Off Highway Vehicle License Plates

What Is Different About OHV Plates?

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) license plates are not a hard metal plate like those issued to automobiles, commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. Instead they are pliable, metalized, and self-adhesive for secure application to the vehicle. They also have a unique numbering system configuration.

The plate number is shown at the top of the plate and the vehicle’s registration expiration month and year are shown in the center stripe. For license plates with an expiration date of June 2011, the plate will be changed. This new plate will be issued to OHVs in 2009. The top stripe will contain the month and year of expiration in black. The color of the stripe will vary depending on the year of expiration. The white center stripe will contain the plate number in black lettering. The type of OHV license is indicated in the bottom stripe.

For information on registering an OHV, click on this link How To Register an Off-Highway Vehicle Brochure.

OHV Renewal

OHV registration is valid for two years after the original registration is due and will always expire on June 30 in an odd or even year. For example:

• An original OHV registration in 2008 will expire June 30, 2010.
• An original OHV registration in 2009 will expire June 30, 2011.

NOTE: If your OHV is a motorcycle that you use solely in organized racing or competitive events on a closed course, you may obtain a permit that allows transportation of the motorcycle to and from course events. The permit, for which there is a fee, is a reflectorized, red and white, numbered sticker that should be mounted on the vehicle in a clearly visible location. This permit remains valid until the motorcycle is sold or dismantled.

License Plate Placement

It is important that you affix the plate in the required location for the type of OHV you own. Use the diagrams below to identify where to properly place the OHV plate on your vehicle. Before affixing the plate to your vehicle, be sure the placement area is clean and dry.

Important: If you affix the plate incorrectly or keep it in the storage space beneath the vehicle seat, you may be cited by law enforcement.

Types of OHV plates: Red Plate, Green Plate

Some OHVs do not meet emission standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and therefore are restricted to use in limited areas and certain times of the year.  These vehicles are issued a red OHV plate. The center stripe is white with the month and year in dark blue. Starting in June 2009, with the 2011 plates, the red OHV plate will have a stripe of color across the top that will show the expiration year. The stripe of color will change with the registration year. The center stripe will remain white and contain the plate number. The bottom stripe will be red. For the red sticker riding schedule and additional information visit California State Parks.

All other OHVs are issued a green plate which has a dark blue center stripe with a white month and year. Starting in June 2009, with the 2011 plates the green OHV plate will have a stripe of color across the top that will show the expiration year. The stripe color will change with the registration year. The center stripe will be white and contain the plate number. The bottom stripe will be green.