QUAD bikes and ATVs are essential tools for farm workers – and fun toys for everyone else.
But driving them on the road can be illegal, and the law about how you can use them is complicated.
1
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.
Not only do they lack indicators, number plates, and safety features found on normal road vehicles, they are also designed for grass and mud rather than tarmac.
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.
If your quad bike is road registered, with number plates, you will need insurance and a full car licence to drive it.
You do not need to wear a motorcycle helmet, but it is strongly recommended.
Road-registered quad bikes should have a front and rear number plate, unlike a motorcycle or moped that only needs one at the back.
Like cars, quad bikes need to have an MoT every year once they reach three years old.
You will normally need to tax it as well.
Insurance is always mandatory if the vehicle is used on public roads. Failing to buy cover could land you with a £500 fine and six penalty points.
How to register a quad bike for the road
Some quad bikes can be registered for road use, however, provided they have been built or modified to comply with regulations.
Manufacturers like Honda build off-road quads but allow their dealer network to convert them for road use, for example.
This process is much easier when the quad bike is new. It is often easier to buy a road registered quad than trying to register a second-hand one.
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.
Can I take passengers 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.
Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure how many people can ride on your quad bike.
A quad bike registered for agricultural use only cannot take any passengers, regardless of the number of available seats.
Passengers do not need to wear helmets but it is recommended.
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