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Generally, you don’t need a license to drive a side-by-side, utility terrain vehicles (UTV), or all-terrain vehicles (ATV). While the legal requirements vary by state, these vehicles are designed to be driven off-road, beyond the purview of the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can drive them on private land and designated trails as long as you meet the age requirements in your state. Learn about the licensing for side-by-sides and how to comply.
Do You Need A License To Drive A Side-by-Side?
No, you don’t need a license to drive a side-by-side in approved areas. However, riding on public lands often requires a permit or OHV decal. Like ATVS, side-by-sides are not street legal. Some states allow you to drive them on the street if you make modifications to make it operate more like a passenger vehicle. In this case, you need a driver’s license. Check your state’s side-by-side operation requirements for more information.
ATV vs UTV: What's the difference?What Do You Need to Operate a Side-By-Side?
Side-by-sides don’t expose you to the elements as much as ATVs, but there’s still a risk of accident or serious injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), UTVs account for 105,400 emergency department visits annually. Head, back, neck, and knee injuries remain the most common. Just because you don’t need a license to operate one doesn’t mean you should take precautions. Parks may also impose their own rules of conduct to keep guests safe.
Wear a full-face or half-face helmet to reduce your risk of head injury. Use sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris if your vehicle doesn’t have a windshield.
Use an ATV communication system to connect hands-free with other off-road vehicles. The Cardo Packtalk Edge, Pro, and Neo mount onto ATV helmets and use voice activation to help the driver focus on the road. They connect up to 15 riders using Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) to link each unit directly.
If you're not wearing a helmet, you can use the Cardo Packtalk Edgephones in a UTV or side-by-side. They’re compatible with helmet-mounted headsets to keep you in the loop.
Find Off-Road Headsets for Side-By-Sides
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Wear gloves to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and hiking boots to remain in control of the vehicle. Strap yourself in and provide handlebars for your guests on bumpy rides to avoid getting lifted into the air. Long pants and sleeves protect your skin from the sun, bugs, poisonous vegetation, cuts, and debris. Bring back-up navigation equipment, including a paper map and compass, to safely find your way home, a first aid kit, food, water, and a satellite radio to call for help in an emergency.
Maintain Your Side-By-Side
Driving off-road can be hard on vehicles, limiting their lifespan. Every journey could drastically change the condition of your side-by-side. Inspect your UTV before and after each trip to ensure it’s ready for another ride.
Maintain the ideal tire pressure for the terrain. Driving through sand and mud works best with slightly lower pressure, while rock crawling requires higher pressure to improve puncture resistance.
Check the battery’s charge to ensure it can power electrical components. Look for rust and corrosion around the terminals. Test the brakes and inspect the suspension for damage. Change the brake pads when they’re three-fourths or more worn down.
Replace the fluids at the recommended intervals to prevent clogs and maintain efficiency. Avoid using gas that hasn’t been stored properly or has been exposed to extreme temperatures. Water separation and debris will damage the engine.
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Drive A Side-By-Side with Care
When driving a side-by-side, you are responsible for your passengers’ health and safety. Maintain a moderate speed and slow down when turning. Do not drive when intoxicated or not wearing the proper gear. Avoid uneven surfaces and steep drops that lead to excessive turbulence, and alert your passengers when you expect it to be bumpy so they can brace themselves. Enjoy your side-by-side responsibly instead of needing a license.
