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HB 847

Off-Road Motorcycle Registration Eligibility.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Paul Scott

NC HB 847 clarifies which off-road motorcycles and modified utility vehicles can register and title for highway use, and sets equipment, licensing, and insurance rules.

Regular Message Sent To Senate
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Bill Summary · HB 847

Summary — HB 847: Off‑Road Motorcycle / Modified Utility Vehicle Registration Eligibility (NC, 2025)

Status: Passed House (as of 2nd/3rd readings); effective date — October 1, 2025.

Purpose
- To clarify which off‑road motorcycles and modified utility vehicles qualify for highway registration and titling, and to set equipment, licensing, and operation rules for those vehicles when used on public roads.

Key provisions
- Definitions (amends G.S. 20‑4.01)
- Adds/clarifies a two‑tier definition of “modified utility vehicle”:
- Type 1 (four‑wheel modified utility vehicle): manufactured/upfitted for off‑road use with certain equipment, and meeting minimum dimensions — overall length ≥ 110 inches, width ≥ 58 inches, height ≥ 60 inches — maximum speed capability ≥ 40 mph, and does not require the operator/passenger to straddle a seat.
- Type 2 (two‑wheel upfitted vehicle): manufactured/upfitted for off‑road and highway use, engine displacement ≥ 124 cc, maximum speed ≥ 40 mph, has a saddle for rider/passenger, and is designed to travel on two wheels.
- Clarifies “motorcycle” to include vehicles upfitted for both off‑road and highway use that meet the motorcycle equipment/operation requirements and the 124 cc / ≥40 mph thresholds; excludes certain utility/tractor/electric‑assist/moped exceptions.

  • Operation & equipment requirements (amends G.S. 20‑121.1)

    • Road use limits: mini‑trucks/modified utility vehicles may be operated only on streets/highways with posted speed limits ≤ 55 mph (low‑speed vehicles remain ≤ 35 mph).
    • Equipment:
    • Four‑wheel modified utility vehicles (Type 1 per G.S. 20‑4.01(27)g2.1) must have headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, speedometer, seat belts, and a VIN. If no VIN exists, DMV will assign one on application. If no windshield/wipers, operator and passengers must wear FMVSS 218‑compliant helmets with retention straps.
    • Two‑wheel upfitted vehicles (Type 2 per G.S. 20‑4.01(27)g2.2) must meet motorcycle highway equipment requirements and have a VIN; operators must hold a motorcycle license and motorcycle laws (e.g., G.S. 20‑140.4) apply to riders/passengers.
    • Registration & insurance: such vehicles must be registered and insured per G.S. 20‑50 and 20‑309.
    • DOT retained authority to prohibit operation of these vehicles on specific roads for safety reasons.
    • Low‑speed vehicle safety standard reference retained (49 C.F.R. § 571.500).

  • Title/registration refusal (amends G.S. 20‑54)

    • Clarifies that the term “utility vehicle” for refusal purposes does not include a motorcycle designed for both off‑road and highway use if it meets highway requirements in the Chapter (i.e., such motorcycles are eligible for registration).

Who is affected
- Owners/operators of off‑road motorcycles and modified utility vehicles (especially those seeking highway registration).
- Vehicle upfitters, manufacturers and dealers that produce or modify off‑road vehicles for highway use.
- Division of Motor Vehicles / DMV functions (VIN assignment, registration, titling).
- Law enforcement (enforcement of equipment, licensing, helmet/seat belt rules).
- Insurers (newly insurable vehicle classes on highways).
- Roadway authorities (DOT) for safety determinations.

Potential impacts
- Clarifies and likely increases eligibility for registration/titling of certain upfitted off‑road motorcycles and modified utility vehicles, enabling lawful highway operation where standards are met.
- Imposes defined equipment and licensing obligations (e.g., motorcycle license for certain two‑wheel vehicles; seat belts/helmet requirements).
- May increase DMV workload for VIN assignment and registration processing; may affect insurers and manufacturers who must meet equipment/labeling standards.
- Retains DOT discretion to limit operation on safety grounds.

Effective date
- October 1, 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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