Making Your Can-Am Maverick Street Legal: A Comprehensive Guide
Nothing is stopping any Can-Am side-by-side owner from driving down the street — at least, from a mechanical standpoint. The only hindrance, apart from some additional wear and noise from non-street off-road tires (if that’s what your side-by-side is equipped with), is the fear of getting in trouble with the law.
If you have close ties in a small town or are part of the local police force, you might be able to drive your Can-Am Maverick through town. However, even if you follow all of the rules of the road, without taking the necessary street legal precautions, you’ll be risking getting a ticket, or, in extreme cases, having your UTV confiscated.
To make your Can-Am Maverick street legal, you’ll generally need vehicle registration, insurance, and a valid license for your SXS vehicle. Obtaining the government license requires a few specific accessories, and once you have your license, you must display the issued license plate on a license plate bracket.
Even with an approved windshield, 4-point harnesses, turn signals, a full mirror kit, and other street-legal accessories, your local regulations may still not allow you to drive your UTV on public roads, so just keep that in mind. In this article, we’ll be going over how you can make your Can-Am Maverick street legal, so stick around!
Street Legal Kits For Can-Am UTVs
Choosing the right street legal kit for your UTV is going to depend on the laws in your state. In many states, like Arizona, there are specific requirements for making your side-by-side street legal.
These requirements include having an audible horn that can be heard up to a certain distance, a lit license plate indicating road registration, and a rearview mirror. You’ll also need both a regular tag and an off-highway vehicle tag displayed in a specified manner.
Certain communities also have noise restrictions specifically to make sure that vehicles with loud exhausts cannot be considered street-legal. Some states enforce emissions laws that dictate the use of particular mufflers and exhaust systems.
As you can see, there are a lot of hoops you’ll need to jump through depending on where you live! We’d highly recommend checking your state’s DMV regulations to understand what modifications will be necessary for your UTV to be compliant with street legal requirements.
Making Your Can-Am Maverick Street Legal in Texas
In Texas, making your Can-Am Maverick street legal involves meeting specific equipment requirements for ATVs and UTVs used on public roads set by the state. These requirements include having a functioning muffler, an operational brake system, and ensuring that your head and taillights are active during specific hours.
Additionally, you’ll need a USFS-qualified spark arrester and the off-highway vehicle decal issued by the State Parks and Wildlife Department. Anyone operating an ATV or UTV on public property in Texas must wear a safety helmet and goggles or other eye protection. Remember: safety first!
To operate your Can-Am Maverick on public roads in Texas, you’ll need to obtain a state-issued safety certificate (by Texas or elsewhere). Exceptions to this requirement are granted to those participating in a safety training course under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain the standard safety certificate.
There are a few other exceptions, too, when it comes to the many requirements that come with driving side-by-sides on public Texas roads. Farmers or ranchers traveling less than 25 miles, public utility workers, and law enforcement officers are permitted to do so. However, if UTVs are being used on public roads, they must have a triangular orange flag on an eight-foot pole attached to the back, as well as illuminated headlights and taillights.
Not only that, but the operator must hold a valid driver's license. That goes without saying. It's important to be aware of and adhere to these regulations. The last thing you want is to get in trouble while just trying to enjoy riding your Can-Am Maverick!
Essential Modifications for Making Your Can-Am Maverick Street Legal
As you’re going through the process of making your UTV street legal, there are some key modifications you’ll want to invest in. These modifications go beyond simply adding lights and reflectors to your side-by-side. As complicated as they may seem, they’re essential!
Lights and Electrical Components
The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure that the headlights and taillights on your UTV work properly. You’ll also need to install a horn if your UTV doesn’t already have one, as well as invest in brake lights. These things will help make you more visible on the road and keep everyone safe.
Upgraded Wheels/Tires
Another important modification you’ll likely need to make is upgrading your UTV’s tires and wheels. Thumper Fab offers plenty of options, so if you’re on the market for some street-approved tires that are appropriate for driving on public roads, you’ve come to the right place. Naturally, you’ll also want to make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Safety Equipment
Here at Thumper Fab, we’re all about prioritizing safety. Adding specific safety equipment to your UTV is necessary, not just for the sake of complying with the law but for your health and well-being. Rearview mirrors help to improve your visibility of surrounding traffic, and just like in a regular car, seat belts help keep you and your friends safe in case of an accident.
If your UTV doesn’t already have a windshield, you’ll want to invest in one, too. This will help keep debris that gets kicked up by your tires from hitting you in the face and also help to protect you and your passengers from the wind. Nobody will have to worry about accidentally swallowing any bugs, either!
The Process of Making Your Can-Am Maverick Street Legal
Making your Can-Am Maverick or any side-by-side street legal can open you up to a lot of new possibilities, whether it's exploring different trails or adding a little style to your daily commute. Yet, the process does require a lot of careful planning and attention to detail.
Pre-Modification Inspection
You’ll want to start by conducting a thorough pre-modification inspection. Examine your UTV for any signs of wear and tear (i.e., worn-out tires, damaged lights, or faulty brakes). Try to identify areas that need special attention or repairs. That way you’ll be able to ensure that your Can-Am Maverick has a strong foundation.
Understand the Requirements
During the inspection, pay close attention to the specific requirements that have been set by your local authorities for street legality. Different jurisdictions may have different regulations in place regarding safety equipment, lighting, and emissions.
Start Making the Necessary Changes
Once you have a clear understanding of the necessary modifications, it's time to start implementing them. Depending on the complexity of the needed changes, you can choose to do them yourself or hire a professional.
Don’t Compromise!
You should always prioritize safety throughout this process. Avoid compromising on material quality or taking shortcuts while installing new parts. Equip your side-by-side with reliable and durable parts. This applies not just when it comes to making your UTV street legal, but always! This will help to keep things legal, fun, and safe while you’re cruising down the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Modifications Are Necessary to Make a Can-Am Maverick Street Legal?
To make a Can-Am Maverick street legal, you’ll need to make several changes. The most important will include making sure lights and electrical parts work properly, getting better tires and wheels for road driving, and adding safety gear (e.g., rearview mirrors, approved seats, seat belts, and a windshield).
What Are the Legal Requirements for a UTV to be Street Legal?
The rules for making a UTV street legal can vary by state or the area you live in. In general, you'll need to make changes like getting the right lights, electrical parts, tires, and safety gear. Also, you have to follow specific state laws, like getting registration, insurance, and a license, to ensure compliance.
Is It Possible to Make All Models of Can-Am Maverick Street Legal?
Whether you can make all models of Can-Am Mavericks street legal depends on the rules in the area where you want to use the vehicle. While many changes can work everywhere, state laws and limits can vary. You should always check and follow local rules when it comes to driving your Can-Am Maverick on public roads, no matter where you are.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Making My Can-Am Maverick Street Legal?
Turning a Can-Am Maverick into a street-legal vehicle comes with advantages, but it also comes with disadvantages. The good news, of course, is that you’ll be able to use your Can-Am Maverick for road trips, driving on public roads, and making your commute to work easier.
However, the downsides might include the cost of the changes you’ll need to make, possible restrictions on road use in certain places, and adherence to numerous extra rules. You should consider this before making big changes to your side-by-side vehicle.
Thump Out Your Can-Am Maverick With Thumper Fab!
Thumper Fab offers plenty of options when it comes to UTV add-ons and accessories. From audio roofs to tires, you can’t go wrong with choosing Thumper Fab! Check out our website for more information about our comprehensive list of products today and “thump out” your ride!
