CVC 4002 Off-Highway Vehicle Registration Ticket Explained | ClerkHero
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4002
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 4002?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4002
Common scenarios
- You rode your dirt bike on a friend’s private ranch. An officer stopped you, but since it’s private property, registration wasn’t needed.
- You bought an ATV last week and have the bill of sale but haven’t registered it yet. You got a ticket for no registration.
- Your OHV has a registration sticker, but it fell off or was hard to see when the officer stopped you.
Key facts
- Registration is required for public land use: You only need OHV registration if you ride on public land like trails or parks. Private property doesn’t require it.
- Renew your OHV registration yearly: OHV registrations expire every year. Riding with expired registration can lead to tickets.
- You can show proof after the ticket: If you get a ticket but can later prove your OHV was registered, the court may reduce or dismiss the fine.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4002
| 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 4002?
CVC 4002 means your off-highway vehicle (OHV) wasn’t properly registered. In California, if you ride an OHV like a dirt bike, ATV, or dune buggy on public land, you must have a valid registration from the DMV.
This law helps keep track of vehicles and makes sure riders follow safety rules. If you got a ticket for CVC 4002, it means an officer saw you riding without the right registration.
Why does this matter?
Riding an unregistered OHV can lead to fines and sometimes even your vehicle getting impounded. The state wants to make sure all vehicles are safe and legal to protect you and others.
What should you do?
- Check if your OHV registration is current and correct.
- If you never registered your OHV, you’ll need to do that ASAP.
- Consider your ticket options: pay it, fight it, or ask for a reduction.
Don’t panic! Many people get these tickets by mistake or because they didn’t know the registration rules. You have options to handle this.
Common Defenses
- I was riding on private property, not public land. Registration is only required for public areas.
- My OHV registration was valid but I forgot to carry the card. Sometimes showing proof later can help.
- I just bought the vehicle and haven’t had time to register it yet. Proof of purchase date can support this.
- The officer made a mistake and confused my vehicle with someone else’s. Evidence like photos or witnesses can back this up.
Example Scenarios
- Scenario 1: You took your dirt bike to a friend’s private ranch. An officer saw you but you didn’t need registration there.
- Scenario 2: You bought an ATV a week ago and haven’t registered it yet. You have the bill of sale but got a ticket.
- Scenario 3: You have a registration sticker, but it fell off or was hard to see when the officer stopped you.
Key Facts
- Registration is required for public land use. You don’t need it if you only ride on private property.
- You must renew your OHV registration yearly. Expired registration can lead to tickets.
- Proof of registration can be shown after the ticket is issued. This might help reduce or dismiss the ticket.
FAQ
Q: What vehicles need OHV registration?
A: Dirt bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, and other off-road vehicles used on public land.
Q: Can I ride my OHV without registration on my own land?
A: Yes, registration is not required on private property.
Q: How much is the fine for CVC 4002?
A: Fines vary but usually start around $200. It can be more with fees.
Q: Can I fight this ticket if I just forgot my registration card?
A: Sometimes, yes. Showing proof later can help your case.
Q: How do I register my OHV?
A: Visit the California DMV website or office with your vehicle info and proof of ownership.
Remember, getting this ticket isn’t the end of the world. Take a deep breath, check your registration, and decide the best next step. You’ve got options, and help is here if you need it.
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 was riding on private property, not public land, so registration wasn’t required.
Defense 2
My OHV registration was valid, but I forgot to carry the registration card at the time.
Defense 3
I recently purchased the OHV and have proof of the sale but haven’t registered it yet.
Defense 4
The officer confused my vehicle with another, and I have evidence to prove it.
Defense 5
My registration sticker was present but not clearly visible due to damage or placement.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4002 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 4002
What vehicles need OHV registration?
Dirt bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, and other off-road vehicles used on public land need registration.
Can I ride my OHV without registration on my own land?
Yes. Registration is only required when riding on public land, not private property.
How much is the fine for CVC 4002?
Fines usually start around $200 but can be higher with added fees.
Can I fight this ticket if I forgot my registration card?
Sometimes. Showing proof of registration later may help reduce or dismiss the ticket.
How do I register my OHV?
Go to the California DMV website or office with your vehicle info and proof of ownership to register.