San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino
National Forest 909-382-2600 |
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Spark Arresters for Off Highway VehiclesUnited States Forest Service approved spark arresters are required year round on the National Forest. Most approved spark arresters are stamped as such someplace on the unit. Just because it is "stock" does not make it legal. Motocross bikes do not come stock with spark arresters. If you have a motocross bike (for example RM, YZ, KX, SX, CR, etc.) please check it. If your vehicle does not have an authorized and functioning spark arrester, do not bring it to the National Forest. You will receive a citation. If your silencer is stamped "Not For Road Use" or "For Closed Course Competition Only" or if you can stick a small rod all the way through the silencer, it is not a spark arrester. What is a Spark Arrester?A Spark Arrester is a device which traps or pulverizes exhaust carbon particles to a size below 0.023-inch in diameter, as they are expelled from an exhaust system. Trap type Spark Arresters must have a method for removal of accumulated carbon particles. Most spark arresters generally perform in the high 90 percent spark arresting effectiveness range. Are Spark Arresters Required on my Motorcycle, ATV or UTV?Yes. All OHV's must be equipped with an approved and properly functioning Spark Arrestor. Are new OHV's equipped with Spark Arresters?No, not automatically. When purchasing an motorcycle, ATV or UTV check the equipment yourself and ask the seller. You may wish to have this installed at the time of purchase. What is an "Add-On" Spark Arrester?" Add-On" Spark Arresters are added onto an existing muffler exhaust system. They are typically used on Off-Highway-Vehicles. Add-on spark arresters must have a method for removal of accumulated carbon particles. Such as a cleanout plug, snap ring, removable end cap or a removable end cleanout. A removable end cleanout is usually secured to the muffler by a retaining band and/or several screws. In order to empty out the accumulated carbon particles with a removable end cleanout, the entire add-on must be removed by loosening the retaining band or screws, to shake out the carbon particles. Spark Arresters - What is the Law?California Vehicle Code Section 38366 Spark Arrester Law - Laws and Safety "CVC 38366. (a) Notwithstanding Section 4442 of the Public Resources Code, and except for vehicles with mufflers as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 27150) of Chapter 5 of Division 12, no person shall use, operate, or allow to be used or operated, any off-highway motor vehicle, as defined in Section 38006, on any forest-covered land, brush-covered land, or grass-covered land unless the vehicle is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order. (b) A spark arrester affixed to the exhaust system of a vehicle subject to this section shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material. (c) A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable materials specifically for the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 of an inch in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine or which is qualified and rated by the United States Forest Service. (d) Subdivision (a) shall not be applicable to vehicles being operated off the highway in an organized racing or competitive event upon a closed course, which is conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body and by permit issued by the fire protection authority having jurisdiction." US Forest Service Forest - San Bernardino National Forest Order No. 5 - Roads and Trails Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b) each of the following acts are prohibited on the identified areas under my jurisdiction: 4. Operating a vehicle in violation of the California Vehicle Code. 261.54d Violation of these prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or 6 months imprisonment or both. See 16 USC 551. Help Us Protect Our Natural Resources! Report Illegal Off-Highway Vehicle Activity! Call the Off-Highway Vehicle Info Line 909-382-2693 |
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United States Forest Service
- San Bernardino National Forest
Last Modified:
Friday, 12 December 2008 at 14:23:03 EST