Are ATVs, dirt bikes legal to drive on Denver streets?

DENVER (KDVR) – The Denver Police Department recently said it has received “numerous complaints” about people recklessly and illegally riding off-road vehicles like ATVs or dirt bikes downtown.

FOX31 has reported on this in the past, with one man living downtown capturing footage of ATVs and dirt bikes driving on the sidewalks and running a red light in September.

DPD also reported that a motorcyclist was arrested at the end of September for driving through a crowd during Denver Oktoberfest .

Are ATVs, dirt bikes illegal on Denver streets?

According to DPD, it uses the state’s definition of what a motor vehicle is when deciding what is and isn’t allowed on the road.

This is because Colorado specifically defines what qualifies as a vehicle and what does not .

A motor vehicle is, “any self-propelled vehicle that is designed primarily for travel on the public highways and that is generally and commonly used to transport persons and property over the public highways, a low-speed electric vehicle, or an autocycle.”

However, there are certain exceptions to this, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and off-highway vehicles.

In Colorado law, off-highway vehicles are vehicles designed “primarily for use off of the public highways,” generally for recreation purposes.

Ultimately, DPD said that the street use of all-terrain vehicles like four-wheelers, side-by-sides and dirt bikes is illegal in Denver .

DPD also said anyone caught doing so anyway may be cited and fined. The vehicle may also be impounded.

Police encouraged anyone who witnesses similar incidents to report it to the police non-emergency number at 720-913-2000 or call 911 if it is an emergency.

Denver police urged anyone who witnesses illegal vehicles driving in the city to report it to the police non-emergency number at 720-913-2000 or call 911 if it is an emergency.

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