Statewide Off-Highway Vehicle Law Enforcement and Sound Training

Background:

California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Program was founded on the principal that "effectively managed areas and adequate facilities for the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and conservation and enforcement are essential for ecologically balanced recreation" (Public Resources Code Section 5050.02(b)). The OHMVR Division Public Safety Program provides statewide leadership in OHV related enforcement. Emphasis is placed on educating the public regarding OHV laws & regulations, encouraging voluntary compliance, apply consistent enforcement to curb illegal activities, protect cultural resources, and preserve natural resources.

The OHMVR Division provides direct assistance by conducting training for allied agencies across the state. The Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) recognized OHV Law Enforcement and Sound Testing Courses promote consistent implementation of OHV laws throughout the state by reaching officers in local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Course Description:

The OHMVR Division provides OHV law enforcement and sound testing training to local, county, state, and federal agencies that offer OHV recreation to comply with Public Resources Code 5090.32 and Division 16.5 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified courses apply toward continued professional training requirements for California law enforcement officers.

The OHV Law Enforcement course is intended for in-service law enforcement officers and other staff assigned to patrol, supervise, and/or manage OHV areas, public safety, and education programs. Through instructor presentation and hands-on activities students learn how to apply California's OHV laws.

The OHV Law Enforcement Course is a POST 6-hour classroom course which includes instruction on:

• FUNCTION OF OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLE RECREATION (OHMVR) DIVISION
• APPLICABILITY OF CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE DIVISION 16.5
• IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
• EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
• LICENSE, TRAINING, INSURANCE, AND ACCIDENT REQUIREMENTS
• VIOLATIONS (OFF-HIGHWAY, OVER SNOW, ON-HIGHWAY)

The 6-hour POST OHV Sound Test course consists of instructor presentation and practical exercises. Participants learn the basics of human hearing and the effect of sound on the environment. Participants also learn how to use a sound meter and tachometer to measure sound levels on a variety of OHVs. Graduates of this course are qualified to provide court testimony for sound violations.

The OHV Sound Test Course is a POST 6-hour classroom course which includes instruction on:

• BASIC ACOUSTICS & TERMS
• SOUND MEASURING EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION & USE
• VEHICLE SOUND MEASURING TEST METHODS & DATA COLLECTION
• FIELD SOUND TESTING (EVENTS / TECHNICAL INSPECTION)
• SAFETY
• MUFFLERS & SPARK ARRESTERS.
• BASIC PRINCIPALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND MONITORING

Pre-requisites:

To register for the course, it is recommended a person is employed as an in-service law enforcement officer and/or non-sworn staff member assigned to patrol, manage, or supervise OHV recreation areas and/or educational programs.

Registration:

To reserve a spot for course(s), students are required to submit an email with their name, agency information, position held, contact number, and POST ID (if applicable) to ohvle.signup@parks.ca.gov.

For more information, please call (916) 639-2520.

*Please specify preferred course(s), date, and location.

Fees & Costs:

There is NO REGISTRATION FEE to attend these courses. This course is funded through the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Travel reimbursement is not available for this course but may be available through OHV grant funding if your agency qualifies.

Hosting:

If your agency is interested in hosting this course at your training facility, please send an email to ohvle.signup@parks.ca.gov.

Please include agency information, number of staff attending, course location, and potential host dates.

Upcoming OHV Law Enforcement Courses

Upcoming OHV Sound Test Courses