California Air Resources Board

Summary

Would have established a program, beginning January 1, 2027, for registration of model year 2022 and newer off highway vehicles (OHV) used solely for competition off public highways. The program would have included specified registration fees. The bill would have required competition OHVs to have a muffler and spark arrestor when operating on public lands.

View full bill text here

Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Senate: 

I am returning Senate Bill 894 without my signature.

Beginning January 1, 2027, this bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a new vehicle registration program for competition off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) that do not meet California Air Resources Board emission standards to operate on public lands. Additionally, the bill requires that these competition vehicles have a muffler and spark arrestor when operating on public lands.

I recognize the economic benefits OHV competitions bring to rural communities, but I am concerned about the fiscal impact to implement the bill. It is anticipated that there will be fewer than 2,000 annual applications under this program. DMV's implementation costs are anticipated to be significant, and the Off Highway Vehicle Trust Fund is required to reimburse the DMV for those up-front costs. Given the small number of vehicles and the fees set forth in the bill, it may take a decade or more for the OHV Trust Fund to recoup those costs - if at all.

For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely, 
Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here