Understanding Off-Highway Vehicles Sticker Designation (Green vs. Red)

[Dion Rides]

There's at least a thread every two weeks with question in regards to this issue. So I'm making a sticky FYI. See you on the trails! - Dion

Red and Green Stickers

California Air Resources Board (ARB) established regulations to limit the use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) that do not meet emission standards applicable for California OHV riding areas. After the regulations were established, ARB and DMV worked together to develop criteria for identifying non-complying OHVs. OHVs are registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A red or green sticker is issued depending upon certain criteria.

Green stickers are issued for all California OHVs year model 2002 and older, including those that were previously issued a red sticker, and to 2003 and newer complying vehicles. Green stickers are issued to OHVs for year round use at all California OHV riding areas.

Red stickers are issued to 2003 year model and newer OHVs that are not certified to California OHV emission standards. If your OHV has a "3" or "C" in the eighth position of the vehicle identification number (VIN) then your vehicle will be issued a red sticker. Red stickers are issued to OHVs that can use California OHV riding areas for seasonal use only.

Off Highway Vehicle License Plates

What Is Different About OHV Plates?

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) license plates are not a hard metal plate like those issued to automobiles, commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. Instead they are pliable, metalicized, and self-adhesive for secure application to the vehicle. They also have a unique numbering system.

The plate number is shown at the top of the plate and the vehicle’s registration expiration month and year are shown in the center stripe.

OHV Renewal

All OHVs have a fixed expiration date of June 30. OHV registration renewal occurs every two years after the original registration and a new plate with a new license number is issued upon payment of renewal fees.

NOTE: If your OHV is a motorcycle that you use solely in organized racing or competitive events on a closed course, you may obtain a permit that allows transportation of the vehicle to and from course events. The permit, for which there is a fee, is a reflectorized, red and white, numbered sticker that should be mounted on the vehicle in a clearly visible location. This permit remains valid until the vehicle is sold or dismantled.

License Plate Placement

It is important that you affix the plate in the proper location for the type of vehicle you own. Use the diagrams below to identify the required location for placement of the OHV plate on your vehicle. Before affixing the plate to your vehicle, be sure the placement area is clean and dry.

If you affix the plate incorrectly or keep it in the storage space beneath the vehicle seat, you may be cited by law enforcement.



Red Plate, Green Plate

Some OHVs do not meet emission standards applicable for California OHV riding areas as outlined in California Air Resources Board Regulations and therefore are restricted to use in limited areas and certain times of the year. These vehicles are issued a red OHV plate. The center stripe is white with the month and year in dark blue.



All other OHVs are issued a green plate which has a dark blue center stripe with a white month and year.



A complete explanation and links regarding OHV plates can be seen here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/ohvredgreen.htm

[Cafe Racer]

Thx!

[mweitz]

Here is a list of all of the riding areas in CA with their corresponding Red sticker riding dates.

Red Sticker Open Dates

[packnrat]

if it is a race bike for race track use only you still need to pay a rd tax for it?

[shouldnthave]

Originally Posted by packnrat

if it is a race bike for race track use only you still need to oay a rd tax for it?

No. If it's on private property (race track, your land, another persons land). However, you should "non-OP" the bike with the DMV as to not have huge penalties when you decide to register it, or sell the bike. It can equal thousands in just a few years.

[Butch]

It will all change in the next few years based on the study UCD did for CARB.

Interesting stuff here:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/fo...=grandfathered

[Butch]

There was a meeting on this yesterday.
Good discussuin on SBR here https://www.southbayriders.com/forum.../158792/page-6