Home › UK Rules › Driving Laws › Highway Code of Practice › Quad Bikes
What is a quad bike or quadricycle? As a rule, quad bikes are a type of motorcycle with four large low-pressure tyres.
In most cases, three-wheel trikes and 4-wheel quads are all-terrain vehicles (ATV) designed for off-road use in the United Kingdom.
QUAD BIKE LAWS UK: This page explains the rules and regulations for driving an ATV on roads in the United Kingdom.
To do so, in most cases your quad bike must have vehicle approval, have registration, road tax, and an MOT (where required).
That is because some quad bikes do not meet the UK Highway Code road safety standards.
The Government classes a quad bike as being a B1 vehicle. That means the driver must be at least 17 years old and have the correct licence to drive a road legal ATV on public roads.
In fact, quad bike drivers must hold either a full car licence or a full motorcycle licence category B1 (if issued before January 1997). Road legal quad bike laws do not allow the use of any other motorcycle licence version.
As a general rule, the manufacturer of your quad bike will confirm whether it is 'vehicle type approved' for road use. If not, in some cases you may need to apply for a type approval certificate.
This applies to quads, trikes, and ATVs that did not get standard approved registration but they meet road safety standards.
Your quad bike needs registering with the DVLA before you ride it on the road. They get classified as a Private Light Goods Vehicle.
To register a quad bike and get Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval it must either:
Comply with European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA).
UK National Type Approval (Small Series).
UK Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval Scheme (MSVA).
Have proof of compliance with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Note: UK quad bikes law also states you must have number plates on the front and the rear of the vehicle. The bike must be under 10 years old if your 4x4 quad has been off-road and not yet registered.
Quad Bike Licence UK
Can you ride a quad on a car licence? Yes, you can drive a quad bike or trike on the road if you have a full car licence. But, anyone with car driving licences issued before January 1997 is going to need a B1 license type.
ATV MOT Rules
If your quad bike is over 3 years old, you need to have it tested and hold a valid MOT certificate to use it on the road.
Road Legal Quad Bike Insurance
The third party insurance is the legal minimum to ride quad bikes on a public road. Even so, having full comprehensive insurance is always recommended.
Quad Bike Passenger Law
Drivers are usually straddled on the front seat of a road legal ATV and get steering control from the handlebar. If yours got designed to carry passengers then you can have pillion riders seated on it.
What happens if you build your own quad bike or modify an original version? In this case, you would need to get the DVLA to certify the bike and confirm the number of passengers allowed.
Note: You should check with the manufacturer if you are unsure whether you can carry passengers - and how many.
Do You Have to Wear a Helmet on a Quad?
What is the quad bikes law for wearing a crash helmet? If you are driving your quad bike on a public road you do not have to wear a safety crash helmet.
But, because you are not restrained by a seat belt, the police in the United Kingdom recommend wearing a safety crash helmet. The same applies to pillion passengers but it is not a legal requirement.
Note: Failing to wear a helmet while driving a quad bike in Northern Ireland can result in a fine up to £500.
Light Quad Bike Laws at 16 and Mini Motos
Lighter quad bike classifications must also meet maximum power and speed restrictions. Light quad bike laws for construction requirements are the same as a motor tricycle or a 3 wheel moped.
The legal age to drive quad bikes has an exception. It applies to those who are age 16 years if they receive, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP.
Quad Bike Rules for Riding Off-road
Quad bike laws say you can only ride an off-road version on private land. You must also have full permission from the land owner to do so. Land owned by local councils is not classed as private land in the United Kingdom.
Children under 13 years old are not allowed to drive or be a passenger on a quad bike while driven on private land. Those aged 13 or over can ride quad bikes of an appropriate size and power. But, only after they have received formal training for driving ATVs.
You do not need any type of driving licence to ride quad bikes off-road. Likewise, if you only use your quad bike off-road you do not need to get vehicle registration or tax it.
How does that work?
You can register your off-road quad bike if you have concerns about theft or vandalism. Registration takes place on the DVLA Off Road Register.
The ORR facility gives instant access to the police national computer and registered keeper files. This helps police forces track stolen vehicles and may result in the recovery of your quad bike.
Agricultural Quad Bike Regulations
Quad bikes need registering as a light agricultural vehicle if you use them for:
Agriculture
Horticulture
Forestry
Using an Agricultural Quad Bike on the Road
Registered light agriculture vehicles do not need an MOT test for use on public roads. But, to use it on a public road it must be:
Registered and licensed for road use.
Covered by at least third party insurance.
Fitted with number plates displaying vehicle registration on the front and the rear.
Fitted with lights if it gets used during darkness.
