What is a Sanctioned Event Permit?
A “sanctioned event permit” is a special permit issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation to operate certain off-highway motorcycles at sanctioned events. For the purposes of CVC Section 38087.7, a “sanctioned event” means an event approved by an agency within its guidelines for off-highway vehicle competition or racing events. Public land management agencies will make the ultimate decision on whether a sanctioned event permit is required during racing competitions and sanctioned events held on the public lands they manage.
Where can I purchase a Sanctioned Event Permit?
Sanctioned event permits will be available for purchase beginning January 1, 2026 or available for purchase from concessionaires at off-highway vehicle competition or racing events. More information on where to purchase a sanctioned event permit can be found by visiting “ohv.parks.ca.gov”.
What vehicles are eligible for a Sanctioned Event Permit?
CVC 38087.7 (c): A sanctioned event permit shall only be available to California residents and for model year 2022 and newer off-road motorcycles that are not eligible for the “Green Sticker” or “Red Sticker” off-highway vehicle identification issued by the department.
Where should I place the Sanctioned Event Permit on my off-highway motorcycle?
A sanctioned event permit shall be displayed on the left side of an off-road motorcycle and shall be visible for inspection at sanctioned events.
How much does a Sanctioned Event Permit cost?
The cost of the Sanctioned Event Permit will be $30. The Department of Parks and Recreation shall set, and may adjust, the amount of the fee to recover the operating and administrative costs of a sanctioned event permit issued pursuant to Section 38087.7. The Department of Parks and Recreation shall deposit fees received pursuant to this section in the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund.
When does the Sanctioned Event Permit expire?
A sanctioned event permit shall expire on December 31 of the year that the permit is issued.
What if Sanctioned Event Permit is lost or stolen?
A sanctioned event permit shall be nonrefundable, nonreplaceable, and void if removed from an off-road motorcycle.
Do I need a Sanctioned Event Permit for each of my off-highway motorcycles?
California residents who own model year 2022 and newer off-road motorcycles that are not eligible for the “Green Sticker” or “Red Sticker” off-highway vehicle identification issued by CA DMV, will need to purchase separate sanctioned event permits for each of their competition motorcycles. Sanctioned event permits are nontransferable and voided if removed from the motorcycle.
Can I practice ride on public lands year-round with my Sanctioned Event Permit?
All motor vehicles operated on public lands designated for off-highway vehicles are required to have valid registration (street legal vehicles) or identification (off-highway green/red stickers) unless the vehicle is operated, transported, or left standing pursuant to a special permit. A sanctioned event permit will allow competitors to operate OHV’s with valid sanctioned event permits during competition races and sanctioned event periods. For purposes of this section, “sanctioned event” means an event approved by an agency within its guidelines for off-highway vehicle competition or racing events.
I am not a resident of California and participate in sanctioned events and competition racing on public lands within CA. Do I need to purchase a CA nonresident OHV permit, a Sanctioned Event Permit, or both to continue participation in racing competitions and sanctioned events on public lands within CA?
Only CA residents are eligible to purchase and display sanctioned events permits. All vehicles operated off-highway on public lands in California are required to be (1) street-licensed, (2) registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV), or (3) have a valid California Nonresident Permit. Purchase of a California Nonresident permit is required:
- If you are visiting California from another state and your vehicle does not have a current registration from your home state, you must purchase a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit before you recreate on public lands.
- If your state of residence requires residents of California, who have valid OHV registration/identification (green or red sticker registration), to purchase a non-resident permit to recreate in your home state (Off-Highway Vehicle Information Bulletin 21-1)
- The Arizona street licensed OHVs are required to purchase a Nonresident Permit to recreate on public lands in California.