CVC 38300 Ticket: Off-Highway Vehicle Registration Explained & Defenses
Operating off-highway vehicle without proper registration
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 38300?
Operating off-highway vehicle without proper registration
Common scenarios
- You took your ATV out on a friend’s private land, but the officer still gave you a ticket for no registration.
- You just bought a dirt bike and hadn’t registered it yet, so you got stopped and cited.
- You had a registration sticker but it fell off or was damaged, so the officer thought you were unregistered.
Key facts
- What is an Off-Highway Vehicle?: An OHV is any motorized vehicle designed for use off public roads, like dirt bikes, ATVs, and dune buggies.
- Registration is Required by Law: California requires all OHVs to be registered with the DMV before use, even if you only ride on private land sometimes.
- Penalties Can Include Fines: If caught without registration, you may have to pay a fine and could get points on your driving record.
Fine breakdown for CVC 38300
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 38300?
This ticket means you were caught driving an off-highway vehicle (OHV) without the right registration. OHVs include dirt bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, and other vehicles made for off-road use.
California law says all OHVs must be registered with the DMV before you ride them. This helps keep track of vehicles and makes sure they’re safe and legal.
If you got this ticket, don’t panic. It’s common, and there are ways to fight it or fix the problem.
Why does this matter?
- Driving an unregistered OHV can lead to fines.
- It can also cause trouble if you’re involved in an accident.
- Registration shows you’re following the law and helps protect you.
What to do next?
- Check if your OHV registration is current.
- If not, register it as soon as possible.
- Consider if you have a good reason why you weren’t registered.
Keep reading for defenses, examples, and answers to your questions.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
I had a valid registration but forgot to carry the card or sticker.
Defense 2
I was riding on private property, not public land or roads.
Defense 3
I was in the process of registering the vehicle but hadn’t received the paperwork yet.
Defense 4
The vehicle is exempt from registration under certain California laws (like some farm vehicles).
Defense 5
The officer made a mistake and the vehicle was actually registered.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 38300 online
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Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 38300
Can I ride my OHV on private land without registration?
Usually yes, but some areas have local rules. The ticket often happens if you’re on public land or roads without registration.
How do I register my off-highway vehicle?
You can register your OHV at the DMV. You’ll need proof of ownership, a completed application, and to pay a fee.
What if I just bought the vehicle and haven’t registered it yet?
You should register it right away. If you get a ticket, you can explain you were in the process of registering it.
Can I fight this ticket if I was riding legally?
Yes. If you were on private property or had a valid registration, you can use that as a defense.
What happens if I ignore this ticket?
Ignoring it can lead to higher fines and possibly a hold on your vehicle registration or driver’s license.