Utah is one of the best states in the country for ATV and side-by-side riding. With places like Little Sahara, Sand Hollow, and thousands of miles of public trails, off-road riding is a huge part of Utah’s outdoor culture.
Because of this, many riders ask the same question:
Do ATVs need license plates in Utah?
The short answer is yes — most ATVs in Utah are required to display an OHV license plate.
Utah OHV License Plate Requirement
In Utah, ATVs, and side-by-sides must be registered with the state as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs).
Once registered, the state issues an OHV license plate that must be displayed on the vehicle.
This plate shows that the machine is legally registered and allowed to operate on Utah's public OHV trails, riding areas, and other designated off-road locations.
The plate must be securely mounted on the rear of the vehicle and clearly visible.
Why Many ATVs Don’t Have a Plate Mount
One challenge many riders run into is that most ATV manufacturers do not include a place to mount a license plate.
Since ATVs were originally designed strictly for off-road use, the rear plastics usually do not have a built-in bracket or mounting location.
Because of this, riders often try to mount plates using things like:
• zip ties
• drilling directly into plastic fenders
• homemade brackets
Unfortunately, these solutions often fail because off-road riding creates a lot of vibration, impacts, and flex in the plastic body panels.
It’s very common for plates to bend, crack, or fall off during trail riding.
Where the OHV Plate Must Be Mounted
In Utah, the OHV plate must be mounted:
• on the rear of the ATV
• in a clearly visible location
• securely attached so it does not fall off
If the plate is not properly displayed, riders can receive a citation when riding on public trails or riding areas.
A Better Way to Mount an ATV License Plate
Because ATVs typically don’t come with a plate mount from the factory, many riders choose to install a dedicated ATV license plate bracket.
A proper bracket helps:
• keep the plate secure
• prevent bending or cracking
• create a clean and professional mounting solution
At Elite Engineering, we designed a direct-fit aluminum license plate bracket specifically for ATVs so riders can mount their Utah OHV plates securely without worrying about them getting damaged on the trail.
Yes, ATVs in Utah do require an OHV license plate when registered with the state.
Because most machines do not include a factory mounting location, riders often need to install a mounting bracket to properly display their plate.
Using a solid bracket helps ensure your plate stays secure and visible while riding Utah’s trails and riding areas.