California · Vehicle Code

VEH §38026.5: (a) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 4000, a motor vehicle issued a plate or device pursuant to Section 38160 may be operated or driven on a local highway, or a portion of the local highw

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

Off-highway vehicles may operate on designated local highways if equipped properly. Operating such vehicles during darkness, without working stoplights, with non-rubber tires, without valid driver's license, or without required safety compliance is unlawful.

Read the full statutory text

(a) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 4000, a motor vehicle issued a plate or device pursuant to Section 38160 may be operated or driven on a local highway, or a portion of the local highway, that is designated pursuant to Section 38026, 38026.1, 38026.2, or 38026.3 if the operation is in conformance with this code and the vehicle complies with off-highway vehicle equipment requirements specified in this division. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), it is unlawful for a person using an off-highway vehicle on a combined-use highway to do any of the following: (1) Operate an off-highway motor vehicle on the highway during the hours of darkness. (2) Operate a vehicle on the highway that does not have an operational stoplight. (3) Operate a vehicle on the highway that does not have rubber tires. (4) Operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class for the vehicle operation in possession. (5) Operate a vehicle on the highway without complying with Article 2 (commencing with Section 16020) of Chapter 1 of Division 7.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.