License Plates for “Dirt Bikes” May be a Thing of the Past!

COHVCO has received information indicating that some, and maybe all Colorado counties will no longer issue license plates for ”non-street legal” motorcycles, even when they have been modified by the previously acceptable addition of mirrors, a horn, brake light, and DOT approved tires.


It seems that the county clerk and recorder’s offices, particularly along the Front Range, have discovered that by issuing license plates to these types of motorcycles, they have been violating a federal law enacted in 2006 that addresses emission standards. Understandably, the counties do not want to continue violating federal law. Briefly, under a 2006 federal law, if a motorcycle has not been certified to meet the emission standard set out in the law, then it is not “street legal” and cannot be made “street legal” by the addition of mirrors, horns, brake lights, etc.


COHVOC will be looking closely at the situation to identify any possible option or alternative that might be available for those of us that are inclined to buy a “dirt bike” and then attempt to get a license plate for it. The potential for being able to do this in the future does not look good. It appears that Colorado is going the way many other states have for years, and not issuing license plates for “dirt bikes”.