini bikes do not have their own classification and do not meet the definition of an all-terrain vehicle per the state’s definition. Therefore, they fall under Hawaii’s definition of a motorcycle. A motorcycle must have the state required equipment to meet motorcycle licensing requirements to legally drive on public roads and highways.
Sources: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2021/03/2020-Hawaii-Drivers-Manual_5.375×8.375_Revised-FInal_WEB.pdf, https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-.htm, https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2021/09/133.2-sgnd-by-Gov-electric.pdf
Idaho
Mini bikes are permitted on county, city, or highway district roads not closed to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and non-full-access controlled state highways within city limits and within one mile of city limits with a speed limit of 45 mph or less open to OHV use. They are also allowed to operate on Idaho Dept. of Lands, BLM, U.S. Forest Service and private roads open to OHV use.
Mini bikes fall under Idaho’s classification of motorbike. A motorbike is designed for or capable of traveling off developed highways and does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They are required to have an OHV registration sticker or restricted vehicle plates to drive anywhere besides private property.
Sources: https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2-Wheel_and_3-Wheel_Vehicle_Requirements.pdf, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2011-title49-vol5.pdf
Illinois
Mini bikes are not permitted to be operated on public roads in Illinois. Per Illinois Vehicle Code it is “unlawful for any person to drive or operate a non-highway vehicle upon any street, highway or roadway in this State.” Illinois classifies mini bikes as off-highway motorcycles.
The Illinois Vehicle Code does allow a municipality, township, county or other unit of local government to authorize the use of non-highway vehicles on roadways if it determines public safety will not be jeopardized.
Sources: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+12&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=136400000&SeqEnd=148100000, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K1-153.1.htm#:~:text=Sec.,may%20be%20transported%20or%20drawn.
Indiana
Indiana does not allow the use of mini bikes on any public road or highway. The state classifies mini bikes as an “off-road vehicle.” Indiana vehicle law states that a person that operates an off-road vehicle or snowmobile on a public roadway commits a Class C infraction.
Sources: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2017/ic/titles/009, https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2017/ic/titles/009#9-18.1-14
Iowa
Mini bikes are not permitted on public roads or highways in the state of Iowa. Mini bikes do not meet Iowa’s definition of an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle. So by default mini bikes are considered motorcycles. Although motorcycles may be legally used on public roads, mini bikes do not have the state required equipment to meet the motorcycle licensing requirements.
Source: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/321.pdf
Kansas
The use of mini bikes on public roads and highways is not permitted in the state of Kansas. Mini bikes do not have their own classification and do not meet the definition of an all-terrain vehicle per the state’s definition. Therefore, they fall under Kansas’ definition of a motorcycle. In order for a motorcycle to be legally driven on Kansas public roadways it must have the required equipment to meet the motorcycle licensing requirements.
Source: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/ksa_ch8.html
Kentucky
Kentucky does not allow the use of mini bikes on public roads or highways. Mini bikes are defined as all-terrain vehicles in the state of Kentucky. Per the state motor vehicle code a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon any public highway or roadway.
Source: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38038
Louisiana
Mini bikes are not permitted on public roads or highways in the state of Louisiana. Mini bikes do not have their own classification, so by default fall under the state’s definition of a motorcycle. To be legally operated on a public roadway the motorcycle must have the proper safety equipment to meet the licensing requirements.
Source: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/laws_Toc.aspx?folder=75&level=Parent
Maine
Mini bikes may not be driven on roads in the state of Maine because they fall under Maine’s definition of an all-terrain vehicle. According to the state law a person may not operate an ATV on any portion of a public way maintained or used for the operation of conventional motor vehicles or on the sidewalks of any public way.
Sources: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/atv-snowmobile/atv/laws-rules.html, https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Ach0sec0.html
Maryland
A mini bike may not be driven on a highway in the state of Maryland. Local laws, ordinances and regulations may limit the use of mini bikes. Mini bikes fall under Maryland’s classification of an “off-highway recreational vehicle.”
Sources: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/27300/27300-76T.aspx, http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/subtitle_chapters/11_Chapters.aspx#Subtitle13, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=11-140.1&enactments=False&archived=False, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2022RS/fnotes/bil_0007/hb0077.pdf
Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts does not allow the use of mini bikes on public roadways. Mini bikes fall under the states definition of recreation vehicle or off-highway vehicle and more specifically the definition of a dirt bike. All recreation vehicles or off-highway vehicles are prohibited from operating on or across public roads and highways.
