In Moab, UT we are known for our endless amounts of daring and scenic 4×4, UTV, and hummer trails. They are around every corner you may turn in this area. We all know how much you want to bring your own Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) and go on these trails during your trip here. To make it even better, OHV’s can easily be made street legal! This permits these recreational type vehicle and other vehicles that are not often used for driving around town, to be driven on the paved highways and roads around town. However, Utah does have its own set of laws and regulations for UTVs and OHV use.
Some of the main road laws for OHV operation I have listed and explained below. Under these road laws, I have also listed regulations for the registration of OHV’s that will all need to be met before the approval of registering your vehicle for use in Utah State.
If you are looking for an official and detailed copy of these rules and regulations, go to the link for the “Utah Off-Highway Vehicle Booklet” link at the bottom of this page.
Basic OHV Road Laws
- All OHV’s must have Utah state registration stickers displayed on the left or rear side of the vehicle (depending on the type of vehicle you have)
- State residents will need to obtain a resident registration sticker
- Out of state residents need to get a Utah non-resident registration sticker in order to use their out of state vehicle legally
- Can’t exceed the lesser of the posted speed limit or 50 mph (if on a road that exceeds 50 mph speed limit, must operate on the far right-hand side of the road and vehicle must have reflectors or reflective tape on front and back of both sides of the vehicle)
- May be operated on public land, trails, streets, or highways if posted or designated legal for OHV’s
- Cannot operate along, across, or within the boundaries or an interstate freeway or controlled access highway
- Recreational vehicles must have noise control device and safety flags (6×12 inches minimum and attached so they are 8 feet above the ground) along with other vehicle requirements
- A person under age 18 must operate with an adult’s supervision and wear a helmet
- No racing, unless organized and agency approved event
- No consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs while operating OHV’s
OHV Registration Regulations
In order to legally drive your OHV’s on the streets here in Moab (and around other parts of Utah), you will need to get it registered to do such. This registration will be necessary for both state residents AND out of state residents to legally drive your OHV’s around town without having to haul them on a trailer.
In order to get this registration, you will have to pay a small fee of about $20-$30 depending on your vehicle type. Your vehicle will also have to meet all of the necessary equipment standards in order to be approved for registration. These requirements are listed below according to the vehicle types and their personal requirements.
If you do not see the requirements for your vehicle type here or have questions about the requirements, check the “Utah Of-Highway Vehicle Laws and Regulations Booklet” that is linked to the end of this page
All Terrain Type 1 (Motorcycles & Quads) Vehicle Requirements:
- 1+ headlamps
- 1+ tail lamps
- Tail lamp to illuminate the registration plate
- 1+ red reflectors on rear
- 1+ stop lamps on the rear
- Amber or red turn signals (on each side of front and back)
- Braking system (aside from parking brake)
- A horn or warning device
- A muffler and emission control system
- Rearview mirrors on either side of the vehicle
- A windshield (or operator must wear eye protection)
- A speedometer (illuminated for night operation)
- Seat designed for the passenger(s) including a footrest and handhold for each passenger
- Tires (manufacturer recommended size) (2/32 inches+ tread)
All Terrain Vehicle Type 3 (Razors & UTV’s) Vehicle Requirements:
- 2 headlamps
- 2 tail lamps
- a tail lamp or other light to illuminate registration plate
- 1+ red reflectors on rear
- 2 stop lamps on the rear
- Amber or red electric turn signals (one on each side of front and rear)
- Braking system (other than parking brake)
- A horn or warning device
- A muffler and emission control system
- Rearview mirrors on either side of the driver
- A windshield (or operator must wear eye protection)
- A speedometer (illuminated for night operation)
- A seat designed for passengers
- Seatbelts for all passenger seating
- Seat height between 20 and 40 inches
- Tires (manufacturer recommended size) (2/32 inches+ tread)
If these regulations for your OHV registration are not met, you will not be able to get your vehicle registered for use other than in designated recreational areas and on personally owned private property. You will need to transport your OHV’s on trailers to trailheads or private property in order to operate the vehicle.
Places To Get OHV Registration
Coming to Moab for a trip this summer and need to get your registration to run around in your recreational vehicles? No need to stress about finding places to get registered! Below is a list of the places in town that can help you get your OHV’s registered for street use and more.
Moab Information Center
Address: 25 E Center St., Moab, UT 84532
Hours: 8am – 7pm
Phone #: (435)259-8825
Mad Bro
Address: 1805 S. Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: 8am – 5pm
Phone #: (435)259-6232
Maverik
Address: 435 N. Main St., Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone #: (435)259-8718
AND
Address: 985 S. Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Phone #: (435)259-0775
Spanish Trail Shell
Address: 2420 Spanish Trail Rd., Moab, UT 84532
Phone #: (435)259-3939
We here at Travel Moab hope this information was helpful to make your vacation preparation easy and your trip memorable. Just remember to ride responsibly, be safe, and have fun!