Ocotillo Wells' Rules and Tips
California Vehicular Recreation Area

The properly prepared OHV rider.

State Laws That Apply to ALL Off-Highway
Motor Vehicles on Public lands

EQUIPMENT
Wear proper safety equipment for the type of Vehicle you are operating. Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.

REMEMBER
You are responsible to know all the regulations pertaining to you and your OHV. For a complete listing of OHV laws, visit the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station or see the California Vehicle Code Section 38000, available at any DMV office.

Changes to standards for off-highway motorcycles

At its December 1998 meeting, the Air Resources Board (ARB) revised the regulations governing the registration and use of off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRV). These include off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Due to limited product availability, the revised regulations allow ATVs and OHMs 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.

Sales and seasonal use of non-conforming OHRVs

The revised regulations allow the sale of non-complying, two-stroke OHRVs. However, people purchasing non-complying vehicles will receive a red sticker from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) which must be affixed to the vehicle. The red sticker identifies the vehicle as non-complying and limits its recreational use in off-highway riding areas to designated months when the ARB has determined that ozone levels are low. The months when riding non-complying vehicles is allowed varies from location to location. Persons who ride red-sticker vehicles during months that are not designated for riding for those vehicles are subject to citations and fines. The chart on the back of this page shows the riding areas and the seasons when use of non-complying vehicles is permitted.
Mile-for mile, unregulated 2-stroke off-highway motorcycles create smog forming emissions equal to 118 new cars Jump to list of seasonal riding areas

Green Sticker program continues for conforming OHRVs

Vehicles complying with state emission standards are not subject to the calendar constraints of non-complying vehicles. Complying vehicles are issued a green sticker by the DMV and are allowed to ride year-round in designated off-highway riding areas throughout the state.

BASIC SPEED LAW
No person shall drive an off-highway motor vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and, in no event, at a speed which endangers the safety of other persons or property.

PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT
The prima facie speed limit within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals shall be 15 miles per hour.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Laws pertaining to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are exactly the same for off-highway as they are for on-highway.

HEADLIGHT / TAIL LIGHT
Headlights and tail lights must be on when operating an off- highway motor vehicle from1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.

MUFFLER/SPARK ARRESTER
Off-highway motor vehicles must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester and an adequate muffler, both in working order.

SUSPENDED OR REVOKED LICENSE
No person shall drive a motor vehicle when his or her driving privilege is suspended or revoked. This includes any off-highway motor vehicles.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

Rules That Apply to
All-Terrain Vehicles Only (ATV'S/QUADS)

SAFETY HELMETS REQUIRED
No person shall operate or ride an ATV on any public lands unless the person wears a safety helmet, which meets the requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles.

PASSENGERS PROHIBITED
No operator of an ATV shall carry a passenger when operating on public lands. (Both the driver and passenger can be cited.)

ATV CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIRED FOR MINORS
No person under the age of 18 shall operate an all-terrain vehicle unless he or she has received the safety course in this state or another state or is under the direct supervision of an adult who has the appropiate safety certification in his or her possession. (CVC #38503 )

PARENTAL SUPERVISION
Any person under the age of 14 who operates an all-terrain vehicle must must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision of, a parent or guardian.