Legislation Updates
October 15, 2021
AB 232 Reciprocal recognition of OHV registration
Effective January 1, 2022 the State of California will no longer recognize another State’s OHV registration program unless that State also recognizes California’s program. Beginning next year out of state recreationists must purchase a California non-resident permit to ride on public lands if his/her home state requires residents of California to purchase a non-resident permit for his/her currently registered OHV. View the complete OHV Bulletin in this link.
October 5, 2021
The passage of Senate Bill 155 reiterates the importance of maintaining the Tesla-Expansion Area and will also compensate California State Parks for its investments in Off-Highway Vehicle projects within the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area. Please read more details about Senate Bill 155.
December 7, 2021
Model Year 2022 Competition (Red Sticker) Motorcles and ATVs
Beginning with Model Year 2022 Off-Highway Motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles, which would have received a Red Sticker registration in the past, will no longer be able to be registered for use on public lands. See the complete OHV Bulletin by click the bulletin link (Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Information Bulletin 21-2).
September 10, 2021
Senate Bill 227 (Jones) did not pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is no longer moving forward.
Summary
Senate Bill 227 would have created a vehicle registration program for competition type of off-highway vehicles (OHV) that do not meet California’s air quality emissions standards, beginning with model year 2022, and would have increased the biennial registration fee from $33 to $42.
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
As a result of CARB regulations, the “Red Sticker” Registration Program for OHVs that are not air emissions compliant has been eliminated. Without a replacement program, there is no mechanism to register these vehicles. These vehicles will be limited to operating only on closed courses when on public lands.
Absent Legislation
The current California Vehicle Code establishes the use requirements for these vehicles on public lands, including exemptions from spark arrestor and sound level standards. These requirements do not apply to vehicle operation on private lands.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division maintains its ongoing support for sanctioned competition events and will continue to accommodate these events moving forward. CARB’s efforts, through its regulatory process to influence or encourage OHV manufacturers to design emissions compliant vehicles, was not successful.
Current Red Sticker OHVs, model year 2021 and older will continue to operate under the Red Sticker Seasonal Riding Schedule provided by CARB, until January 1, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, these vehicles will then be allowed to operate year-round on public lands open to OHV recreation.
Questions related to this issue can be directed to Tom Bernardo at the OHMVR Division at tom.bernardo@parks.ca.gov.