The vehicle reenters California after being registered or titled out of state for one year or more and is being registered in the same owner's name(s) and has 7,500 or more odometer miles at the time of reentry.
Many dirt roads are open to registered OHVs, but there are a few exceptions. For example, dirt roads in Death Valley National Park are open only to street-legal vehicles. Also, in many National Forests, some "maintained" dirt roads require street-legal registration and a license. Always check before-hand.
1.155 Vehicles Exempt from Registration Aircraft Refueling Vehicles (VC §4021) ... Cemetery Equipment (VC §§4012 and 5011) ... Disaster Relief Vehicles (VC §4005) ... Firefighting Equipment (VC §4015, CCR §157) ... Forklift Trucks (VC §4013) ... Golf Carts (VC §§345, 4019, 21115) ... Hauled Vehicles (VC §4009)
A vehicle designed and manufactured for off-highway use may not be operated on a California highway even though it may be highway legal in its home state because it does not meet the federal highway safety standards for highway vehicles.
OHVs such as all-terrain vehicles, trail bikes, racing motorcycles, dune buggies, and snowmobiles do not require regular vehicle registration, but they must display an ID plate or placard issued by DMV. To register your OHV, you will need: An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.
A driver's license is required to operate an ATV in California if the rider is over the age of 18.
111. (a) "All-terrain vehicle” means a motor vehicle subject to subdivision (a) of Section 38010 that is all of the following: (1) Designed for operation off of the highway by an operator with no more than one passenger. (2) Fifty inches or less in width.
111. (a) "All-terrain vehicle” means a motor vehicle subject to subdivision (a) of Section 38010 that is all of the following: (1) Designed for operation off of the highway by an operator with no more than one passenger. (2) Fifty inches or less in width.