Safety

family on dirt bikes

 

Personal Safety Equipment

At minimum, a DOT approved helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves & pants, and over the ankle riding boots.

 

Know Your Limits

Only operate at speeds in which you can maintain control at all times. Don't ride faster than your capabiltity.

 

Never Go Alone

Always ride with at least one other person, but preferable in groups of three. If one rider is hurt, someone can stay with the rider while the other one gets help. Never move an injured rider.

 

Reach & Operate

Remember that every operator is required to be able to reach and operate all controls necessary to safely operate the vehicle. Placing children on ATV's or other OHV's that are too large for them, may not only be unsafe but may also be against the law and parents may be held responsible.

 

Tread Lightly

Protect your right to play, www.treadlightly.org

 

 

Are you ready to ride?

  • Is your registration for your motorcycle/ATV current and the sticker mounted properly? As of January 1, 2025, all off-highway vehicles that have current registration are allowed to operate year-round. The previous guidance from CARB and DMV, excluding competition vehicles 2022 and newer from OHV registration is no longer in effect. To learn more, please read the December 2024 OHV Information Bullletin at this link.
  • Do you have a United States Forest Service approved SPARK ARRESTER?
  • Is your SOUND EMISSIONS less than 96 decibels? Noise Limit Law – AB 2274
  • Do you have the minimum appropriate SAFETY GEAR? (Department of Transportation approved helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves/pants, and over the ankle riding boots.) Click for more Frequently Asked Questions
  • Don’t know where to start? Try one of our ATV or Motorcycle safety courses. Contact Cheryl.Ashton@parks.ca.gov or (831) 638-3386 

ATV Specific Laws

In California, there are laws specific to operating an ATV on public lands.
  • Double riding (or 2 people on an ATV) that is not designed for it is against the law, and unsafe.
  • Operators are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding an ATV on public lands.
Riders Ages 14-17
  • Must possess an ATV Safety Certificate OR
  • Be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian who has completed an ATV safety course and has an ATV Safety Certificate in their possession.

Riders Age 13 and Younger

  • Riders 13 years of age and younger must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

ROV Specific Laws

In California, there are laws specific to operating an ROV on public lands.

  • An operator must be 16 years of age or older, OR be under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult.
  • A DOT approved helmet is required for operator and passenger(s).
  • Seatbelts or safety harness is required for all occupants.
  • Passengers must occupy a separate seat location designed and provided by the manufacturer and must be seated upright, with back against the seatback and able to grasp the occupant handhold when seatbelt/safety harness is properly fastened.

Hollister Hills specific...

  • Trails are TWO-WAY. Slow around blind corners.
  • ROV's are only allowed to operate in the 4x4 areas of the park (Upper Ranch and Hudner Ranch) and the main road of the Lower Ranch. There are NO trails at Hollister Hills where ATV's, ROV's, and motorcycles can recreate together.