Registration Requirements?

damone

I was researching the requirements for registration of a golf cart as I plan to use mine mostly on USFS lands in CA.

I read the CA DMV regs and they dont require registration of golf carts.

Does this mean no OHV sticker is needed to use the cart on USFS lands in CA?

My cart is actually cart up front and quad in back. Although it just looks like a lifted golf cart.

Anyone with experience in USFS lands in CA or elsewhere?

Thanks.
D

BGW

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didjidude

I've just finished doing the research. First i went to the DMV (California) They told me I couldn't register it. I said, well if I build an OHV I can get it registered why cant I register my golf cart? I was then told it would have to be smog compliant. I let it go and went home . I have a 89 G2 so according to DMV and C.A.R.B it doesn't need to be smog compliant. So I called DMV in Sacramento and was told that I can get an OHV sticker for it. I just need to bring the cart down so they can get the serial number from the frame and the engine and oh yea, proof of ownership since it was originally sold.
That's impossible since I no longer gave the piece of paper that the guy I bought it from gave me as a receipt. Not that it would be legal anyway ( ie. there is no vin on a G2.) However, I once registered a dirt bike that was given to me and had not been registered in years. I just had to have him sign a statement saying that he gave it to me and has no contact with the person he had gotten it from. So that's what I'm going to do, write a statement explaining the situation, sign it and hope it flys.
Remember dealing with the DMV takes patients. If you bring them something that they don't know about the answer is always no. I've had to educate them on other matters before. So get your facts, be polite and guide them through the process.
Good luck , I'll be giving it a go next month.

p.s get it registered be for you big block it cause that will open up a whole new can of worms

didjidude

Sorry, yes you have to register it and it will need a spark arrestor to be used in the forest. The part where it says it doesn't need to be registered is for golf courses and use on private land.

slonomo

Most OHV areas that are state run are like this. Cali is different because of emissions, but should only apply for street driven vehicles that are registered as such. The standards for OHV registration are not as strict as "on road" registrations, but I've been kicked out of the Silver Lake Dunes in MI for not having a spark arrestor. I guess they were afraid I'd catch the sand on fire?

Downeydirt86

just my quick input for my experience in california I had to go to the dmv to get the registration started for a golf cart. i have a yamaha g1. they started the paperwork and said it couldnt be finished till i had it verified by the CHP so i then had to make an appointment with califonia highway patrol office to be verified. I had to trailer the cart down there they looked for a vin and found one marking and then looked at the numbers on the aftermarket 420cc engine and then went back to there office for 40 minutes came back and signed off the paperwork saying it was certified for california standards and i had to go back to the dmv to finish the paperwork and was issued a green ohv sticker which you must have to ride it anywhere besides your own land in california. just my experience and if one dmv say cant do it go to another one it took me 3 places first two said it couldnt be done third took it right away no explanation needed.

damone

Thanks downey.

Where was the vin on the cart?

The O.O. said carts dont have vins because they dont get titled from the dealer? I geuss I shouldda known eh:)

The quad motor/frame in the rear of my cart has a motor number, but no vin. I figure on quads the vin is on the front 1/2 (steering tube area???) which is no longer attached to the 1/2 of the quad I am using.

What will the DMV/CHP/etc... do when no vin can be found?

didjidude

Hey 86, thanks for the input. I was wondering if that 420 engine was C.A.R.B. compliant or not. It seams to me that because the vehicle was manufactured before the restrictive smog laws (pre 2003) were enacted you could put any engine in it. But I honestly don't know how that works. I'd hate to install a big block and be denied registration because of it, on the other hand the engine number needs to match the paperwork.

Downeydirt86

on my yamaha G1 the vin number is located on rear bumper bar and on the inside of the bumper bracket i believe. and as far as the other question about my 420cc engine yes it said it was carb compliant when i purchased it from harbor freight so i did not have any problems. the CHP said they have a master list and verify the engine numbers to there master list. I left it stock while i took it there to be inspected and then swapped out exhaust and intake later.

Downeydirt86

also forgot to post for the other question if you dont have a vin from my knowledge i have been told they will assign it one and stamp the frame with a number. no personal experience with this just what i have heard.

didjidude

Good to know about that master list for C.A.R.B. engines, guess I'll have to reconsider what engine I put in mine. Thanks