Can You Make A Can Am Maverick Street Legal In California

You’ve just finished an epic day carving up the dunes or crawling through a forest trail in your Can-Am Maverick. The adrenaline is still pumping, but now comes the part everyone dreads: loading that beast back onto the trailer. You look at the open road and think, “What if I could just drive this home? Or at least to grab a burger?” It’s a dream many of us off-roaders have shared.

We see videos of side-by-sides cruising down streets in other states and wonder if it’s possible here in the Golden State. You’re not just looking for an answer; you’re looking for a clear, no-nonsense path forward. You want to know if you can truly make a Can-Am Maverick street legal in California.

In this guide, we’re going to cut through the online rumors and forum debates. We’ll give you the straight scoop from an experienced perspective, covering the legal roadblocks, the required gear, the risky “workarounds” you’ve heard about, and what you can realistically expect. Let’s dive in and get you the answers you need.

The Hard Truth: Why California Says “No” (Mostly)

Let’s get the toughest part out of the way first. For a typical California resident, registering a Can-Am Maverick for general on-road use with California plates is next to impossible. This isn’t just red tape; it’s written into the state’s vehicle code.

The core issue is that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) classifies your Maverick as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV). These vehicles, by definition, are not designed or manufactured to meet the strict federal and state safety and emissions standards for “motor vehicles” intended for public roads.

Your Maverick’s Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)—the vehicle’s “birth certificate”—explicitly states it’s for off-road use only. This single line is a major roadblock at the DMV. Furthermore, it lacks the on-road emissions certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is a non-negotiable requirement for street-legal vehicles in the state.

The Essential “Street Legal” Equipment Checklist

Even though getting CA plates is a long shot, understanding the required equipment is crucial. This knowledge is valuable if you ever move to a UTV-friendly state or want to understand the common problems with can you make a can am maverick street legal in california attempts. This is the gear you’d need to even begin the conversation.

Lighting and Signals

Your stock lights won’t cut it. You need a full DOT-approved lighting system. This includes:

Turn Signals: Front and rear amber turn signals. Kits from brands like XTC Power Products or Ryco Moto are popular because they are often plug-and-play.
Brake Lights and Tail Lights: Your Maverick has these, but you must ensure they are bright and functional.
Headlights with High/Low Beams: Essential for night driving and required by law.
License Plate Light: A white light to illuminate your rear license plate.

Visibility and Safety

To be safe on the road, you need to see and be seen. This means adding gear that your Maverick didn’t come with from the factory.

Mirrors: You’ll need at least one rearview mirror (often a wide panoramic one) and a driver’s side-view mirror. We recommend having both a driver and passenger side-view mirror for maximum safety.
DOT-Approved Windshield: This is a big one. A standard polycarbonate windshield is not sufficient. You need laminated safety glass, just like a car, that is stamped with a DOT approval number.
Horn: A loud, audible horn is mandatory. The little beep-beep horns in some kits might not pass inspection; a proper automotive horn like a Wolo Bad Boy is a better bet.

Tires and Wheels

Those awesome knobby dirt tires are fantastic for the trail but are not legal or safe for pavement. You must install DOT-rated tires. These tires are designed for street use, providing the proper grip and wear characteristics for asphalt. Driving on pavement with off-road tires is dangerous and will wear them out incredibly fast.

How to Can You Make a Can-Am Maverick Street Legal in California: The Out-of-State Plate Strategy

This is the “solution” you’ve likely heard about online. Since registering in California is a dead end, some owners look to more UTV-friendly states. This is a complex and risky topic, and we believe in giving you the full picture so you can make an informed decision.

The South Dakota or Montana Method

The most common method involves creating an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in a state like South Dakota or Montana. You then “sell” your Maverick to your LLC. That company, now the legal owner, registers the vehicle in that state, which has very lenient laws for making UTVs street legal.

You are then mailed a license plate and registration for your out-of-state company. This is a popular approach and several services exist to facilitate this process for a fee. This is the primary how to can you make a can am maverick street legal in california workaround people attempt.

The Major Legal Gray Area and Risks

Here’s where it gets dicey. As a California resident, you are legally required to register your vehicles in California within a short period of establishing residency. Driving a vehicle you own (even through an LLC) on an out-of-state plate while you live and work in California can be viewed as registration evasion.

Law enforcement officers, especially in popular OHV areas, are increasingly aware of this tactic. Potential consequences include:

Expensive “Fix-It” Tickets: You could be cited for improper registration and required to register the vehicle in California (which you can’t do).
Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, your prized Maverick could be impounded, leading to hefty fees.
Insurance Nightmares: If you get in an accident, your insurance company could deny your claim, arguing that the vehicle was improperly registered and being used outside its intended purpose. This could leave you personally liable for damages.

