It is springtime at Hollister Hills. The wildflowers are out
showing a variety of colors. The grass is slowly turning to golden
brown from a lush green. This is my favorite time of the year. I
don
’t have to worry about getting my vehicle stuck in the many
muddy areas found here in the park during the winter. The days are
warm and relaxing while the evenings are cool and refreshing. It’s
the time of year perfect for afternoon naps, kite flying, and of
course off-road recreation. Soon to c
ome will be the depressingly hot one hundred degree afternoons,
dry dusty trails, and the red sticker season.
It is springtime at Hollister Hills. The wildflowers are out showing a variety of colors. The grass is slowly turning to golden brown from a lush green. This is my favorite time of the year. I don’t have to worry about getting my vehicle stuck in the many muddy areas found here in the park during the winter. The days are warm and relaxing while the evenings are cool and refreshing. It’s the time of year perfect for afternoon naps, kite flying, and of course off-road recreation. Soon to come will be the depressingly hot one hundred degree afternoons, dry dusty trails, and the red sticker season.
Red sticker season begins June 1 and will be in effect until September 30. Over the last few years, there has been a lot of confusion about what the red sticker season is about. I will attempt give a quick and simple explanation. A red sticker motorcycle or ATV does not meet the emission standards that were created by the California Air Resources Board. These vehicles are only allowed to operate during specific months of the year.
In our area, you can operate a red sticker vehicle from October to May. The summer is the worst time in our area for air quality and that is why the red sticker vehicles are not allowed to operate during those months.
So, why are they called red sticker vehicles? That is a good question that has a very simple answer. They are called red sticker vehicles due to the red registration sticker that DMV issues to these off highway machines. A non-red sticker vehicle would receive a green registration sticker. Red stickers are only issued to non-compliant red sticker vehicle models that are 2003 or newer. Anything older than 2003 should receive a green sticker.
Now, even though DMV issues these different color stickers they are not what you should look for if you are trying to determine if a motorcycle or ATV is a red or green sticker vehicle.
You should look at the vehicle identification number. All off-highway motorcycles and ATVs have a V.I.N. number stamped into their frame. This number should be 17 digits long. You can use this number to determine if a motorcycle or ATV is a red sticker vehicle. You count eight digits, starting from the left side of the number. If the eighth digit is a 3 or a C, and that vehicle is a 2003 model or newer, then that vehicle is a red sticker machine.
This is what the Ranger Staff at Hollister Hills looks for when motorcycles and ATVs are entering the park during red sticker season.
So if you have a red sticker motorcycle, come out and enjoy the spring riding. It is the best time of year for it. If you are looking to get a new or used motorcycle or ATV for the summer, make sure it is not a red sticker machine. No matter what you ride, whether it be green or red, always make sure to wear your helmet and proper safety equipment at all times.
