Is California making offroad dirt bikes illegal?! No, not quite. Yes, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is ending the Red Sticker competition OHV exemption starting in model year 2022, and making some sweeping changes in the way offroad dirt bikes and competition motocross bikes are registered in California. But no one panic—the sky isn’t falling. Follow along as I break down the background of the California Red Sticker Program and how dirt bikes are registered in California, what exactly is changing and how it will affect you. We also talk about what is being done about this from the powersports industry side, how you can help and where you can find more information.

I spoke to representatives from several major motorcycle manufacturers, California powersports dealers and landuse advocate Don Amador, who has been on top of this subject since CARB began talking about “sundowning the red sticker program” back in 2016. They explained the issue in plain language, talked about where/how this applies to everyday enthusiasts like you and me, and also told me what they want YOU to know, as well as what they think the future might look like for California OHV use.

This is likely part one in a series that will cover the California noncompliant motorcycle designation issue as it evolves. Be sure to like, comment and subscribe to stay tuned into this very important topic regarding the recreational use of competition dirt bikes in the Golden State!

USEFUL LINKS:

SB 227 – California Competition Registration Sticker Bill**
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/fa...
*This legislation is up for a hearing with the Transportation Committee on Monday, June 21.*

California Air Resources Board (CARB) – https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/
CARB Final Statement of Reasons:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/...
CARB Final Regulation Order (Red Sticker program sunset):
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/...

CYCLE NEWS (May 2017): CARB Considering Ending Red Sticker Program
https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/8246...

CYCLE NEWS (July 2017): Industry Leaders Attend CARB Workshop
https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/8531...

CYCLE NEWS (October 2018): CARB’s Red Sticker Proposal Workshop
https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1045...