California Air Resources Board

The Board adopted CARB's original off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) emissions regulations in 1994.  This rulemaking established exhaust emission standards and test procedures for off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, engines used in specialty vehicles, go-karts, and golf carts.  Subsequent Board activity modified the original OHRV rulemaking such that engines producing less than 25 horsepower that are used in specialty vehicles or go-karts are now subject to the small off-road engine regulations (SORE).  Engines producing 25 horsepower or more that are used in specialty vehicles or go-karts are now subject to the large spark-ignition engine regulations.

Effective January 1, 1997, new golf carts purchased for operation within federal ozone non-attainment areas must be zero-emission golf carts (e.g. electric).  Golf carts propelled by internal combustion engines and operated in ozone attainment areas must use engines compliant with SORE standards.