Source: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/summary-of-off-highway-vehicle-safety-laws
Michigan
Michigan does not allow the use of mini bikes on public roads or highways. Mini bikes meet the state’s definition of an off-road vehicle or ORV. According to the state vehicle code the county board of commissioners may authorize the use of ORVs on 1 or more county roads. So it is important to check with the specific county in Michigan.
Minnesota
The use of mini bikes on public roads and highways is not permitted in the state of Minnesota. Mini bikes are classified as off-highway motorcycles in Minnesota. Off-highway motorcycles may only be operated on public roadways if they meet the mandated requirements and are registered with the proper state authority for highway use.
Sources: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/lowpower.pdf, https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/ohv/ohv_regs.pdf?year=2022
Mississippi
A mini bike may not be driven on a public road or highway in the state of Mississippi. Mini bikes meet the definition of an off-road vehicle. Specifically, mini bikes fall under the dirt bike classification of off-road vehicle laws. Dirt bikes may be licensed to drive on public roadway if they meet the state safety equipment regulations.
Missouri
Missouri prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads or highways. The state of Missouri specifically lists mini bikes as an example in their definition of off-road vehicles. Mini bikes do not meet the state’s safety equipment requirements for use on public roadways.
Sources: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.033&bid=16211&hl=, http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=304
Montana
The use of mini bikes on public roads and highways is not permitted in Montana. Mini bikes are considered motorcycles designed for off-road recreational use and fall under the state’s classification of an off-highway vehicle. Mini bikes must be modified to meet Montana’s equipment standards and be registered to legally drive on public roadways.
Source: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0010/part_0010/section_0010/0610-0010-0010-0010.html
Nebraska
Nebraska prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. Nebraska has a separate classification for mini bikes and defines them in part as a two-wheeled device designed by the manufacturer for off-road use only. Only vehicles that meet Nebraska’s equipment requirements are permitted to drive on public roadways.
Source: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/browse-chapters.php?chapter=60
Nevada
A mini bike may not be driven on a public road or highway in the state of Nevada. Mini bikes meet the state’s definition of an off-highway vehicle and more specifically an all-terrain motorcycle. In order to legally operate on public roadways the mini bike must meet all the state’s equipment requirements.
Source: https://dmv.nv.gov/codebook.htm
New Hampshire
New Hampshire prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads or highways. The state of New Hampshire defines mini bikes as off-highway recreational vehicles. Off-highway recreational vehicles may only be licensed for use on public roadways if they meet the required equipment standards set by the state.
Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/nhtoc/nhtoc-xxi.htm
New Jersey
The state of New Jersey does not permit the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. For a mini bike or any other vehicle to be legally driven on a public roadway it must be inspected and certified that it meets the safety and emission standards set by New Jersey.
New Mexico
New Mexico prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. Mini bikes are considered an off-highway vehicle and specifically an off-highway motorcycle. Some local authorities allow off-highway vehicles to travel on public roadways as long as they meet specific equipment, insurance and registration requirements.
Source: https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-16-off-highway-motor-vehicles/
New York
A mini bike may not be driven on a public road or highway in the state of New York. Mini bikes are considered all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in New York. According to the state law no person shall operate an ATV on a highway except when directly crossing a non-interstate highway during the day or on a highway designated and posted as open to ATV travel.
Source: http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO:
North Carolina
Mini bikes are not permitted on public roads or highways in the state of North Carolina. Mini bikes do not have their own classification, so by default, fall under the state’s definition of a motorcycle. To be legally operated on a public roadway a motorcycle must have the proper safety equipment to meet the state’s licensing requirements.
Source: https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatuteSections/Chapter20
North Dakota
The state of New Jersey does not permit the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. A mini bike is classified as an off-highway vehicle which falls under the state’s broader definition of motor-powered recreational vehicle. Off-highway vehicles may only be driven on a highway if the operator is crossing at a ninety degree angle. A mini bike must be modified to meet the requirements of a street legal motorcycle to be legally driven on public roads in North Dakota.
Source: https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c29.pdf#nameddest=39-29-09
Ohio
Ohio prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. Mini bikes fall under the state’s broad definition of a motorcycle. To be legally operated on a public roadway a motorcycle must meet the safety equipment standards established by the state.
Source: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/title-45
Oklahoma
A mini bike may not be driven on a public road or highway in the state of Oklahoma. Mini bikes meet the state’s definition of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle depending on the engine size. Mini bikes with an engine displacement over 150cc are considered motorcycles. To be legally driven on a public roadway, mini bikes must meet specific equipment, insurance and registration requirements.
