15.035 Conversion from Title Only or Expired On-Highway to OHV Registration
The following must be submitted:
- The California Certificate of Title from the on-highway record or the documents required to register the vehicle in the applicant’s name.
- The license plates.
- Fees due.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Issue the OHV plate.
- Do not collect a substitute/replacement fee for a missing registration card or license plate(s) on an original OHV application.
- Fees and penalties may be required if planned nonoperation (PNO) status is not on record.
15.030 Conversion From Nontitle/Goldenrod On-Highway to OHV Registration
The following must be submitted:
- The California Certificate of Title or nontitle/goldenrod conversion documents for an OHV title and identification card to be issued. If these cannot be provided, a nontransferable (nontitle/goldenrod) registration card only will be issued.
- The license plates.
- Fees due.
15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
Chapter 15 Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
The following must be submitted:
- The California Certificate of Title or documents required to register the vehicle in the applicant’s name.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating that the vehicle will no longer be used on-highway.
- The license plates.
- Fees due.
15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
The following must be submitted:
- The California Certificate of Title or documents required to register the vehicle in the applicant’s name.
Note Vehicles originally manufactured for off-highway use without an odometer and converted to on-highway operation are exempt from the odometer disclosure requirement. A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form and/or Statement of Facts (REG 256) form are not required as evidence that there is no odometer on the vehicle.
- A REG 31 completed by an authorized DMV employee only.
- A REG 256 which states:
“I have received the form CHP ### (appropriate form number must be shown—CHP 888 for motorcycles or CHP 885 for other vehicles) and certify this vehicle is in compliance with all requirements.”
— The REG 256 cannot be signed by power of attorney or anyone other than the registered owner.
Note: Four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (Example: Kawasaki Mules, Polaris 4W side- by-side) cannot be registered for on-highway use (auto or commercial).
- An electronic Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) certificate.
- A weight certificate for a commercial vehicle.
- A Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form if, applicable.
- A smog certification, if applicable.
- Fees due.
Use the following chart to determine a motorcycle’s eligibility for on-highway registration:
| If the Motorcycle Is a | Then it May |
|---|---|
| If the Motorcycle Is aNew motorcycle submitted on an Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) form | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1977 year model and older | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1978 year model and newer with an emissions label indicating it meets U.S. EPA and California standards for on-highway use or California standards only for on-highway use | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use, regardless of mileage. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1978 year model and newer with an emissions label indicating off-road or off-highway use only | Then it MayNot be registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1978 year model and newer with an engine displacement of 50 cc or larger without an emissions label | Then it MayNot be registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1978 through 1981 year models, an engine displacement of 50 cc or larger, and an emissions label indicating it meets U.S. EPA standards only | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use (California Code of Regulations, Title 13 §1958(d)). |
| If the Motorcycle Is a1982 year model and newer, an engine displacement of 50 cc or larger and an emissions label indicating it meets U.S. EPA standards only | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use, unless it has less than 7,500 miles on the odometer (49-state refusal). |
| If the Motorcycle Is a2005 year model and older with an engine displacement of less than 50 cc | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a2006 year model and newer, an engine displacement of less than 50 cc, and an emissions label indicating it meets U.S. EPA standards for on-highway use | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is a2006 year model and newer and an engine displacement of less than 50 cc without a U.S. EPA emissions label | Then it MayNot be registered for on-highway use. |
| If the Motorcycle Is aSpecially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle | Then it MayBe registered for on-highway use if the motorcycle meets the definition of SPCNS (VC §580). |
Note Any motorcycle or vehicle originally manufactured and registered for off-highway use cannot be converted for on-highway use unless it is manufactured for dual purpose.
Important If the OHV’s engine bears a small off-road engine (SORE) label, refer to the Original OHV Registration Applications section in this chapter.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Collect regular registration and transfer fees.
- Issue on-highway license plates and stickers.
- Instruct the applicant to remove and destroy the OHV indicia.
15.015 Conversion From Dual Registration to On-Highway Only
The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.
- The California Certificate of Title from the on-highway record.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating the vehicle will no longer be used off-highway.
- The OHV indicia.
Note In order for the records to be marked as required to prevent future billing notices or revenue collection letters from being generated, when dual registration is converted to one type of registration only, fill out and sign a REG 256 stating the dual registration has been converted to OHV only, the operating indicia was picked up and destroyed.
15.010 Conversion From Dual Registration to OHV Only
The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.
- The California Certificate of Title from the on-highway record.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating the vehicle will no longer be used on-highway .
- The on-highway license plates.
Note In order for the records to be marked as required to prevent future billing notices or revenue collection letters from being generated, when dual registration is converted to one type of registration only, fill out and sign a REG 256 stating the dual registration has been converted to OHV only, the operating indicia was picked up and destroyed.
15.005 Competition (Racing) Motorcycle (VC §38088)
Closed course racing and/or competition (racing) motorcycles are frequently loaned to racing teams by manufacturers to be used specifically for racing and are usually returned to the manufacturer. These vehicles cannot be registered . They are eligible for issuance of a special Motorcycle Transportation Permit.
A closed course includes, but is not limited to, a speedway, racetrack, or a prescribed and defined route of travel on or off a highway that is closed to all motor vehicles other than those of racing participants. A closed course is not available at any time for vehicular access by the general public (VC §38014).
Applications for registration of motorcycles manufactured specifically for racing must be refused, as they are not intended:
- To be registered.
- For retail sale.
- For recreational use.
- To be driven on public highways.
