California's OHV Registration Guidelines Changed
The California Air Resources Board has Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) exhaust emission standards in place that include the way that off-highway vehicles are built for use in the state, how they are registered by the DMV and when they are ridden on public lands. Two different types of identification decals are issued by the DMV to most OHVs - a Green Sticker or a Red Sticker - depending on the manufacturer's California OHV emission standards certification.
To facilitate enforcement in the field, all 2002 model year and older OHVs, regardless of emission standards, will be "Grand Fathered" into the Green Sticker category. Those 2002 model year and older with a 2004 expiration on their Red Sticker will be issued a new replacement 2004 Green Sticker by the DMV through the mail. Folks having a Red Sticker expiring in 2003 will be issued a Green Sticker after paying registration renewal fees to the DMV. Additionally, Green Stickers will be issued to all 2003 and newer OHVs that are certified by their manufacturer to meet California's OHV emission standards for year-round use at all California OHV riding areas.
Red Stickers are issued to 2003 model year and newer OHVs that are not certified to California OHV emission standards. Owners will be issued a Red Sticker if the vehicle is a 2003 model year or newer vehicle with a C or 3 in the eighth digit of the VIN.
Riding OHV vehicles with a Red Sticker may be seasonal only depending on the area you ride. A list of seasonal riding periods is available by telephoning the Air Resources Board at 800/242-4450, or click the link: Red Sticker Open Riding Schedule for the list on the web.
The California Air Resources Board adopted OHV emission standards in 1994 to reduce the contribution from OHV emissions to California's air pollution problem. In addition, a system of seasonal riding areas, based on local air quality patterns, was established to allow the use of new vehicles that do not meet the minimum standard. For more California OHV information, head to the California State OHV website.