Michigan Kei Car and Mini-Truck Update

Michigan Kei Car and Mini-Truck Update

Michigan has taken a significant step forward in recognizing the practicality of Japanese mini-trucks, micro vans, and Kei cars for on-road use. The Michigan Department of State (MDoS) has updated its policy, reclassifying these vehicles from off-road to on-road use, and is issuing new titles and registrations to affected owners. This decision marks a major win for mini-truck enthusiasts and paves the way for greater acceptance of these versatile vehicles.

The 2025 Dirt Bike Landscape: Tech, Trails, and Legislation

The 2025 Dirt Bike Landscape: Tech, Trails, and Legislation

Dirt biking remains a vibrant and evolving culture as we head into 2025. Gas-powered bikes continue to see steady, incremental improvements, while electric dirt bikes are rapidly advancing with lighter components, longer battery life, and impressive torque. Legislative efforts like House Resolution 906 aim to empower riders with the right to repair their own vehicles, fostering independence within the community. Despite restrictive state regulations, dirt biking culture thrives, with growing sales and creative solutions like Montana LLC registration ensuring riders can hit the trails legally. The future of dirt biking is a blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience.

Will Electric Vehicles Keep the Thrill Alive for Driving Purists?

Will Electric Vehicles Keep the Thrill Alive for Driving Purists?

Electric vehicles are here to stay, but can they capture the passion and thrill cherished by driving purists? From the roar of a V-8 engine to the raw engagement of a manual transmission, traditional muscle cars offer an experience that EVs can’t easily replicate. Yet, EVs boast unmatched performance, instant torque, and advanced handling features. Is this enough to sway the hardcore muscle car crowd, or will purists cling to the visceral charm of internal combustion engines?

Does a Salvage Title for an RV Trailer or Motorhome Mean It’s Totaled?

Does a Salvage Title for an RV Trailer or Motorhome Mean It’s Totaled?

Owning an RV trailer with a salvage title can be a great deal for savvy buyers, but it comes with unique challenges. A salvage title indeed signifies a total loss, but it doesn’t mean the RV is beyond repair or unusable. Learn what a salvage title truly entails, options for restoring your RV to street-legal status, and how insurance and state regulations might impact your next steps.

Restoring and Registering Surplus Military Vehicles: The Miami Military Trucks and Dirt Legal Connection

Restoring and Registering Surplus Military Vehicles: The Miami Military Trucks and Dirt Legal Connection

Miami Military Trucks is one of South Florida’s gems, a group of activists who love surplus Army trucks and are giving them new life in their community. These guys aren’t just enthusiasts, either; they are straight-up gearheads with an eye for perfection and a serious creative streak.

We talked to them recently about their program, and how we have helped them get their trucks on the road.

Snowbirds Save Big: Why Montana RV Registration Is the Key to Lower Taxes

Snowbirds Save Big: Why Montana RV Registration Is the Key to Lower Taxes

Snowbirds can dodge high registration taxes on RVs by using a Montana LLC. Since Montana has zero sales tax, registering an RV there can save thousands, especially on high-value motorhomes. Dirt Legal’s service makes the process easy, even handling LLC setup and vehicle registration remotely. Avoid the hassles of in-person DMV visits and get your registration wherever you are. For snowbirds chasing the sun, Dirt Legal offers an affordable, flexible solution for RV registration.

Why Are JDM Classics Like the GT-R Gaining Popularity?

Why Are JDM Classics Like the GT-R Gaining Popularity?

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) classics like the Nissan GT-R are soaring in popularity in the U.S., celebrated for their unique designs, performance, and cultural appeal. Iconic models like the GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Subaru Impreza attract enthusiasts due to their rarity and status as “collector” cars here, despite being standard in Japan. With a rising interest fueled by media and nostalgia, more fans are importing these cars and using services like Dirt Legal to make them street legal.

Montana Registration Made Easy: A Tax-Saving Solution for Traveling Nurses and Mobile Professionals

Montana Registration Made Easy: A Tax-Saving Solution for Traveling Nurses and Mobile Professionals

Traveling nurses and frequent travelers can save big on vehicle registration with a Montana LLC, thanks to zero sales tax and fewer hassles. Instead of navigating state-specific requirements and inspections, Montana’s flexible LLC registration allows you to register vehicles fully online, skipping the DMV lines and high fees. From cost savings to avoiding smog checks and state inspections, this option makes managing vehicle registration easy—no matter where your work takes you.

If Your Car Is Financed, Can You Even Register it Out-of-State?

If Your Car Is Financed, Can You Even Register it Out-of-State?

If you have a financed vehicle and want to register it out of state, you have two main options: South Dakota or a Montana LLC (with your bank's permission). South Dakota offers a straightforward registration with no residency requirement and a low sales tax, making it accessible for financed vehicles. Alternatively, a Montana LLC can save you on sales tax entirely, but typically requires you to own the vehicle outright, or get explicit permission from your lender.

Dirt Legal's Guide to EPA Diesel Emissions Requirements

Dirt Legal's Guide to EPA Diesel Emissions Requirements

For decades, the EPA has shaped emissions standards to tackle the pollution created by diesel engines, which power everything from trucks to construction equipment. This article delves into the evolution of Tier 1 through Tier 4 standards, the Energy Policy Act's initiatives, and state-specific regulations like California’s CARB standards. Discover how to meet compliance, whether through retrofitting, cleaner technology, or alternative registration options like Montana LLCs, to help diesel vehicle owners work within these regulations while considering their impact on air quality and public health.

What Is the California Noncommercial Class A License?

What Is the California Noncommercial Class A License?

