In most states, lawn mower driving laws consider a vehicle street legal if having registration, license plates, proper lights, and turn signals. Lawn mowers often lack these requirements, making them not street legal.
Some states allow driving mowers on roads if following safety procedures, but passengers aren’t allowed. Mowers are intended for one person.
Installing lights and signals still won’t make a mower street legal without a license plate. States don’t grant plates to mowers since they aren’t considered vehicles. So you can’t register one.
Driving Mowers Under Specific Conditions
Driving mowers on roads is allowed in particular circumstances if certain conditions are met. For example, you may need to move a mower locally or lend it to friends/family. However, the definition of mowers as vehicles varies by state, so driving one on streets could be illegal even with a slow moving vehicle sign.
You could still be charged if driving a mower on roads without a license or even a DUI if you’ve been drinking, since mowers are treated as vehicles in some states. The laws are complex, so check your state’s regulations before attempting to drive a riding mower on public roads.
State Specific Laws
Is it illegal to drive a lawnmower on the road in Texas?
Can you drive a lawnmower on the road in Florida?
You might still get charged for driving on roads without a license or a DUI if you’ve had alcohol, since some states treat mowers as vehicles. Laws differ, so know your state’s rules.