Full Answer
What should I look for when buying a quad bike?
You should buy one that is made to be legal on the road since you cannot convert an off road model into a street legal machine by yourself. Quad bikes that are street legal have a switch that regulates the speed in which the bike can travel.
Do quad bikes need to be registered?
For quad bikes used purely off road then the Road Traffic Act 1988 and below requirements do not apply. Although, voluntarily registering quad bikes with the DVLA’s “off road register” will aid police when locating the quad bike if it is stolen. Use on Public Roads
Do quad bikes need an MOT?
An agricultural quad bike used on the road does not need an MOT, but must be registered and licensed for road use and must have a number plate and third party insurance. It will also need lights if it’s being used on the road after dark.
Can you drive a quad bike on the road without insurance?
Quad bikes used on the road need a valid MOT certificate if they are more than 3 years old. To drive a quad bike on the road you need to have a full car licence or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997. You must have third party insurance to drive a quad bike on the road.
Quad bikes: the rules
Quad bikes must be approved, registered, taxed and have an MOT (if needed) to be used on the road. Most quad bikes cannot be used on the road becau...
Rules for riding quad bikes
Registering You must register your quad bike with DVLA and the bike must have front and rear number plates. MOT certificates Quad bikes used on the...
Using a quad bike off-road
You do not need a driving licence to ride a quad bike off-road. You do not have to tax and register your quad bike if you’re only going to use it o...
Agricultural quad bikes
If you’re using a quad bike for agriculture, horticulture and forestry work you need to register it as a light agricultural vehicle. Using an agric...
More information
Contact the Department for Transport for more information about quad bikes. International Vehicles and Standards Department for Transport Zone 1/33...
Are all quad bikes road legal?
The simple answer is no. Most quad bikes are not legally allowed to drive on the road because they don’t meet the strict road safety standards that are required for any motorised vehicle to drive on the public highway. If you’re investing in a quad bike (and that investment can run into thousands of pounds), it’s important to make sure you check first if you want the vehicle for both on and off-road use.
Do I need an MOT for my quad bike?
If you’re going to be riding your quad bike on the road then it must conform to current MOT legislation. That means if it’s three years old or older, and you drive it on the road, an MOT is required.
Do I need licence plates to ride my quad bike on the road?
If you’re using a quad bike off-road the licence plates don’t need to be on the vehicle, but as soon as your wheels hit tarmac, you need to make sure the plates are back on the vehicle .
How much does quad bike road tax cost?
The cost of road tax for your quad bike depends on emissions and the size of the engine, just like taxing a car. But not everyone has to pay road tax for their quad bike. If you use your quad bike a very limited amount on the road for agriculture, horticulture or forestry, you are exempt from road tax. If you don’t ever ride your quad bike on the road, you won’t need to tax it.
How do I apply for zero-rated vehicle tax?
If you use your road legal quad bike for agriculture, horticulture or forestry, you can apply for zero-rated road tax. You can only apply for this if you only make very short journeys on the road (less than 1.5km) to go between land owned by the same person. Remember, even if you don’t need to pay for road tax, you still need to apply for it.
Can you ride a quad bike on the motorway?
However, as even the best, top-of-the-range quad bikes would struggle to keep up with motorway traffic, we really wouldn’t recommend it! A quad bike registered for agricultural, horticultural or forestry use is not permitted on the motorway.
Do I have to wear a helmet on a quad bike on the road?
You don’t have to wear a helmet when you drive your quad bike on the road in Scotland, England or Wales, although it is strongly recommended, particularly as you are not restrained by a safety belt, and in the event of an accident you may be thrown off the vehicle. The same rules apply to pillion passengers.
What is street legal quad bike?
Quad bikes that are street legal have a switch that regulates the speed in which the bike can travel. The built in limit far exceeds those that are set on roads so you should always carefully watch your traveling speed whenever you are on the road. Off road, street legal quad bikes will perform and handle like a true sports vehicle that it really is, providing its rider with a lot of fun and thrill.
Is it safe to ride a quad bike?
If not handled the right way, it could be dangerous to ride a quad bike. A mishap can cause both fatal injuries and damages to property. Hence, quad bike and ATV rider courses were made available to make it safer. A course can be availed for free or with a small cost. It is always worth the small investment to take such a course since it covers techniques for riding, protective equipment and safety clothing that you need to wear while riding the vehicle. You will also learn how to properly check your vehicle before riding it and the specific road and environmental laws required in each state.
Can you ride a quad bike on a regular road?
As far as the off- roading is concerned, the quad bike may be king. But when it comes to roads and highways , you cannot just ride it in one because of safety considerations. To keep yourself out of trouble, you should know the laws and regulations concerning its use on regular roads have a respect for nature and turn your quad bike into a street legal vehicle.
