Back in January 1997 California made drastic changes to off-road motorcycle emission standards. These changes affected the ability to register all new 2-strokes and most 4-stroke dirt bikes.

Any off-road motorcycle manufactured after January 1, 1997 must meet strict emission guidelines set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), in order to qualify for off-road registration. (Green sticker) Most 1998 bikes were unable to meet these emission standards therefore; it was illegal to ride most 1998 or newer bikes on public land. Pre '98 models were, and still are except from the emission requirements, and can obtain an unlimited use green sticker.

On December 10, 1998 CARB held a hearing in Sacramento CA "To change standards for post '97 off-highway motorcycle registration". CARB said the reason for the meeting was because only a limited number of new off-road motorcycles and ATV's could meet the new requirements, which in turn caused a hardship on dealers that didn't carry any of the off-road bikes that were green sticker legal. This may have been the case, but non-stickerable bikes were still being sold and the state wasn't getting their green sticker fees. More than likely this helped in their decision to change the requirements, besides, were all the new bikes being ridden on private land? No way! The driving forces behind the changes were the American Motorcycle Association, District 36 and the California Motorcycle Dealers Association. Their hard work made the changes happen!

CARB also states they informed the manufactures of the emission changes in 1994 and it's important to note that these motorcycle manufacturers fully supported the new standards. Well...the 1999 models are here and no 2-strokes meet green sticker requirements. It's my understanding that the Japanese manufactures feel 125 and 250cc 2-stroke motorcycles are "race only" bikes, therefore there's been little or no effort to build a clean burning 2-stroke.

The effects of the 1998 meeting.

The good news that came out of the December 10^th meeting is you can now register non-compliant bikes. The bad news is you can only ride in certain areas at various times of the year. Instead of a green sticker you will receive a red sticker. If you're caught riding a red sticker bike during the unauthorized time, you will receive a citation and fine (the dollar amount of the fine will be determined by the agency overseeing the riding area). For one reason or another, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued green stickers to non-compliant bikes. The new bikes should have date coded vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Some sources say that DMV's computers won't except the new VIN numbers and this is why they spit out new registration. As of right now, no one knows what will happen if your caught riding an "illegal" bike with a green sticker. I spoke with one ranger who candidly told me " It's our job to make sure you're bike is currently registered and has a United States Forest Service approved spark arrestor and not to monitor if DMV gave you the correct sticker." This doesn't mean to imply that the gun toting person with the ticket book you encounter will be so kind.

These are the new California off-road motorcycles that meet the current regulations for year-round green-sticker riding. If the new bike you've had your eye on is not listed below it will more then likely receive a limited use red sticker.

The Kawasaki KLX 300, Suzuki's DR 350, all Honda XR's and the ATK 4-strokes.

CARB said they used complex criteria to determine pollution levels for each red sticker riding area. (Maybe dart boards with half the year torn off.) Folks in some areas are pleased with the ride dates because their restrictions are very limited, if any. While others in Southern California are yelling "FOUL"! Riders in other states should be concerned with what has transpired in CA. Trust us on this "It could happen to you!"

The dates and areas to ride: