California State Parks officials remind off-road enthusiasts
that effective July 15, Red Sticker registration and new noise
regulations will be strictly enforced for all off-highway
motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles that are operated at all state
Vehicular Recreation Areas
California State Parks officials remind off-road enthusiasts that effective July 15, Red Sticker registration and new noise regulations will be strictly enforced for all off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles that are operated at all state Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs), including Hollister Hills in San Benito County.
The new noise regulations brings California’s off-road noise emissions levels down from one of the worst in the nation to one of the best, reducing the maximum decibel level standard from 101 decibels to 96 decibels.
“The Division intends to be very aggressive in dealing with this issue,” said Tony Perez, chief of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of California State Parks. “Noise is the most threatening aspect to California’s Off-Highway Vehicle program.”
The following noise requirements will be strictly enforced:
• If your OHV was manufactured before January 1, 1986, the noise limit is 101 decibels.
• If your OHV was manufactured after January 1, 1986, the noise limit is 96 decibels.
• If your “competition” OHV was manufactured before Jan. 1, 1998, the noise limit is 101 decibels.
• If your “competition” OHV was manufactured after Jan. 1, 1998, the noise limit is 96 decibels. According to the standards, “competition” off-highway vehicles are those that are not manufactured to comply with EPA noise or California emission standards. For information on the designation of your OHV, refer to your owner’s manual or contact your local dealership.
The new noise law is a key element of AB 2274, signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis in September 2002 and which went into effect Jan. 1, 2003. AB 2274 represents the most sweeping reform of California’s off-highway vehicle program in its 30-year history. It drew bipartisan support in the Legislature, and won the support of both environmental organizations and off-road recreation groups.
Also now in effect, Red Sticker registration requirements will be strictly enforced.
At issue are the two different types of identification decals that are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles to most off-highway vehicles – either a Green Sticker or a Red Sticker – depending on the manufacturer’s certification to California Air Resources Board emission standards.
Because of the confusion as to which vehicles required which stickers, many vehicles were issued the wrong one. That often resulted in different owners of the same identical OHV receiving different stickers, and made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to enforce registration laws.
To rectify the problem, and to start with a clean slate, the DMV will provide Green Stickers to all 2002 model year and older OHVs, regardless of emission standards. Thus, the DMV is notifying all owners that the type of registration sticker to be issued this year may be different than the one previously issued.
The OHV registration requirements are:
• All 2002 model year and older OHVs, regardless of emission standards, will be issued a Green Sticker, including those OHVs previously issued a Red Sticker.
• Those 2002 model year and older OHVs with a 2004 expiration on their Red Sticker will automatically be issued a replacement 2004 Green Sticker through the mail, while OHVs with a Red Sticker expiring in 2003 will be issued a Green Sticker only after paying registration renewal fees to the DMV.
• Green Stickers will be issued to all 2003 model year and newer OHVs that are certified by their manufacturer to meet California’s OHV emission standards. These OHVs may be operated year-round at all California OHV riding areas.
• Red Stickers will be issued to all 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, and there is a “C” or “3” in the eighth digit of the vehicle’s VIN.
Riding OHVs with a Red Sticker may be seasonal, depending on the area to be visited. A list of seasonal riding periods is available from the Air Resources Board at (800) 242-4450, or on the web at http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov
