California's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission was created by the Legislature in 1982.  In 2008, SB-742 revised the OHMVR Commission's duties and responsibilities to be more advisory in nature and in line with those of the California State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The OHMVR Commission has responsibility for the approval of general plans, receives public comments about the program, and reviews plans for new and expanded recreation areas applying for grant funds.

Nine Commissioners are appointed to staggered four-year terms. The Governor appoints five of the members (subject to Senate confirmation), and the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly each appoint two members.  The Commission membership is intended to represent a broad range of groups including OHV recreation enthusiasts, biological or soil scientists, rural landowners, law enforcement, environmental protection organizations, and non-motorized recreation interests.