Source: https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os47.pdf
Oregon
Mini bikes may legally be operated on a road as long as it is an all-terrain vehicle highway route or two lane gravel road designated as open to all-terrain vehicles by the Oregon Transportation Commission. Oregon State defines mini bikes as a class III all-terrain vehicle.
Source: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Forms/DMV/1.pdf, https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_821.191
Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania does not permit the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. Pennsylvania does not have a separate classification for mini bikes, therefore mini bikes fit under the state’s definition of a motorcycle. Mini bikes do not meet the equipment requirements to be permitted to drive on public roadways.
Source: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/75.HTM
Rhode Island
Mini bikes are not permitted to be operated on public roads or highways in Rhode Island except to make a direct crossing during daylight hours. Mini bikes are classified as recreational vehicles in Rhode Island. In fact, the state specifically lists mini bikes in their definition of recreational vehicles.
Source: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE31/31-3.2/INDEX.htm
South Carolina
A mini bike may not be operated on a public road or highway in the state of South Carolina. Mini bikes must follow the same states laws that govern motorcycles. To be legally operated on a public roadway a motorcycle must meet the safety equipment standards established by the state.
Source: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title56.php
South Dakota
South Dakota prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways except when crossing a roadway. Mini bikes fall under the state’s classification of an off-road vehicle. A mini bike must be registered with the state as a motorcycle and meet all of the safety equipment standards to be operated on public roadway.
Sources: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2054730, https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2054726
Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not permit the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways except for unpaved roadways designated specifically for all-terrain vehicle travel. Tennessee classifies mini bikes as off-highway vehicles and more specifically all-terrain vehicles. To operate a mini bike on public paved roadways, it must meet the equipment and registration requirements set for motorcycles.
Texas
In the state of Texas a mini bike may not be operated on a public highway without design alterations to meet the standards for highway use. However, according to the state transportation code, local municipalities may allow off-highway vehicles to operate on public roads in an unincorporated section of the county on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Texas defines mini bikes as off-highway vehicles.
Source: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/SDocs/TRANSPORTATIONCODE.pdf
Utah
Mini bikes are not permitted to be operated on any public roads or highways in Utah that are not designated as open to off-highway vehicle use, except to directly cross the roadway. Mini bikes fall under Utah’s off-highway vehicle classification.
Source: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter22/41-22.html?v=C41-22_1800010118000101
Vermont
Vermont prohibits the use of mini bikes on public roads and highways. Mini bikes are defined by the state as all-terrain vehicles. However, most mini bikes do not meet the equipment standards for registration as an all-terrain vehicle. To be legally driven on public roadways in the state of Vermont, a mini bike must be modified to meet the state motorcycle equipment requirements.
Source: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/title/23
Virginia
In the state of Virginia, mini bikes may only be driven on public roadways in a municipality embraced by the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority that authorizes the operation of off-road recreational vehicles on roadways. The road must have a maximum speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour and off-road vehicles may not travel on any roadway for a distance of more than five miles.
Mini bikes are defined by Virginia as off-road motorcycles. According to the state vehicle code, registration is not required for off-road motorcycles.
Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/
Washington
In Washington State, mini bikes may be driven on non-highway roads in designated off-road areas and municipalities that have authorized the use of off-road vehicles. Mini bikes fall under Washington’s definition of an off-road vehicle and more specifically an off-road motorcycle.
Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.09.450, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.09.360
West Virginia
Mini bikes are not permitted on public roads or highways in the state of West Virginia. Mini bikes fall under the category of off-highway vehicles. Mini bikes do not meet the state’s safety equipment standards required for registration as a street legal vehicle.
Source: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=17F&art=1
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin mini bikes may only be driven on public roadways that are designated as an off-highway route by the authorized governmental agency. Mini bikes are classified by the state as motorcycles and more specifically off-highway motorcycles and must follow all state laws dictating their use.
Source: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/23/335/2/a
Wyoming
Mini bikes are not permitted to be operated on any public roads or highways in Wyoming unless registered for use on public roadways. Wyoming classifies mini bikes as an off-road recreational vehicle which is not required to be registered unless operated on a public roadway. In order to register a mini bike it must be outfitted with the state mandated safety equipment.
Source: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf
Check your local laws
If you live in a state that permits the use of mini bikes on public roads, make sure you check the rules of your local government. Some states grant local municipalities the authority to determine if and where mini bikes and other off-highway vehicles are permitted to be used. Happy riding.