Note: Night (the hours of darkness) gets defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
Quad Bike Tax
Vehicle tax is not needed for quadricycles used in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry. But, you must pay road vehicle tax if it's used on the road. The specific road tax class depends on its use and will either be:
Limited use tax class for bikes.
Agricultural machine class for bikes not licensed for road use.
Carrying Pillion Passengers
As a rule most quads used as light agricultural vehicles only have a driver seat and no passenger seats. Any quadricycle registered as light agriculture vehicles do not allow passengers. This also applies to those designed to carry pinion or passengers.
Note: The Department of Transport has further information about using quads and quad bikes law.
International Vehicles and Standards Department for Transport Zone 1/33 Great Minster House 33 Horseferry Road London SW1P 4DR Email: ivs.enquiries@dft.gov.uk Telephone: 020 7944 2091 Not all phone calls are free in UK.
Related Help Guides
Highway Code Rules: Essential reading for vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and all other road users. Electric Bike Laws: Basic guide explaining the rules and regulations for riding electric bikes. Police FAQ Section: Quick and simple answers to the most common questions about driving laws. Road Safety for Kids: A simple guide teaching young children how to stay safe near the streets. Tinted Windows Law: Outlining all tint measurement regulations and car window tinting rules. www.kent4x4offroading.co.uk: An informative website all about 4x4 and SUV sports utilities.
Note: The Government plans to scrap EU 'Vnuk' motor insurance law (e.g. requiring insurance for a wide range of vehicles such as quad bikes, mobility scooters, and ride-on lawnmowers).
Quad Bikes Law: Legal Requirements for Use in United Kingdom
What licence do I need? Riding a quadbike on private land does not require a licence. However, if you wish to ride your quad bike on the road, you will need a full UK car driving licence (category B or B1). A motorcycle licence will not allow you to ride your quad bike on the road unless it has a B1 entitlement.
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 because they do not meet road safety standards. Check with the manufacturer if your quad bike has been approved for road use.
A quad bike is classed as being a B1 vehicle by the Government. This means that to drive a road-legal quad bike on public roads, the driver must hold a full car licence or full motorcycle licence category B1.
Most quad bikes cannot be used on the road as they do not meet road safety standards. However, if you are looking to use one on the roads you should check with the manufacturer to see if your quad has been approved for road use.
To drive a scrambler, electric scooter, buzz board, quad or mini-moto on a public road, you must be at least 16 years old and have: a driving licence. third party insurance. number plates.
Can you ride a quad bike on the motorway? You can ride a road legal quad bike on the motorway as long as it is fully registered with the DVLA. 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!
You should avoid carrying a passenger on a quad bike; it is the exception, not the rule. Carrying a passenger on a quad bike that is not designed for more than one person can increase the risk of accidents by making it more unstable, more difficult to control, and more likely to rollover.
If you are driving your quad bike on a public road you do not have to wear a safety crash helmet. But, because you are not restrained by a seat belt, the police in the United Kingdom recommend wearing a safety crash helmet. The same applies to pillion passengers but it is not a legal requirement.
Road-legal quads have the same insurance requirements as all other road vehicles and should be covered at a minimum of third-party only cover. You'll have to decide what level of cover you need: Third party only - covers you for damage to others only.
To use the quad bike legally on public roads, it must been fitted with the following lighting: Front white lights. Rear red lights. Rear red reflectors.
- Do not drive the quad bike on streets, highways or paved roads or pavements - they are not designed for use on paved surfaces and may be difficult to control. - Do not ride at excessive speeds. Quad bikes have a short wheelbase and manoeuvrability, could be very unstable and easily flip on uneven ground.
Quadricycles and quad bikes must have both front and rear number plates if they are to be used on the road. Larger quads must display car-type number plates.
If you are 16 years old you are only able to ride a 50cc Scooter or Motorcycle however if you are aged 17 years and above you are able to ride up to the maximum provisional capacity of 125cc.
Even though you won't be riding at top speeds on a regular basis, it's a question that is bound to come up: how fast does an ATV go? For most ATVs their top speed is between 50-90 miles per hour which will depend on different factors like engine size. Let's learn more about the speediness of ATVs.
Generally, you won't need a driver's license to drive a dirt bike on most private lands, but you would usually need one when driving on public roads. Your dual or dirt bike also needs to have particular features and a license plate before you can use it.
Often, to insure quad bikes, most insurers will request that you are 21 & over. Although this can vary between insurers, so before you purchase it with intent for riding on the road, check you can insure your quad – as you'll need valid insurance to be properly covered.
Are quad bikes expensive to insure? How much quad bike insurance will cost you depends on a lot of factors including whether you need on-road or off-road coverage, what type of quad bike you have, and how much you ride it. Generally, though, on-road insurance will be more expensive than off-road.
