So Cal unmarked roads rules? Anyone familiar?

Without explaining why I've been spending a bit of time in the Hesperia/Applevalley area and looking around I'm stunned (Orange County boy) to see all these random dirt roads that trail off into the distance with no markings, no method of blocking traffic, nothing.

The only thing I can find about these roads is, inside the city limits of Hesperia, you cannot ride off-highway vehicles which they explicitly define as dirt bikes, quads, etc.

The "roads" I'm referring to are these dirt cuts that move between actual marked paved roads (see picture.) I cannot find a thing anywhere about what the "rules" are to drive on this. I guess I'm a bit overly semantic but a street-legal vehicle is not offhighway per their definition so those rules wouldn't apply. Obviously if it's private property you cannot pass without permission, but there's an element of the owner needing to notify you, isn't there?

Anyone know for sure? Have experience travelling these roads? I'm considering going up to Stoddard just 'cause I know I can ride there but all these little treats are so tempting!

Thanks guys,

 

I bet those dirt roads overlay perfectly on a parcel map. In other words, private property.

 

Fair point. I did some scouting on the ground and noticed a lot of for-sale signs which would definitely support your inclination; however, there was not a single sign of "No Trespassing" or fencing ANYWHERE. Which is also interesting to note.

-- edit

It's important to specify that because, according to California law, "uncultivated" or "unenclosed" land must have signs in order to "keep people out."

If it's cultivated or enclosed it's assumed.

 

If you don't have explicit permission you can be cited for vehicular trespass. I learned that one the hard way... road wasn't posted, fenced, near a house, or anything.

 

I hope you fought the unlawful citation.... http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/602.8.html

 

Wasn't cited under state code, was cited under some LA county ordinance.

 

LA county? That's your first mistake!

This is like the deepest sunniest depths of San Bernardino you can get. Even farther away than where they shot out of a helicopter at a fleeing vehicle 9/18.

 

There were many mistakes that day... I was young and dumb. But I did research state law before heading out. I had no idea the county had an ordinance.

I pulled off the trail to get turned around and sunk.

That's the Sheriff on the dirtbike. He was pretty nice. His Sergeant was a prick. His Sergeant wanted to arrest me for some environmental bullshit. He basically shielded me by writing the citation and calling it "done".

 

Only a useless prick would want to arrest someone that deep in. Not like you're up to no good anymore anyway.

On the other hand I checked out Stoddard Wells OHV area and that was AWESOME.

 

Your best bet it just to stay out / away from the private property. Go find some BLM land. I've had some negative experiences with traveling what turned out to be private dirt roads, nothing as crappy as Chase's example above although, unless you consider threats of loss of life to be worse. :/

 

Growing up in SoCal, I never had any problems driving on these dirt roads. If there are no signs or gates, that's a prescriptive easement and you can pass. However, they aren't much fun for off roading. And if you drive them like your Ivan Stewart, then yeah, you might find some trouble.

 

^^This. Go east or north from the areas that you are mentioned. Johnson Valley offers all kinds of wheeling, Stoddard as you mentioned, the Calico area has some fun roads and there is Rattlesnake canyon which is a cool trail out of Yucca valley which takes you up to Big Bear. If you are in the Barstow area during the week you can hit up the BLM office and they sell off road maps for $3. The rangers are great folks to speak to and will set you straight on places to go.

 

^ X2