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General Rules: ATV Safety Requirements |
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All-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators under 18 years of age must comply with the following California Vehicle Code requirements when operating an ATV on
public lands. The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD) currently provides funding for ATV safety certificate training for those age 6 through 17. For more information and to sign up for training
contact the ATV Safety Institute at 800-887-2887. |
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Operating an ATV - Minors: No person under the age of 18 years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands of this state unless the person
satisfies one of the following conditions; |
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The person is taking a prescribed safety training course under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor.
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The person is under the direct supervision of an adult who has in their possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state, or issued
under the authority of another state. |
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The person has in possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state or issued under the authority of another state (CVC 38503). |
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Additional Requirements for Operating an ATV - No person under 14 years of age shall operate an
all-terrain vehicle on public lands of this state unless the person satisfies one of the conditions set forth in Section 38503 and, in addition, is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian
or is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult who is authorized by the parent or guardian (CVC 38504). |
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No person shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle on public lands unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting
requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles, pursuant to Section 27802 (CVC 38505). |
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No operator of an all-terrain vehicle may carry a passenger when operating on public lands. However, the operator of an all-terrain vehicle, that is
designed for operation off of the highway by an operator with no more than one passenger, may carry a passenger when operating on public lands. (CVC 38506). |
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OHV Equipment Requirements - Noise Limits: Noise emissions of competition off-highway vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1998, shall be limited
to not more than 96 dBA, and if manufactured prior to January 1, 1998, to not more than 101 dBA, when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under
Standard J-1287, as applicable. Noise emissions of all other off-highway vehicles shall be limited to not more than 96 dBA if manufactured on or after January 1, 1986, and not more than 101 dBA if manufactured prior to
January 1, 1986, when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J-1287, as applicable |
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Spark Arrester: Notwithstanding Section 4442 of the Public Resources Code, and except for vehicles
with mufflers as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 27150) of Chapter 5 of Division 12, no person shall use, operate, or allow to be used or operated, any off-highway motor vehicle, as defined in Section
38006, on any forest-covered land, brush-covered land, or grass-covered land unless the vehicle is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order. |
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A spark arrester affixed to the exhaust system of a vehicle subject to this section shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or
heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material. |
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A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable materials specifically for the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable
particles over 0.0232 of an inch in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine or which is qualified and rated by the United States Forest Service. |
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Shall not be applicable to vehicles being operated off the highway in an organized racing or competitive event upon a closed course, which is conducted
under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body and by permit issued by the fire protection authority having jurisdiction. (CVC 38366). |
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Headlamps and Taillamps: Any vehicle operated between sunset and sunrise must display at least one headlight that enables an operator to see clearly 200
feet ahead and one red taillight visible for 200 feet (CVC 38335, 38345). |
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Prohibited - Warning Lights: A person shall not display a flashing or steady burning red or blue warning light on an off-highway motor vehicle except as
permitted by Section 21055 or when an extreme hazard exists (CVC 38346). |
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Prohibited - Use of Siren: Off-highway motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle, shall not be equipped with a siren. A person driving an
off-highway motor vehicle, except the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle as permitted by Section 21055, shall not use a siren. (CVC 38375). |
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OHV Requirements Speed, Turning, Reckless Driving: You may not drive a motor vehicle in a manner
that endangers the safety of other persons or their property (CVC 38305, 38314, 38316a, 38317). |
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Speed Limit: No motor vehicle shall exceed 15 mph within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals (CVC 38310). |
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Suspended Driving Privilege: A driver's license is not necessary to operate an OHV in most areas.
However, if your driving privilege is suspended in California, you may not operate an OHV on California public lands [CVC 14601.1(e)]. |
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Please Don't Drink and Ride! |
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