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Red Sticker = Green Sticker

registering a non emissions compliant new bike could still be problematic. But if the DMV gives you a red sticker State Parks says you can ride year round…
 
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I don't think you can get any sticker anymore for competition bikes. So you can only buy used now.
 
there are folks that hate dirtbikes, and some are in positions of power in regulating agencies. Some use CARB to that end. We must remain vigilant.
 
CARB is certainly not moto friendly but they are important to the State for our air quality.

Because they piss me off on the dirt bike thing I will rate them above the coastal commission that is trying to plug access for Pismo. They lie and cheat the citizens.
 
Don’t get me started on the coastal commission.
 
According to my my local shop ( Fators) all dirt bikes being sold have been getting at least a red sticker.
This gives Hyper hope of buying a new 300 two stroke so she can smoke my ass…..😳🤣
 
This is great for dirt bikers, hard to believe it's true. Husband will take advantage of no restrictions come May 1. :)
 
I got new stickers for three bikes last week and was surprised that one of them was still a red sticker (2021 KLX140 is red, 2018 KLX140 is green). That seems to match what OHMVR 24-3 (posted above) says though.


GUIDANCE FOR OWNERS
Until further notice, effective January 1, 2025, off-road motorcycles and ATVs previously registered pursuant to CCR, Title 13, Section 2415, are now permitted to operate year-round in public areas designated for OHV use. Beginning January 1, 2025, Red Sticker and Green Sticker registration are equally valid year-round in all public areas designated for OHV recreation.
 

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I got new stickers for three bikes last week and was surprised that one of them was still a red sticker (2021 KLX140 is red, 2018 KLX140 is green). That seems to match what OHMVR 24-3 (posted above) says though.
Good to know they still issue red and green. I wrongly assumed all stickers would be green. Maintaining red stickers probably allows State to revert to red stickers limitations in the future if they choose.
But good for now, year round access for both stickers.
 
So they are just randomly giving out red or green stickers now?
 
Tan Sticker!
Crappy copy paste so https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/26vin03-pdf/

New Information

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin issuing a new tan sticker for
noncomplying off-highway vehicles (OHVs) model year 2022 and newer. The new tan
sticker will differentiate these vehicles from model year 2003 through 2021 vehicles
(which were issued red stickers) and assist riding park management personnel with
identification and law enforcement efforts.

NOTE: Applications for noncomplying OHVs model year 2022 and newer will be
finalized at DMV headquarters because the system is not programmed to issue the
new tan sticker. DMV will continue to issue red stickers to noncomplying OHVs
model year 2003 through 2021.

Procedures
Continue to follow existing procedures in Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures
(VIRP) Manual
Chapter 6 New Vehicles Sold by California Dealers, Chapter 7
Miscellaneous Originals, Chapter 11 Transfers, and Chapter 15 Off-Highway Vehicles
(OHVs).

Registration of Noncomplying OHVs
Can be registered and issued a green OHV
sticker.

If the OHV Is a Then It
2002 or older year model
• Snowmobile
• Amphibian
• Dune Buggy
• Golf Cart
2003 through 2021 year model with a
“3” or “C” in the eighth vehicle
identification number (VIN) position

NOTE: Street-legal motorcycles with a
“3” or “C” in the eighth VIN position
may be registered if assigned the
correct on-road type license code.
Is a noncomplying OHV and can be
registered.
• Issue a red OHV sticker.
• Refer to the Registration of
Noncomplying OHVs section for
procedures.
2022 and newer year model OHV with a
“3” or “C” in the eighth VIN position
Is a noncomplying OHV and can be registered.
• Business Partner Automation (BPA)
program participants utilizing the Virtual
Clerk system should contact their First
Line Service provider for guidance on
indicia issuance.

Background
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) modified regulations related to the red
sticker program for OHVs that do not meet emission standards and made changes to
California OHV riding areas.
VR 2026-03 Visit our Web Site—dmv.ca.govVIN 2026–03
Page 2 of 2

References
13
Vehicle Code (VC) §§4000, 24007, 38010, 38012, 38070
California Code of Regulations, Article 3, Section 2410-2415, Chapter 9, Division 3, Title
Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual, Chapters 6, 7, 11, 15

Distribution
Notification of this memo (available at dmv.ca.gov by searching Vehicle Industry Services)
was sent through the California DMV Automated Email Alert System in February 2026 to:
• Dealers
• Registration Services

Contact
Direct questions related to this memo to DMV Customer Care at (916) 657-6560.
 
But what the heck does it mean?
Green = ?
Red = ?
Tan = ?
 
I dunno. Maybe after a couple more reads I may find something coherent
 
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