Regulations for Off-Highway Motorcycles

This page last reviewed August 10, 2010

Emission control regulations for off-highway recreational vehicles

In January 1994, the Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) adopted emission-control regulations for off-highway recreational vehicles. These off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). At its December 1998 Public Hearing, ARB revised the OHV regulations. Due to limited product availability, the revised regulations now allow dirt bikes and ATVs that do not meet the new emission standards to be ridden during certain periods of the year - mainly fall, winter and spring months - when ozone levels are low. Ozone is one of the most health-damaging components of smog.

Because of enforcement issues, further revisions took place at a Public Hearing on July 24, 2003. As a result of these revisions, the riding season restrictions now apply to the 2003 and newer model year OHVs. For more details, go to our Off-road Recreational Vehicles website.

Sales and seasonal use of non-complying OHVs

The current regulations still allow the sale of non-complying OHVs. Two-stroke engines are found on most non-compliant OHVs, but there are non-complying four-strokes too. Consumers purchasing 2003 and newer model non-complying OHVs will now receive red sticker registration from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which must be affixed to the OHV. The red sticker identifies an OHV as "non-complying" and limits its recreational use to those months of the year when ARB has determined that ozone levels are low. But because ozone levels vary throughout California, the months for recreational use at OHV riding areas also vary. Persons who ride non-compliant OHVs during months that are not designated for riding are subject to citations and fines. The names of the OHV riding areas are provided below, including the dates when recreational use of a non-compliant OHV is permitted.

Jump to list of seasonal riding areas

Green Sticker program continues for complying OHVs

Complying OHVs will continue to be eligible for green sticker registration and be allowed to ride year-round in OHV riding areas throughout the state.

View our listings of compliant and non-complaint OHVs and other related information.

The history of developing regulations for OHVs

To improve air quality in California, ARB saw clear and compelling reasons to adopt the off-highway recreational vehicle regulations. When the regulations were adopted in 1994, the Board concluded that with three years lead-time, manufacturers would be able to produce and sell in California a full range of OHVs meeting the new emission standards. It was anticipated that at first manufacturers would produce OHVs powered by cleaner four-stroke engines (this was the case in the 1980s with on-highway motorcycles) and that modified, cleaner two-stroke engines would later come into use. At the 1994 Board meeting, industry was, for the most part, in agreement with ARB's proposal. Industry and trade organization testimony centered on requests for a time extension for OHVs with engines 90cc and under, which the Board approved.

After the regulations were passed, however, OHV user groups and dealers began meeting with ARB staff and asking for more flexible regulations. These requests were made at a time when it was becoming apparent that OHV manufacturers were not providing a wide range and number of emission-compliant dirt bikes. Initially, there were less than 10 emission-compliant dirt bike models available, which resulted in potentially fewer sales and economic hardships for many dealers; particularly those dealers selling brands that had no compliant models. To address this problem, the Board approved amendments to the regulations that provided relief but still retained emission reductions.

Off-Road Emission Reduction Program