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Whats The Deal In California


tajohnson
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I'm about to buy a new used trials bike here in California. But I'm confused about the registration.

I know that all 2002 year and older bikes are automatically green stickered.

But all 2003 year and newer go by different rules. California DMV rule is simple and fairly straight forward on this matter.

"Red stickers are issued to 2003 year model and newer OHVs that are not certified to California OHV emission standards. If your OHV has a "3" or "C" in the eighth position of the vehicle identification number (VIN) then your vehicle will be issued a red sticker. Red stickers are issued to OHVs that can use California OHV riding areas for seasonal use only."

From what I have been reading on this forum all trials bikes are red stickers, even some of the new 4 strokes.

However in my search for a used trials I have found come across a few VIN numbers and none of them have had the 3 or C in the eight position.

So If anyone can help clarify this for me it would be much appreciated.

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The thing is there is no clear answer. It depends on what DMV office you go to and who you get. Some people get green, some red and others can't get their bikes registered at all!!. Good Luck!

Edited by sirhc
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Thanks for the info guys.

I get the feeling that the California DMV just has no clue on how to handle these bikes.

Not that they have a clue on anything, but we have always known that.

So basically take any route needed to get it done.

Take it to a DMV in an area where they have experiance with these bikes. If you take it to somewhere like San Francisco and the nice lady helping you has never actually seen a real live dirt road, Then its a good chance she has no clue how to register a trials bike with a foreign VIN and has even less desire to learn how to.

The best thing to do in this situation is to go in prepared, act like you do this all the time and basically tell them how to do it. If you seem knowledgeable about the subject sometimes they will just take your word for it rather than having to deal with the supervisor. Of course being polite is always a huge help.

I read that the DMV/ CHP offices in Temecula, CA is a good spot. Supposed to be a very cool CHP officer that goes the extra mile for OHV riders.

But Temecula is a bit to far away for me to go and register the bike. 6 hour drive.

Another route would be to register it as a Special Construction OHV. This may play out well as the VIN is foreign and DMV may have a hard time deciphering it. You can also play the "Its a Yamaha engine on a non-Yamaha frame" card.

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