Free Consultation
Call Us
(720) 379-6363
Text Us
(719) 534-3132
Recent Posts
Categories
Archive
Written by Remington Fang
Dirt biking offers more than just adrenaline; it’s a lifestyle for many riders across Colorado. But with that freedom comes legal complexity. One of the most common questions we hear is, “Where can I ride my dirt bike legally in Colorado?” With state laws and local rules often changing, it’s not always easy to know what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Understanding these limitations isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s also key to protecting yourself in case of an accident. At Fang Accident Lawyers, we’ve stood beside riders after serious crashes, off-road incidents, and legal disputes tied to dirt bike injuries and liability issues.
Where can I ride my dirt bike legally? You can legally ride a dirt bike on designated off-road trails, private property with permission, and specific public lands marked for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. These locations are regulated by local and state authorities to ensure safety and environmental protection.
In Colorado, your best tool for locating legal riding areas is the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX). Built from data by more than 230 trail managers, COTREX features information on nearly 45,000 miles of trails across the state. With it, riders can find up-to-date info on trail conditions, closures, access requirements, and permitted vehicle types.
When planning a ride, make sure to:
Remember, even trails that allow ATVs may not permit two-wheeled vehicles, and riding in unauthorized areas can result in serious penalties or legal issues.
Avoid riding dirt bikes on public streets, city sidewalks, or residential neighborhoods unless the vehicle is street-legal and registered. Colorado law prohibits off-highway vehicles from operating on:
This restriction includes both rural and city roads in Denver and the surrounding areas. Even crossing a public street to get to a trailhead can put you at risk of citation unless local ordinances specifically allow it.
Trespassing is another major issue. Riding on someone else’s private property without permission, even if the land appears unused, can lead to civil penalties or arrest. Additionally, unauthorized riding increases your exposure to injury risks that may not be covered by insurance.
In Colorado, dirt bikes fall under the broader classification of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), which includes motorcycles, ATVs, and other non-street-legal vehicles intended for off-road use. These vehicles are regulated by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV Program in conjunction with local laws and ordinances.
To legally ride a dirt bike on Colorado’s public lands or marked trails, you’ll need to register the vehicle as an off-highway vehicle (OHV). If you’re visiting from out of state, you must also purchase a valid Colorado OHV permit before you can hit the trails.
Riders are expected to follow all regulations tied to OHV access, which means sticking to approved areas and steering clear of any zones that are restricted or environmentally sensitive.
Additionally, street-legal dirt bikes (sometimes called dual-sport motorcycles) must comply with Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) § 42-4-1501, including requirements for lighting, mirrors, emissions, and more. Any violation of these statutes could not only lead to fines but may also limit your legal options in the event of an injury.
You do not need a traditional driver’s license to ride a dirt bike on private land or designated OHV trails, but certain public situations require specific credentials.
According to Colorado’s OHV Guidelines, dirt bike riders must adhere to several rules depending on where and how they ride, and out-of-state visitors must purchase a Colorado OHV use permit, valid from April 1 to March 31.
For OHVs used on public lands or in staging areas, the following may be required:
It’s essential to differentiate between legal riding zones. For example, a private motocross track has different access rules than a national forest trail, and city-run open spaces may have unique local requirements as well.
Failing to follow dirt bike laws in Colorado can lead to a range of consequences that affect both your finances and your legal standing, especially if you’re involved in an accident.
Riders may face fines for operating unregistered OHVs, receive tickets for trespassing or riding in restricted areas, or even have their dirt bikes impounded. In some cases, violations can result in points being added to your driver’s license, if applicable. More critically, non-compliance can make you ineligible for insurance coverage in the event of a crash, leaving you financially responsible for your own injuries and any damage caused to others. Civil liability may also apply if your actions result in harm to another person or their property.
Some counties actively enforce these laws through patrols and monitoring, particularly near residential neighborhoods and environmentally protected trails. To avoid these penalties, it’s essential to understand and follow all local and state regulations before riding.
Dirt bike crashes can cause more than minor injuries—they often lead to serious, life-changing consequences. As a firm handling motorcycle accident cases in Denver and Colorado, we know how fast a ride can become a legal crisis. Many riders overlook where can you ride your dirt bike legally until it’s too late. Whether you were hit, injured on unsafe terrain, or involved in a liability dispute, our team can help. With a strong record representing injured riders, Fang Accident Lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 720-379-6363 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.
A Colorado Springs native with a lifelong passion for standing up to bullies, Remington fights for the injured against corporations that put profit over people. Raised in a family devoted to service and healing, he brings compassion and grit to every case.
A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Remington has recovered millions for clients with Fang Accident Lawyers. He believes no injury should silence the human spirit — and he won’t stop fighting until justice is served. See Remington in AVVO.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by Remington W. Fang, our Founding Partner, who brings over 10 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
call us at (303) 710-8621