Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | October 14, 2025 | Maryland Law
Many people enjoy taking off-road adventures on dirt bikes, and these off-road vehicles are typically not allowed on public roads or streets in Maryland. However, there are still plenty of laws and regulations that apply to dirt bikes.
Similarly, if you are hurt in a dirt bike accident, liability may be assigned similarly to any other vehicle accident. Keep reading below to learn all the details of the dirt bike laws in Maryland.
Do You Need a License To Operate a Dirt Bike in Maryland?
You do not need a license to drive a dirt bike in Maryland in most cases. Dirt bikes are considered off-road vehicles. Maryland law defines an off-road vehicle as “a motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross–country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.”
Dirt bikes are commonly used to travel on trails and other natural terrain, so they fit squarely within the definition of an off-road vehicle.
Street-Legal Dirt Bikes
Generally, dirt bikes are not street legal, so they cannot be legally operated on the road, even if you have a license. However, some people choose to modify their dirt bikes so that they are street legal.
This may include adding features such as:
- Mirrors
- Headlights
- Turn Signals
- Brake lights
In that case, you must have a license to operate the dirt bike on the roadway.
Can I Legally Ride My Dirt Bike on the Road in Maryland?
Generally, no, you may not legally ride your dirt bike on a public road or street. Dirt bikes are considered off-road vehicles, and they do not meet the legal requirements of a vehicle that may be operated on the road. However, if you modify your dirt bike to be street legal, it may be operated on the roadway.
In that situation, you must ensure that your dirt bike follows all the rules required of other vehicles. You must have a valid registration and license plate. Additionally, you must carry the minimum amounts of insurance required for vehicles in Maryland.
What Will Happen if the Police Catch Me Riding a Dirt Bike on the Road?
Generally, the police do not look favorably on dirt bikes being operated on the road. If the police see you riding a dirt bike on the road, you are likely to get pulled over. They may issue you a citation for operating an off-road vehicle on the road, and this citation can carry some heavy fines.
Even if your dirt bike is street legal, you might still receive a citation. You may need a lawyer to help you challenge the citation. Providing evidence of your registration, license plate, and insurance to show that your dirt bike may be legally operated on the road may help get the citation dismissed.
Determining Liability in Dirt Bike Accidents
In Maryland, determining liability in a dirt bike accident depends on where the crash occurred and who was involved. If the accident happened on a trail or private property, the landowner may be liable under premises liability laws—especially if unsafe conditions caused the crash.
If the accident occurred on a public road, liability is assessed much like a car accident. However, riding a dirt bike illegally on the road can lead to blame being placed on you.
Maryland’s pure contributory negligence rule means that if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and challenge any unfair claims of fault.
Contact a Lawyer for Help
After a dirt bike accident, your time to file a claim is limited. You should always consult with an experienced dirt bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you determine who has liability for your accident and pursue maximum compensation for all your damages.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7