This is one of the most significant common problems with can you make a can am maverick street legal in california, as the financial and legal risk is substantial.

Benefits of a (Hypothetically) Street Legal Maverick in California

While the path is fraught with challenges, it’s worth acknowledging the powerful “why” behind this quest. Understanding the benefits of can you make a can am maverick street legal in california helps explain why so many are willing to try.

The primary benefit is unmatched convenience. Imagine being able to drive from your campsite directly to the trailhead without the hassle of loading and unloading a trailer. In small, rural towns, it would mean the ability to make quick trips for supplies or food without firing up your big tow rig.

This freedom transforms your UTV from a dedicated trail machine into a more versatile vehicle, connecting your home base to your adventure seamlessly. It’s about spending more time riding and less time on logistics.

The California Registration Attempt: A Step-by-Step Guide to Failure

To provide a complete can you make a can am maverick street legal in california guide, let’s walk through what would happen if you equipped your Maverick with all the right gear and tried to register it at the California DMV. This illustrates exactly where the process breaks down.

Gather Your Paperwork: You’d start with your Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), bill of sale, and receipts for all the street-legal parts you installed.
VIN Verification: You must have the vehicle’s VIN verified by a DMV employee, a licensed verifier, or a CHP officer. The verifier will immediately note the MCO states “Off-Highway Vehicle” and that it lacks the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) sticker found on all on-road vehicles. This is your first major red flag.
The DMV Appointment: At the counter, you’ll present your paperwork. The DMV clerk will input the VIN, and their system will identify it as an OHV. They will see the MCO designation and will be unable to proceed with on-road registration. They will offer you a green or red sticker for OHV use instead.
The CARB Brick Wall: Even if a miracle occurred and you got past the DMV clerk, the vehicle would still need to be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Since your Maverick’s engine was never tested or certified for on-road emissions, this is a complete and final stop. There is no way around this for an individual.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Considerations

When discussing vehicle modifications, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. Pursuing a sustainable can you make a can am maverick street legal in california solution means looking at the bigger picture.

Frankly, using a high-performance UTV for on-road travel is not an eco-friendly choice. These engines are built for performance, not fuel efficiency, and they lack the advanced emissions controls of modern passenger cars. Increased road use means more fuel burned and more emissions produced.

One of the best practices for responsible ownership is to keep your Maverick impeccably maintained. A well-tuned engine with clean fluids runs more efficiently and produces fewer emissions. Following a strict can you make a can am maverick street legal in california care guide—checking for fluid leaks, maintaining proper tire pressure, and keeping your air filter clean—is the most eco-friendly approach, whether you’re on the trail or the pavement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Maverick Street Legal in CA

Is there any new law that will make it easier in California?

As of 2024, there is no significant pending legislation in California that would change the OHV classification or make it easier to register a UTV for street use. While advocacy groups are always working, the safety and emissions hurdles remain very high.

Can I just add the parts and drive it anyway? What’s the worst that can happen?

This is extremely risky. Driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads can lead to severe penalties, including large fines, having your Maverick impounded, and a citation on your driving record. In an accident, you would likely be found at fault and your insurance would not cover you.

What about online services that “guarantee” a street legal plate for California?

Be very wary. These services almost always use the out-of-state LLC method described above. They are not getting you a California plate; they are getting you a plate from another state. They cannot override California law for California residents, and the risks remain entirely on you.

Does my insurance cover me if I use an out-of-state plate in California?

This is a critical question for your insurance agent. Most standard OHV policies do not cover on-road use. Even if you get a policy for your out-of-state “company,” the insurer could deny a claim if they discover you are a full-time California resident using the vehicle primarily in California, as this can be considered misrepresentation.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Rubber on the Dirt

So, after all this, can you make a Can-Am Maverick street legal in California? The honest, expert answer is no, not in a way that is legitimate, risk-free, and uses California registration. The legal framework is designed to keep OHVs on the trails where they belong.

The out-of-state plate strategy, while popular, is a gamble that puts you in a precarious legal and financial position. For most of us at FatBoysOffroad, the risk just isn’t worth the reward. The hassle of trailering your Maverick is a small price to pay for legal, insured, and worry-free fun on the incredible network of trails California has to offer.

Embrace your Maverick for what it is: a master of the off-road world. Keep it maintained, ride responsibly, and enjoy the adventure. Keep the rubber on the dirt, stay safe, and have a blast out there!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.