Closed course racing and/or competition (racing) motorcycles are frequently loaned to racing teams by manufacturers to be used specifically for racing and are usually returned to the manufacturer. These vehicles cannot be registered . They are eligible for issuance of a special Motorcycle Transportation Permit.
Not all manufacturers identify racing motorcycles in the same manner. Some racing motorcycles may:
- Lack a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Not bear a label indicating it meets California or U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on-road emissions requirements for 1978 and newer motorcycles.
- Not bear a label indicating it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
- Bear a “Competition Only” label.
- Be issued a manufacturer’s certificate/statement of origin stating “Competition Only.”
Note Some racing motorcycles may be registered as a noncomplying OHV. To be eligible for noncomplying OHV registration (red sticker), the eighth digit of the VIN must be number “3” or letter “C” and the motorcycle must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for noncomplying OHV registration. Continue to follow the registration procedures in the Registration of Noncomplying OHV section in this chapter.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Review the original motorcycle registration documents to determine if the vehicle is a racing motorcycle as follows:
— The Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form may indicate the vehicle: lacks a
17- digit VIN, EPA label, FMVSS label, or bears a “Competition Only” label.
— The manufacturer’s certificate/statement of origin may indicate “Competition Only.”
- Return the application to the customer, if it is determined that the application is a refusal.
- Not collect fees.
- Contact the Technical Compliance Section at (916) 657-6795 (Do not give this number to the public), if unable to determine if the vehicle is a racing motorcycle.
- Make a note in the REMARKS section if a “Competition Only” label is observed when completing a REG 31 for a motorcycle.
- Refer applicants who inquire about ARB’s On-Road New Vehicle and Engine Certification program and Executive Orders to ARB at 1-800-242-4450 or arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/cert.php#6.
Note A racing motorcycle not factory-manufactured with a spark arrester cannot become eligible for a green off-highway identification sticker by the addition of a spark arrester at a later date.
15.00 Chapter 15 Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
15.000 Introduction
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are motor vehicles not otherwise registered under this code, operated exclusively off the highways on lands that are open and accessible to the public. OHV display an identification plate or device issued by the DMV (Vehicle Code (VC) §38010).
The term “highway” does not include fire trails, logging roads, or service roads regardless of surface composition, or other roughly graded trails and roads upon which vehicular travel by the public is permitted (VC §38001).
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) (VC §111)—A motor vehicle which is designed for off-highway operation by an operator with no passengers. An ATV has a single seat for the operator and handlebars for steering control. It is 50 inches or less in width with an unladen weight of 900 pounds or less, and is suspended on three or more low-pressure tires.
ATVs are manufactured for off-highway use, do not meet federal standards for on-highway use, and cannot be converted.
Recreational Off-highway Vehicles (ROVs) VC §500—An ROV has a:
- Steering wheel for steering control, and nonstraddle seating provided by the manufacturer for the operator and all passengers.
- Maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour, an engine displacement equal to or less than 1000cc, and has a complying emissions system.
Note Do not register non-straddle single seat ROVs as ATVs: register as ROVs (for example, register a Polaris ACE as an ROV).
Do not register non-straddle single seat ROVs as ATVs: register as ROVs (for example, register a Polaris ACE as an ROV).
OHV (CVC §38012)—Includes, but is not limited to:
- A motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, except for a motorcycle eligible for a special transportation identification permit. See Competition (Racing) Motorcycles section in this chapter.
- A snowmobile or other vehicle designed to travel over snow or ice. A snowmobile is a motor vehicle designed to travel over ice or snow in whole or in part on skis, belts, or cleats (VC §557).
- A motor vehicle commonly referred to as a sand buggy, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or jeep.
Note An OHV does not have to be equipped with a spark arrester for registration. OHV identification of an otherwise-qualified vehicle cannot be denied due to the absence of a spark arrester.
Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) (VC §531) —A motor vehicle:
- Designed for off-highway operation.
- Suspended on four tires.
- Has a steering wheel for steering control.
- Has one seat to accommodate a driver and one passenger sitting side by side.
Chapter 15: Off-Highway Vehicles
15.005 Competition (Racing) Motorcycle
15.010 Conversion from Dual Registration to OHV Only
15.015 Conversion From Dual Registration to On-Highway Only
15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
15.030 Conversion From Nontitle/Goldenrod On-Highway to OHV Registration
15.035 Conversion from Title Only or Expired On-Highway to OHV Registration
15.070 Motorcycle Transportation Permit
15.080 Nonresident OHV Vehicles
15.090 OHV Identification Plate
15.095 OHV Motorcycle Engine Changes
15.105 Operation of an OHV on the Highway
15.110 Original OHV Registration Applications
15.115 Planned Non-Operation Certification (REG 102)
15.120 Registration of Noncomplying OHV
15.125 Reregistration of Junk or Salvage Vehicle as an OHV
15.130 Specially Constructed OHVs
15.135 Special Manufacturer, Dealer, or Distributor Permit for OHV
15.140 Stolen or Embezzled OHVs
15.155 Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV)
15.160 Waiver of OHV Fees and/or Penalties
14.035 Transfers
The transfer requirements for PTI trailers are the same as for other vehicles, except the applicant must submit:
- If a paper title was not issued (excluding electronic lien and title [ELT]), a Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) (PDF) form with side B completed for transfer of ownership. A duplicate title fee is not due because a title was not issued.
- If a paper title was issued then lost, stolen, or mutilated, an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF)form and the duplicate title fee (includes ELT records).
- If the new owner wants a paper title, a REG 4017 with side A completed and a PTI paper title fee.
- A transfer fee, in addition to any other fees and/or use tax due for the transaction.
Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.