How do you make and ATV street legal in Maryland?

Answer 1

There's no clearcut procedure in Maryland on how to do this, but I have ideas about how this can be done as I'm trying to do the same.

- Firstly, you'll need to pass a vehicle safety inspection before you can register. That means you'll need at least an speedometer, mirrors, turn signals, horn, brake and back up light, DOT approved tires, license plate frame and light, and perhaps an emergancy cut off switch. You'll be inspecting as a motorcycle, so those standards apply. You can call the MVA and ask for specific requirements for a motorcycles (or a custom built motorcycle), then make the appropiate alterations to your quad. There are kits you can buy online for this available.

- Secondly, you're going to need a manufacturers cerfiticate of origin with your quad, which should of come from your dealer.

Now, here's the problem. A "motocycle" by definition in Maryland has this clause: "On not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground;" Even if you manage to pass inspection, titling a quad as a motorcycle would be difficult. So, here's some ideas:

• Try titling it under a "homemade motorcycle", which is actually more appropiate. You might run into the "no more than three wheels touching the ground" argument, but obviously it's a homemade bike, it could theoretically have more than 3 wheels. A trike with two front wheels? Ask about that. You do have some leverage.
• Try titling it under a "reconstructed vehicle". Problem here is it'd have to pass a vehicle safety inspection, which have different standards from motorcycles.
• Maryland law has a similar clause for scooters: "Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter." Ask about titling a three wheeled scooter, like the MP3 by Piaggio. It technically does not meet this requirement but can still be registered under a scooter. If there's leeway there, there should be some for motorcycles.
• There are many cases where a motorcycle would have 4 wheels ("training wheels", Voyager converter kits), but these generally aren't permanent alterations, yet still, ask about registering a 4 wheel motorcycle under those conditions.
• In all of the scenarios above, if you're going to inquire, I'd do it over the phone and in separate phone calls for each, and write *everything* down, and the name of the person you talked to.

The other argument you may get is, "it's an offroad vehicle" or "it's an ATV". Well that's not a legal argument. Ask what specifically makes an offroad vehicle or ATV, as such. I'm talking about specific documentation or law. Is there a specific model list of vehicles that are labeled as off road? They may pull up the VIN number of your quad and have it return "off road use", but I'm not sure who controls that information, ask about that too. It may indeed come down to your certificate of origin. It may have "off road use" clearly on it. However, your dealer *can* issue another one. If you've made all the necessary alterations, your dealer and manufacter can reissue a new generic certificate. They don't have to, of course, but if you ask beforehand you may be surprised. If you get your certificate changed, then that argument also goes away, at least it should. The process for converting a Motocross bike to a street legal dual sport is a bit more well known, or at least dealt with. Ask the procedure for this. The standard regarding the cerficate of origin (which would also have for "offroad use" on it) in that case should be same as yours. If it isn't, ask why not.

If all else fails, title your quad in a state where quads can be titled as a motorcyle with modifications (Pennsylvania is closest I think, but Arizona is easiest it would appear) and retitle it here. You'd still have to pass inspection to register and get tags, but you'd have a title as documentation when inspectors start laughing at you.

If you get your title and pass inspection, only left to do is get insurance and present it at the time of registration, get your tags, and be off on your way. Of course, if it's titled eventually as a motorcycle, you'll need a motorcycle license to drive it anywhere. Even then, you will get pulled over, constantly. Even if you have everything in order. It's just a fact, and even if your neighborhood police get used to you, people will still call 911 when they drive by you. It's not common in Maryland, so expect the worse of the battle to come after you get your tags.

Tips:

Under no circumstances should you call your quad an "ATV" during any of the process. Call it a four wheeled motorcycle or sport quad specially modified for street use. ATV won't get you very far. Tackle the titling first. If you can get it titled as a motorcyle, you'll have documentation to give to the inspector to treat it as one. I'd attempt to get a title before you make any alterations to your quad. Those can made right before inspection and you can also request a temporay registration good for 30 days, so you may be able to ride around for 30 days! Also, titling requires a "simple" stop at the MVA. You may simply get lucky and get someone who is willing to work with you and title your quad as a custom motorcycle without hassle. I'd try that first before you go further than you have too. Also remember, be assertive and ask for specific documentation or law for any rational they give for rejecting you.

http://www.marylandmva.com/AboutMVA/INFO/27300/27300-31T.htm

http://www.marylandmva.com/AboutMVA/INFO/58000ASE/58000-01T.htm

http://www.marylandmva.com/AboutMVA/FAQ/default.htm#motorcycle_definition

Answer 2

Have it titled , registered , blinkers , tail light , head lights , plates , HELEMENT ! .. Oh ya insurance recommend full cover incase it's stolen , hurt more than 1 person .. Ect