Side-by-Sides (SxS) are built for off-road adventures, but what if you want to take yours on public roads? In most states, it is illegal to drive an SxS on streets and highways unless it meets specific safety and equipment requirements. However, Montana provides a legal pathway to make your SxS street legal, allowing you to drive it beyond trails and into cities, highways, and even across state lines.
By registering your SxS through a Montana LLC, you can legally operate it on public roads while avoiding sales tax and taking advantage of Montana’s vehicle-friendly laws. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your SxS street legal in Montana.
Why Register Your SxS in Montana?
Montana is one of the most off-road-friendly states in the country. Unlike many states that restrict or outright ban SxS vehicles from public roads, Montana allows them to be converted into street-legal vehicles with the proper modifications and paperwork.
Benefits of Registering Your SxS in Montana
No Sales Tax – Montana has no state sales tax, which can save you thousands of dollars when purchasing an SxS.
Street-Legal Status – With the correct modifications and registration, your SxS can be legally driven on public roads.
Out-of-State Recognition – Many states honor Montana street-legal registrations, allowing you to drive your SxS outside of Montana.
Avoid Restrictions in Your Home State – Some states make it nearly impossible to register an SxS for street use, but a Montana registration allows you to sidestep these local laws.
Simple Registration Process – With LLCTLC handling the paperwork, registering your SxS is fast and hassle-free.
Step 1: Form a Montana LLC for Your SxS Registration
If you are not a Montana resident, you will need to register your SxS under a Montana LLC. Montana allows businesses to own and register vehicles, even if the business owner does not live in the state.
Why Use an LLC?
Allows non-residents to legally register vehicles in Montana
Keeps your personal name off public records for privacy
Provides liability protection if your SxS is involved in an accident
Ensures compliance with Montana’s street-legal registration process
LLCTLC can set up your Montana LLC quickly, ensuring a smooth and efficient registration process.
Step 2: Install the Required Street-Legal Equipment
To be considered street legal in Montana, your SxS must be equipped with specific safety features.
Required Equipment for a Street-Legal SxS in Montana
Head LampsUse one or two headlamps on the front of the vehicle, positioned between 24 and 54 inches from the middle of the lamps to the ground. The high beam must be intense enough to project 350 feet, and the low beam must project at least 100 feet.
Tail LampsInstall one tail lamp on the rear of the cycle, visible from at least 500 feet and red in color, positioned between 15 and 72 inches from the ground. Install another tail lamp which must illuminate the rear license plate in white light visible from at least 50 feet, and it must light whenever the headlamps are lit.
ReflectorsMount at least one reflector (either separate or part of the tail lamp) between 15 and 60 inches from the ground to its center. It must be visible from 50 to 200 feet. The cycle must have one reflector: either a red or amber reflector to the rear, or a white reflector to the front.
Stop LampsIncorporate the stop lamp into the tail lamp, use a red color, and ensure visibility from 300 feet in normal sunlight.
BrakesEquip brakes on all wheels in good working condition and comply with federal standards as well as MCA Title 61, chapter 9.
HornUse a horn that is not unreasonably loud, harsh, or one that makes a whistling sound, that can be heard at least 200 feet away. The driver must be able to control it, and it should be electronic.
MufflersInstall a muffler system to prevent excessive noise and annoying smoke. Do not use fuller cut-outs, bypasses, or similar devices.
MirrorAttach at least one mirror to provide the driver with a view of the highway at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
TiresUse either solid rubber tires, one inch thick above the flange on the entire periphery, or low-pressure pneumatic tires.
Minimum SpeedAny vehicle that cannot travel more than 25 mph must display a slow-moving vehicle sign.
Many SxS models do not come with these features from the factory, so you may need to install parts to bring your SxS up to speed.
Some aftermarket kits provide all required modifications in one package. Ensure that your modifications meet Montana’s standards before submitting your registration.
Step 3: Get a Montana Title, License Plate, and Registration
Once your SxS has the necessary equipment, the next step is to register it as a street-legal vehicle in Montana.
What You Need to Register Your SxS in Montana
Montana LLC Details – Your SxS must be registered under your Montana LLC (LLCTLC assists with this).
Bill of Sale – Proof of purchase for your SxS.
Vehicle Title – If your SxS is financed, you may need a lienholder release or approval.
Montana Address – Your LLC must have a Montana business address (LLCTLC provides this).
Insurance – Your SxS must be insured before registration (We can recommend an insurance provider if yours will not provide coverage).
Once these documents are submitted, Montana will issue a street-legal title, license plate, and registration for your SxS. LLCTLC can complete this process on your behalf, ensuring quick and accurate registration.
Step 4: Drive Your Street-Legal SxS Outside of MT
Can You Drive a Montana-Registered SxS in Other States?
Yes. Because Montana issues full street-legal titles and license plates, your SxS is street-legal and most officers in most states recognize these registrations. However, some states have their own rules regarding SxSs on public roads, and it is possible to encounter an officer is less understanding.
What About Trail Use?
Registering your SxS as street legal does not affect its off-road capabilities. You can still use it on trails, dunes, and backcountry roads without restrictions.
Get Your Street-Legal SxS Registered Today with LLCTLC
Making your SxS street legal in Montana is a straightforward and simple process when you work with LLCTLC.
Why Choose LLCTLC?
We offer:
Full-service Montana LLC formation and vehicle registration
Fast processing times, with SxS registration completed in as little as 21 business days
Over 20 years of experience in Montana vehicle registrations
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Hassle-free paperwork handling, so you do not have to deal with the DMV
How to Get Started
Contact LLCTLC – Call, email, or fill out our form to begin the process.
Provide Basic Information – We will collect the details needed to form your Montana LLC and register your SxS.
Let LLCTLC Handle the Rest – We take care of LLC formation, vehicle registration, compliance, and annual filings.
Montana provides one of the best legal pathways to make an SxS street legal, and LLCTLC ensures the process is simple and efficient.
Contact LLCTLC today to get started driving your SxS legally on the road!