The DMV isn't all about waiting in line

People avoid going to the Department of Motor Vehicles because of the wait. In all honesty, the DMV isn't all about the wait. It is about the 2 hour wait that gets you to the window and then a staff turning you down for the reason that your vehicle does not meet California legal laws. By this time you are aggravated, tired and annoyed by the machine screaming a monotone "B 84, G 12, etc." You just purchased your vehicle from a private party and all you want to do is make the transaction quick and legitimate as possible. So what does the buyer have to do to be prepared and not get ripped off by the seller?

The first thing is to ask the seller if the "title is clean." This explanation will let the buyer know if the vehicle has ever been in a major accident, if it was previously purchased broken and re-repaired, if it was stolen and so forth. If the vehicle holds a clean title, then the buyer has the 'right' to ask about the history of the bike from the previous owner. When you release your money to the seller, the seller in return will exchange you the pink slip to the vehicle which may look like a certificate or slip from the DMV. This is a legal transaction in which both parties exchange their personal information to release the vehicles liabilities. Within 5 days of signing the pink slip, the seller must send [his/her] portion of the certifcate to the DMV and the buyer must register the vehicle [in person] at any DMV location.

The DMV may have the right to ask to see the vehicle. If an inspection is asked to be completed, the staff looks for several things. The first criteria noted for an inspection check is the vehicle vin number. Certain models will have identifying letters that differentiate the year and make of the model regardless of the representing brand associated with it. New state laws implementing the regulations of off road vehicle use depend on the date such that if the vehicle is dated prior to 2002, a "green sticker" would be issued and if dated after 2002, a "red sticker" would then be issued. The difference between green sticker and red sticker simply determines what time of the year a rider can use their vehicle. This will be announced in more detail on the next updated post.

The next criterion undergoes a check for an EPA approval mark to be identified. The Environmental Protection Angency (EPA) labels such off road vehicles to have emissions tested to verify no excess pollutants are being released into the atmosphere. This is similar to getting a smog check on your car. A final note on the DMV inpsection list is that fees are applied to this registration process and dues must be paid by the client at the time of the passed inspection for clearance. A percentage of the collected amount goes towards the land bureau management for the claims of using off highway vehicles on state property. In this way, maintenance and proper resources would be allocated appropriately where needed.

All of these on the inspection checklist excludes the dues paid to the DMV for registration of the sole vehicle itself. This summary implies that owning a dirt bike is not synonymous to owning a bicycle. The overall inconveniences to the new rider becomes very costly and time consuming. So why do riders put up with this ordeal? The answer to this is for the greater purpose of enjoying the outdoors and achieving that adrenaline rush money can't buy.

All of these measures must be taken into account before you can "officially" be legal within the California state system of riding off-road vehicles. Fortunately, a license is not needed as long as the rider obeys all rules of desert riding and does not wind up going on 'on-highway' territory. Dirt bikes are not allowed on street surfaces or any other public roads shared with cars unless a separate motorcycle license is obtained by the rider.

Upon waiting patiently for a couple of months, a transfer of ownership certificate will be delivered in the mail and should be kept in a safe location. This will be needed when a ranger or public official asks for registration on the vehicle. The next direction to take is to research on particularly interesting places to ride near your area; making sure off road vehicles are allowed in designated riding areas. Many places charge by a flat rate entrance fee or by the number of vehicles brought into the location. The public land management requires this as a way of keeping the riding areas clear and available for riders only. The longevity of these rare riding locations keep enthusiasts happy and willing to participate more on this sport. Now that an understanding of preparation being the key to success in safety and law, there is nothing more than to start that engine and ride into the open road clear ahead of you. Make sure to wear safety equipment, always riding with a buddy, and let the good times roll!