In California, towing large trailers or driving substantial RVs might require more than just a standard Class C driver’s license. A California Noncommercial Class A license is essential if you're operating a trailer over 10,000 lbs. or a fifth wheel over 15,000 lbs. for non-commercial use. This guide explains who needs this license, how to obtain it, and offers tips on preparing for the tests. If you want to save on registration, Dirt Legal can help with out-of-state registration through a Montana LLC, making compliance easy and affordable.

What's the difference between UVW, GVWR, and Dry Weight?

What's the difference between UVW, GVWR, and Dry Weight?

Understanding RV and trailer weights is crucial for safety and performance when towing. The Dirt Legal guide dives into essential weight categories like Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). From ensuring your tow vehicle is adequately sized to managing tongue weight and using the right tires, this article offers practical insights for avoiding common towing mistakes. Stay within weight limits, avoid liability, and make sure your RV or trailer is legally registered with Dirt Legal to streamline your next adventure.

How To Sell A Vehicle With A Montana LLC

How To Sell A Vehicle With A Montana LLC

Selling a vehicle that's registered in a Montana LLC may seem complex, but it's actually a straightforward process. Whether you plan to sell the vehicle on its own or include the LLC in the transaction, there are several advantages to consider. From avoiding sales tax to making the transition easier for the buyer, a Montana LLC can streamline the sale. This article walks you through the steps, legal considerations, and best practices for successfully selling your vehicle, while also helping you decide whether to keep or transfer your LLC.

6 Reasons to Get Street Legal Before the Holiday Rush

6 Reasons to Get Street Legal Before the Holiday Rush

The holiday season is fast approaching, and DMV delays are right around the corner. If you need to get your vehicle street legal, now’s the time to act. With Dirt Legal’s easy Montana LLC registration process, you can skip the lines, avoid holiday delays, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your paperwork is handled before the holiday chaos hits.

Where Can I Register My Car Out Of State If I Own It Outright?

Where Can I Register My Car Out Of State If I Own It Outright?

At Dirt Legal, we understand that the process of registering your vehicle out of state can feel confusing. Whether you’re looking to avoid high taxes or bypass emission restrictions, the way you own your car—outright or with a lien—determines your options. For those buying a vehicle with cash or already holding the title, a Montana LLC offers a hassle-free way to get your vehicle registered without breaking the bank.

Out-of-state registration isn’t just about convenience. It’s a smart strategy to save on hefty sales taxes—especially with vehicles like trucks or motorhomes, which can come with tax bills in the thousands. Montana’s 0% sales tax makes it a clear winner over other states like South Dakota, especially since it doesn’t require permanent residency.

Do I Need a CDL To Drive a Skoolie?

Do I Need a CDL To Drive a Skoolie?

Converting a surplus school bus into a traveling home is nothing new; these were some of the first ‘motorhomes’ as we know them today, and people have been doing these to varying degrees of complexity for decades now. The concept of a skoolie is anything but new. Look, cities retire buses every single year, as do school districts and private school bus agencies. A lot of these hit the auction lots with well under 100k miles on them, and since they are fleet maintained, you usually have some assurance that they were moderately well cared for.

But some states require a special license like California's non-commercial Class A to drive them. Is this something you need to worry about? Let's find out.

How to Title a Motorcycle With A Missing Title: Should You Even Try?

How to Title a Motorcycle With A Missing Title: Should You Even Try?

Titling a motorcycle without a title can be a nightmare, but it’s not impossible. With Vermont's out-of-state vehicle registration loophole closed, a lot of riders think their options are limited. Not so. With Dirt Legal's bonded title service in Montana, you can still recover your motorcycle's title and get it street legal. From obtaining a notarized bill of sale to securing a surety bond and VIN inspection, there are steps you can take to ensure you're the rightful owner of your bike. While buying a bike without a title requires caution, Dirt Legal is here to guide you through the process and help you avoid common pitfalls.

The Dirt Legal Guide to Off-Roading in Montana: Best Spots and Tips

The Dirt Legal Guide to Off-Roading in Montana: Best Spots and Tips

Montana is an off-roader’s paradise, offering vast wilderness and a diverse range of terrains that cater to all types of off-roading enthusiasts. With wide open prairies and rugged Rockies, the state provides a perfect playground for mudding, trail running, and general off-roading. Montana's sparse population means plenty of space to explore, and the combination of challenging landscapes—from sticky mud in the plains to rocky trails in the mountains—creates unique off-roading experiences.

For mudding enthusiasts, the prairies offer some of the best mud after snow melts, while regions like Yellowstone’s surroundings and the Flathead National Forest provide thrilling off-road trails. Whether you’re cruising in a street-legal UTV or tackling the wilderness in a surplus military vehicle, Montana offers endless opportunities for off-road adventures. Just remember to outfit your vehicle properly and adhere to the state's legal requirements for street-legal and OHV vehicles, making sure you're prepared for anything Montana's wild terrain might throw at you.

Registering A Boat Trailer: The How's and Whys of A Montana Boat Trailer Registration

Registering A Boat Trailer: The How's and Whys of A Montana Boat Trailer Registration

Boat trailers often go unnoticed in the registration process, but they play a crucial role in getting your boat to the water. Registering a boat trailer in most states can be expensive and inconvenient, mainly due to sales tax and outdated registration systems. However, with a Montana LLC, owners can avoid sales tax and enjoy a hassle-free registration process entirely online.

Montana’s LLC registration offers a simple and cost-effective solution. It allows you to register both your boat and trailer under the same LLC, saving time and money. Once the LLC is formed, you can add any additional vehicles to it, making future registrations even easier. Dirt Legal handles the entire process, from paperwork to DMV submissions, ensuring you receive your title and permanent registration without the stress of traditional methods.