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Do you have to wear a helmet when riding a quad bike?
Always wear a safety helmet whenever you ride your quad bike. This is a rule that should be obvious to everybody. Although your locality may not require you to wear one while on the road, it is always a good idea to wear one.
Can quad bikes be on the road?
The road rules that apply to quad bikes differ on each jurisdiction or state. Many of the states do not allow all types of quad bikes to be on the road. To be sure of the specifics, always make it a point to check with the law enforcement officers in a locality.
Do quad bikes need a license?
In general, any jurisdiction that permits quad bikes to travel on the road requires the vehicle to be incorporated with brake lights and mirrors. It should also be properly registered and licensed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the locality. There are states that will require you to have a standard driver’s license while others may require you to participate in a special training course.
Can I drive a quad or ATV on the road?
Most quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed for off-road use only.
Why are quad bikes so difficult to control?
Some quad bike models are more difficult to control on the road than they are in a field because of the way the rear axle is built.
How often do quad bikes need MoT?
Like cars, quad bikes need to have an MoT every year once they reach three years old.
What companies build off road quads?
Manufacturers like Honda build off-road quads but allow their dealer network to convert them for road use, for example.
Can a quad bike take passengers?
A quad bike registered for agricultural use only cannot take any passengers, regardless of the number of available seats.
Can you sit on a quad bike?
If your quad bike or ATV has been designed to take a passenger, you can have other person sitting on or in it.
Can you register a quad as a normal vehicle?
You can either register a quad as a normal vehicle, or for agricultural use - the latter coming with restrictions on how far you can drive it, but exempting you from MOT.
Why can't quad bikes be used on the road?
Most quad bikes cannot be used on the road because they do not meet road safety standards.
What license do you need to drive a quad bike?
Driving licence. To drive a quad bike on the road you need to have a full car licence or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997.
Do quad bikes need to be registered?
If you’re using a quad bike for agriculture, horticulture and forestry work you need to register it as a light agricultural vehicle.
Do you have to wear a helmet when driving a quad bike in Ireland?
You must wear a helmet if you’re driving a quad bike in Northern Ireland. You can be fined up to £500 if you do not.
Can a quad bike carry passengers?
A quad bike can only carry passengers if it is designed to do so and has the right number of seats. Check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure.
Do quad bikes have to have front and rear plates?
You must register your quad bike with DVLA and the bike must have front and rear number plates.
Do you have to tax a quad bike?
You do not have to tax and register your quad bike if you’re only going to use it off-road. However, there is an ‘off-road register’ where you can record the details of your off-road quad bike, which could help the police find it if it’s stolen.
What is the liability of the estate for quad bikes?
This can include the liability of the Estate or any member of staff who authorises the use of the quad bikes on a road. Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 imposes this liability to anyone who “cause or permits” an offence. This means the estate staff could be open to the same criminal penalties as the person who is seen as ...
What is required for a quad bike?
A quad bike capable of travelling in excess of 20mph also requires a horn and speedometer. If traveling in excess of 25mph a fog light is also required to be fitted to the vehicle. Quad bikes used on the road which are 3 years and older require a MOT certificate.
What is the law governing the use of motor vehicles?
The law governing the use of motors vehicles comes under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Under this act Section 185 defines a motor vehicle as “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”. For quad bikes used purely off road then the Road Traffic Act 1988 and below requirements do not apply.
Can you use a quad bike at night?
Indicators can be fitted to the quad bike (involving 4 indicator lights, along with a number plate). This still requires the quad bike to only be used during daylight hours as there are not sufficient lights for operating at night.
Is a quad bike road legal?
A quad bike which is not road legal from manufacture can be modified to meet the above required specification. Once completed, an application to the DVLA is required to have the quad bike certified as road legal by what is known as “type approval”.
Can you drive a quad bike on a public road?
It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road without them. This applies to quad bikes.
Is a quad a registered vehicle?
Agricultural Vehicle status – The quad is fitted with a number plate and is registered, but is only able to be used in daylight hours for agricultural purposes. No passengers are able to be transported.
Adherence to Legal Rules of The Road
Special Training Course
- If not handled the right way, it could be dangerous to ride a quad bike. A mishap can cause both fatal injuries and damages to property. Hence, quad bike and ATV rider courses were made available to make it safer. A course can be availed for free or with a small cost. It is always worth the small investment to take such a course since it covers techniques for riding, protective equip…
Additional Things to Consider
- Always wear a safety helmet whenever you ride your quad bike. This is a rule that should be obvious to everybody. Although your locality may not require you to wear one while on the road, it is always a good idea to wear one. You should also make sure that you and your bike is adequately covered by insurance. With such coverage, you will have yourself covered against ro…