73redblaze
1/2 ton status
thats all. do i need to insure it if its just for off road use at OHV parks?
CK5
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do i need to insure my OHV?
- Thread starter 73redblaze
- Start date
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Depends on parks policy
YES, you need insurance. OHV parks are public property and are subject to the same laws as a vehicle driven on a public street or hiway.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
wow. well that sucks. looks like im going to have to smog it.
Jason4x4
1/2 ton status
All vehicles which are operated on public lands must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The registration fee is $52 per vehicle, and is valid for a two-year period. The OHV fees are used for acquisition of new OHV areas, development and operation of existing OHV areas, enforcement of the rules and regulations, and protection of the natural resources. For additional information regarding the OHMVR Green & Red Sticker Fees, please download the OHMVR Information Bulletin dated April 24, 2009.
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1234
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1234
If this vehicle is a trail only rig then you can green sticker it and then you don't have to smog it anymore. Might be cheaper on insurance as well knowing it is only used as an offroad vehicle.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
i know they must be registered but if i register it as a green sticker does it need to be insured is my question. and the common answer here is yes.
I used to think that was the hot ticket here in Cali but after hitting up some trails this past year I've realized that probably isn't the best option. When we were up at Bald it had a big sign that specifically said no Green sticker rigs at the entrance. Plus if you're on a trail that's long you might want to drive from the end back to the trail-head where your trailer is which would normally require being on public roads.
I know you're just answering his question but I figured I'd throw it out there.
Yep.
i dont think this holds true on this side of the country.never heard of this.i go no insurance on mine and see plenty of buggys that dont even have a vin.mostly private for the most part around here though.i drive mine on the street at harlan but unlike most towns they like us cause we keep the town up and going.if we werent there many people would be unemployed
Not here in Utah. Nobody I know has insurance on their OHV rigs. I know I dont.
bp71k5
3/4 ton status
Are you guys sure about the insurance on green sticker only registration? I can't find anything that mentions insurance. It does say you don't need a drivers license so I'm not sure why they'd require insurance if they don't require a license.
I do understand that if the truck ever sets one foot on the street for even a second it needs full street registration, insurance, and license.
Edit: I'm also not sure I'd want to drive in a park without some kind of insurance. I can't imagine bumping into someone with an expensive FJ or other vehicle and having to pay for the damages out of my own pocket. I think I'd carry it even if it wasn't required.
I do understand that if the truck ever sets one foot on the street for even a second it needs full street registration, insurance, and license.
Edit: I'm also not sure I'd want to drive in a park without some kind of insurance. I can't imagine bumping into someone with an expensive FJ or other vehicle and having to pay for the damages out of my own pocket. I think I'd carry it even if it wasn't required.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
its just like a dirt bike right? you dont need to insure a dirt bike
bp71k5
3/4 ton status
I'm kinda surprised the insurance thing isn't mentioned with the other requirements. If insurance really isn't required, i'd still get liability insurance in case I bumped into someone else, or started a forest fire, or some goofy thing like that. Someone is SURE to sue you for any damage you cause.
It's not like any insurance company will give you comprehensive for damaging your own truck on the trail. I'm not saying it isn't required, only that I can't find any mention of it in the rules.
It's not like any insurance company will give you comprehensive for damaging your own truck on the trail. I'm not saying it isn't required, only that I can't find any mention of it in the rules.
If it's PUBLIC property insurance IS required and ALL LAWS must be obeyed. 
bp71k5
3/4 ton status
Here's a blm link that says no insurance is required. although it does say your basically crazy to not have it. Perhaps different parks have different rules?
About 1/2 way down the FAQ list.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/lawenforcement/qanda.html
About 1/2 way down the FAQ list.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/lawenforcement/qanda.html
That's the way I've always looked at it.
bp71k5
3/4 ton status
Just for fun, I've been digging around trying to find the rules written down in the vehicle code and a few sites I found mentioned that most auto insurance policies are not valid if the vehicle is used off highway.
Also, if the vehicle is registered for street use, it must have insurance even if it is being used off highway. It's only the green sticker registration that I can't find any mention of for insurance.
I did find Idaho, Nova Scotia, and a few other areas that do explicitly require liability insurance for both on and off highway use.
After almost running into a park rangers truck head-on in Hollister, I sure hope my insurance is valid in the park.
Also, if the vehicle is registered for street use, it must have insurance even if it is being used off highway. It's only the green sticker registration that I can't find any mention of for insurance.
I did find Idaho, Nova Scotia, and a few other areas that do explicitly require liability insurance for both on and off highway use.
After almost running into a park rangers truck head-on in Hollister, I sure hope my insurance is valid in the park.
NO, insurance is NOT required on green sticker vehicles, even when used on public lands, and even in CA. However, I would still recommend liability ins with a truck, just in case. Some ins companies don't even offer ins on OHVs, and the ones that do still won't insure children on OHVs most of the time.
State Farm insurance is valid in hollister hills, had a claim 5 years ago and it went through fine, even got sued and state farm payed it. Now State farm dropped me faster then a hot potato after the incident though.
Most people on this side of the Mississippi don't have insurance on thier street driven rides, much less trail rigs. I don't run it. Call me stupid, but we only have private land to wheel on, & insurance is not required.
