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.
ATVs are not legal on the road. Riding through other people's yards, unless they have permission, is trespassing.
A driver's license is required to operate an ATV in California if the rider is over the age of 18. Minors are required to have a safety certificate and be supervised by an adult with a valid driver's license.
Beginning with Model Year 2022, the DMV will no longer issue red sticker registrations to vehicles that do not meet CARB exhaust emission standards. These non-compliant ATVs and motorcycles will be categorized as “Competition” vehicles and may only be used on private lands or at sanctioned competition events.
Since all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles typically aren't street-legal, there are no requirements for insurance. However, many state-owned lands and parks allow them only if riders have ATV liability insurance.
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.
In California, there are laws specific to operating an ATV on public lands. Double riding (or 2 people on an ATV) that is not designed for it is against the law, and unsafe. Operators are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding an ATV on public lands.
REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE FROM OUT OF STATE IN CALIFORNIA The certificate of title or latest (original) registration card, or registration renewal notice for the vehicle. An Application for title or registration form. A smog check done in California. A vehicle identification number (VIN) verification.
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.