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Posted by: fishbones
bearchaser, Congrats on your new ATV. I don't know about the stickers and sparkplug stuff but roads can get you in trouble. In Minnesota it varies as noted below. I'd just call your California Department of Natural Resources (CDNR)? and find out. Fines suck and if your fined once you're labeled a bad person.
Federal Forest roads are open year around.
County roads that run through Federal forests are off limits. You can ride the ditch if at all
State Forest roads depend on State Forest some are OK others are not.
County roads that run through State Forests are off limits.
Walking or non-motorized trails are off-limits all the time, but some are open to both.
Horse trails are different than both walking and motorized trails.
Snowmobile and ATV trails are different unless posted open to both.
All roads in any State or Federal forest have a grading scale from 1-5. One is that nobody cares and very little maintenance. Five is a maintained road with established traffic. Gravel or Tar, a road graded 3-5 is questionable.
Again, check with the CA DNR and also do your own research. In your state the big "Roadless Initative" is a hot topic, I always carry the law as written with me when riding, you just never know.
Posted by: soggyrider
You better check with the forest service, and find out, but in most states you cant ride on a forest service road unless you are street leagal. (I.E. licenseplates.) As liberal as california is I would venture the greenies have put a stop to just about all riding anywhere but designated orv parks. and it is getting that bad up the coast in washington too. Between the envirocooks, litterbugs and the drunk cityboys out tearin up the woods there just about all closed down.
Best of luck to you and happy trails.
Posted by: Coltrane300
A spark arrestor is that little bolt on your muffler. You have one.
Sorry don't know anything about plates or stickers. I don't have one, but I live in West Virginia. It depends on what state you are in.
Posted by: bearchaser
hey guys! i just bought a new 2000 big bear 4x4. this is my first atv and i got it to hunt and play with. i sold my 4x4 and am tired of beat'n my new truck to death on the back roads or backbacking a half a day to get to the good spots.
anyway i got a couple questions. first is all i need to criuse the forest roads a green sticker or do i need more? seems like as long as i dont stray from the established roads i shouldn't have a problem. and second are spark arresters extra equipment and something i add or is a spark arrester factory equipment. oh yeah, i'm not sure if it matters but i'm form southern california.
like i said i am COMPLETELY new to this and could use all the advise i can get.
bearchaser
Posted by: RancherDave
agree with Soggyrider and Fishbones 100%. Call somebody and make sure of the rules and regulations BEFORE you go. I'm not a tree hugger. I'm just saying AVOID THE HASSLE and try not to be one of those on Soggyriders list.
LIFE IS SHORT,SO HAVE FUN AND BE CAREFUL!!!!!
Rancher 4x4
Bone stock
