Modifications to become Street Legal
Many newer dirt bikes are very easily converted for use of paved roads. The term, Dual Sport, comes from the fact that an off-road dirt bike has been modified for street; thus coming from on-road and off-road use. Using the above picture above as an example, this dirt bike stock would come with a headlight. Company normally produce two different types of the same engine size: race and trail versions. The trail versions usually come with a head light and a tail light, but there are various universal headlight, taillight, and turn signal kits that plug right into the stock wiring harness.
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This process has been controversial over the years because there is many different types and years of bikes and the modifications that have to be done to them to be qualified for street use. Each case has to be dealt looking at one case at a time, but there are some similarity that are very common throughout the 48 continuous states. A dirt bike must have a head light, tail light, and speedometer; from here it can go in many different directions. For instance, I know that like in Texas, you do not need turn signal on your bike if they did not come with them and then required to just use your left arm as your turn signal. Washington State has recently revisited the rules and regulations of this process and put out a new updated standard to be met to be able to legally ride a dirt bike on the state paved roads. Compared in surrounding states, Washington State requires that a dirt bike, made after like the 1960's has to have turn signals on the front and back. Most state's minimal requirements include having a headlight, tail light, and at least one side mirror. This is one difference compared to other states laws towards converting a dirt bike to street legal status.
The link below will direct you to Washington State DMV's website. There you will have access to the rules along with specific details in which you can do modifications on your dirt bike according to cases. Newer bikes will usually require more modifications than older bikes.
For a list rules and details on needed modifications, Click on this Link
For a list rules and details on needed modifications, Click on this Link