As powered transporters are propelled by a motor, they are considered 'motor vehicles' and are treated as such under the law. This means they are subject to the same restrictions as regular cars and motorcycles.
In truth however, so long as the quad or ATV (all terrain vehicle) meets all safety standards and has been approved for road use, they can be ridden on public roads too and are becoming more popular every year!
While UTVs have several safety features such as a roll cage and seat belts, you still need to wear a helmet when riding a UTV. An accident can still happen, causing serious injury to your head. Even if you don't hit the ground or a tree, you could hit your head against a part of the vehicle.
ATVs such as quad bikes and side-by-side utility vehicles are designed to cope with a wide variety of off-road conditions, but if used carelessly can very rapidly become unstable.
Pillion cover is a part of motorbike insurance that covers passengers. If pillion cover isn't included as standard, you can usually add it on for a fee. Provisional licence holders cannot carry pillion passengers under any circ*mstances.
2. MOT and maintenance. Like other agricultural vehicles, an agriculturally taxed ATV does not need an MOT. However, it must be kept in roadworthy condition at all times and you must have a minimum of third party insurance.
So, Are Dirt Bikes Road Legal? Dirt bikes are not road legal and should not be driven on public roads or in public places, this includes places like footpaths, forests, parks, car parks, beaches etc.
We currently have the following smallest legal size motorbike number plates for motorcycles (over 2 rows): – 9′ x 6.5′ (228mm x 164mm) For 7 Digit Registrations [or less].– 7.6′ x 6.5′ (194mm x 164mm) For 7 Digit Registrations With a 1 or I [or less].
"Three-wheeled vehicles that do not have a body type which is characteristic of the body of a four-wheeled vehicle do not require a front number plate.
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test. You must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.
CBT is not a test that you pass or fail. After you've completed CBT , you can ride a: moped if you're 16 or over. motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you're 17 or over.
If you want to ride a motorcycle over 50cc and up to 125cc, you will need to take CBT. Once you have a valid CBT certificate, you can ride a 125cc with L plates. If you want to remove the L plates or ride a more powerful machine, you will need to take the relevant practical tests.
Nowadays there are a lot of sports quads that can easily reach an impressive top speed of 80mph. A 250cc quad has an average top speed of 50 mph and a highest top speed of 60 mph.
Most 450cc engines top out around 55 MPH. That's plenty fast for a modest engine like this. You won't hit this speed often either—just on the flat-out straightaways.
A heavy 14-year-old beginner rider can ride faster if they're on a smaller bike, but it can be problematic since their weight can affect the suspension. If your kid's weight is around 150 lbs or less, the ideal bike would be around 250cc or below.
It is recommended that only teenagers from the age of 16-years upward consider riding a 250cc dirt bike. Even so, you should only consider this bike for your kid if they are tall for their age and have the experience and strength to be able to tame a 250cc dirt bike.
4 to 6-year-olds would start with a 50cc Yamaha PW (often called a PeeWee) bike or similar. By around 8 years old they can ride a 65/80cc mini motocross machine. At age 10 or 11, kids can ride anything up to a 150cc 4 stroke, or 65/80cc two strokes.
If you are going to drive your vehicle on the road, you will need to have a full car license or a category B1 license if it was issued before January 1997. If you want to carry passengers, do not exceed the limit of the number of right seats. Only carry passengers if the ATV / UTV is safe to do so.
So, Are Dirt Bikes Road Legal? Dirt bikes are not road legal and should not be driven on public roads or in public places, this includes places like footpaths, forests, parks, car parks, beaches etc.
Quadricycles and quad bikes must have both front and rear number plates if they are to be used on the road. Larger quads must display car-type number plates.
If you are driving your quad bike on a public road you do not have to wear a safety crash helmet. But, because you are not restrained by a seat belt, the police in the United Kingdom recommend wearing a safety crash helmet. The same applies to pillion passengers but it is not a legal requirement.
If you are 16 years old you are only able to ride a 50cc Scooter or Motorcycle however if you are aged 17 years and above you are able to ride up to the maximum provisional capacity of 125cc.
Even though you won't be riding at top speeds on a regular basis, it's a question that is bound to come up: how fast does an ATV go? For most ATVs their top speed is between 50-90 miles per hour which will depend on different factors like engine size. Let's learn more about the speediness of ATVs.
Are quad bikes expensive to insure? How much quad bike insurance will cost you depends on a lot of factors including whether you need on-road or off-road coverage, what type of quad bike you have, and how much you ride it. Generally, though, on-road insurance will be more expensive than off-road.
Rear view mirrors will also be necessary to make the quad bike road legal. The mirrors allow the operator to see vehicles behind him during lane changes and other road maneuvers.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
ATV MOT Rules
ATV MOT Rules