Table of Contents
In this article, we will discuss the regulations and guidelines surrounding the street-legal status of ATVs and UTVs in the state of Nebraska. If you’re an ATV or UTV enthusiast or considering owning one, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the laws governing their operation on public roads. While Nebraska does not allow for the street-legal registration of ATVs and UTVs, there are exceptions at the county or city level. Keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rules and exceptions, find out where you can legally ride your off-road vehicle, and discover important information about registration reciprocity.
1. Can I register my ATV or UTV as street-legal in Nebraska?
No, you cannot register your ATV or UTV as street-legal in Nebraska. In fact, ATVs and UTVs are exempted from registration in Nebraska. This means they cannot be legally operated on public roads and highways.
ATVs and UTVs are permitted for use as offroad vehicles in Nebraska, and there are some exceptions to the street legal policy at the county or city level, or under special circumstances outlined below.
2. Why does Nebraska not allow ATVs or UTVs to register as street-legal?
ATVs and UTVs cannot be registered as street-legal in Nebraska because Nebraska law considers them as off-road vehicles only. The Nebraska Revised Statute explicitly stated that any modifications or retrofitting with after-market parts on ATVs and UTVs will not make them eligible for registration in any other category of vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Registration Act.
3. Where can I legally ride my ATV or UTV in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, you may legally ride your ATV or UTV off-road but can be operated on-road in limited capacity. An ATV or UTV may be operated in Nebraska between the hours of sunrise and sunset in these roads:
(a) Outside the corporate limits of a city, village, or unincorporated village if incidental to the vehicle’s use for agricultural purposes, or by electric utility personnel on-duty.
(b) Within the corporate limits of a city or village if authorized by the city or village by ordinance; or
(c) Within an unincorporated village if authorized by the county board of the county in which the unincorporated village is located.
It is important to note that cities, villages, or counties may adopt ordinances to allow the operation of ATVs and UTVs within their corporate limits, and as such, on-road use of ATVs and UTVs in Nebraska varies per jurisdiction (by county or city for example). Thus, it is advised that you contact the local motor vehicle licensing agency in the cities/counties you plan on taking your ATV or UTV to.
4. If I register my ATV or UTV in another state, can I drive it on Nebraska roads? (Registration Reciprocity)
It depends on which state your ATV or UTV is registered in. According to the Nebraska DMV, the state of Nebraska honors Registration Reciprocity with the states of North Carolina and Wyoming. So, if your ATV and UTV were properly registered for street-legal use in North Carolina and Wyoming, then you may drive it on Nebraska roads.
Each state has its own specific laws and regulations regarding the registration and operation of ATVs and UTVs. Therefore, even if your vehicle is registered as street-legal in another state, it does not exempt you from Nebraska’s laws and restrictions. Always check with your local motor vehicle licensing office for accurate information on the regulations relating to the use of ATVs and UTVS in public roads under their jurisdiction. Click here to view ATV & UTV laws in other states.
5. How can I make my ATV (or UTV) street legal in Nebraska?
Generally speaking, you cannot make your ATV or UTV street legal in Nebraska as the state’s legal code does not allow for this, but if you are a resident of North Carolina or Wyoming and if you are able to register your ATV or UTV for street-legal use in these states, you can drive your ATV or UTV on Nebraska roads as the state of Nebraska shares Registration Reciprocity with North Carolina and Wyoming.
However, if you would like the opportunity to be able to register your ATV or UTV as street-legal and ride it on public roads and highways in states that will allow it, we have partnered with Dirtlegal.com. These guys can help get your ATV or UTV to register as street-legal in most states by registering it in another state that does allow street legal UTVs and ATVs, via “registration reciprocity” between the states.
Get STREET LEGAL with DirtLegal.com
Conclusion:
In Nebraska, ATVs and UTVs are not eligible for street-legal registration and, generally, operating them on public roads is unlawful. This regulation, however, varies per city or county as these local political subdivisions are allowed to establish their own rules and regulations regarding the operation of ATVs and UTVs in public roads.
While this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the street-legal laws on ATVs and UTVs in this state, it is important that you consult your local city Police Department or County Sheriff’s Office for more specific and accurate information regarding ATV and UTV regulations. Because state laws can change over time and regulations differ between jurisdictions, the information presented here may not provide the most up-to-date or region-specific details.
Remember that street legality is determined by state and local laws, and it is your responsibility as an ATV or UTV owner to ensure that you are operating your vehicle within the legal boundaries while also getting the most fun out of it.
Helpful Resources:
