As Hoosiers head outdoors this summer on golf carts, ATVs, dirt bikes and other special vehicles designed for sport and leisure activities, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is reminding buyers and sellers to check registration and titling requirements before hitting the road or trail.
Knowing which vehicles require registration or titles can help prevent fraudulent sales, ensure compliance with Indiana law and avoid unexpected issues when purchasing or operating a vehicle.
Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are increasingly gaining popularity in some communities and must be titled and registered. Unlike golf carts, LSVs are electrically powered vehicles that do not exceed 25 mph and are equipped with many of the same safety features required for passenger cars.
Off-road vehicles (ORVs) must be registered and, if purchased after Dec. 31, 2009, must also be titled. ORVs include:
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) which include three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers
Dirt bikes
Minibikes
Recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs)
Snowmobiles
Motor Driven Cycles (MDCs), commonly known as mopeds or scooters, must be registered, but they do not require a title. MDCs are defined in Indiana law by their cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters.
There are many commonly purchased vehicles for leisure activities that are exempt from being registered or titled in Indiana. These vehicles include:
Golf carts (Some municipalities require registration of these vehicles if they are operated on local roadways. Check with your county or municipality to see if such a registration is required. These registrations would not be completed with the BMV.)
Electric scooters and wheelchairs
Electric personal mobility or assistive mobility devices (like hoverboards or segways)
Go-karts
Motorized bicycles and tricycles (not to be confused with motor driven cycles)
Motorized coolers
Additionally, all watercraft operating on Indiana waterways must be titled and registered with the BMV and should display valid watercraft decals unless otherwise exempt. Find a list of exempt watercraft here. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources requires permits for watercraft for many properties. Watercraft operators can find more information on those requirements here.
For full details on how to register and title your vehicle, visit the BMV’s website which includes an interactive walk-through guide on required documents. Plus, a quick reference guide with some information on how to operate these vehicles safely from our partners at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is available here.