AB-1909 • 2026

Off-highway vehicle: emergency response situation.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Davies
Last action: 2026-03-10
Official status: Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details about which types of off-highway vehicles can be used on highways during emergencies.

Off-highway Vehicle Use for Emergency Response

The bill allows first responders to use off-highway vehicles on highways during emergencies and makes a technical change to how legal documents are served.

What This Bill Does

Allows first responders to operate or drive an off-highway vehicle upon a highway to provide emergency response services or while performing official departmental duties.

Who It Names or Affects

First responders who need to provide emergency services using off-highway vehicles.

Terms To Know

first responder: A person, such as a police officer or firefighter, who is the first to arrive at an emergency scene.
off-highway vehicle: A type of vehicle designed for use on terrain other than paved roads, like dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify which types of off-highway vehicles can be used.

Bill History

2026-03-10 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
2026-03-09 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on TRANS.
2026-02-13 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1909, as amended, Davies.
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Off-highway vehicle: emergency response situation.
Under existing law, generally a motor vehicle may not be driven upon a highway unless it is registered. However, off-highway motor vehicles issued an identification plate or device may cross highways under specified conditions, including, among others, a peace officer in an emergency response situation.
This bill would similarly authorize first responders, as defined, to operate or drive an off-highway vehicle upon a highway to provide emergency response services or while performing official departmental duties.
Existing law requires all civil process in actions brought against the Director of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Motor Vehicles and all subpoenas for the production of department records to be served upon the director or the director’s appointed representatives at the department’s headquarters.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to that provision.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF