A quad bike or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a four-wheel powered vehicle designed to be driven off-road, for example, on a farm.

Are quad bikes legal on public roads in Ireland?

Yes. A quad bike is treated the same as any other vehicle on the road. You must have tax, insurance, a driving licence, and your quad should be registered with Revenue. You must display number plates. Contact Revenue for information on the documents you need. You must be 16 to drive a light quad of 350kg or less with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h. To drive a heavier quad, you must be at least 17 years old.

Are the rules different for quads used only on farms ?

If you only use your quad on the farm and it is not used on public roads, it does not need to be taxed and insured. Minors using quad bikes on private property fall under the Health and Safety Authority.

Is Quad bike training compulsory?

Since November 2023, it is compulsory for anyone driving a quad to complete a training course with a registered training provider. This applies even if you only drive your quad on a farm. There are one-day and 2-day training courses available. The costs can vary slightly and depend on your driving experience. The training combines theory and practice. After successfully completing the course, you will receive a certificate, which is generally valid for five years. A one-day course for experienced drivers costs €250-€300 and a two-day course for less experienced drivers from €450-€535.

Must I wear a Quad bike helmet?

Under the new rules, you must wear a helmet when using a quad. The helmet is typically a motorcycle helmet or a specialist ATV (all-terrain vehicle) helmet. The type of helmet chosen must be based on an assessment of the circumstance in which the quad bike will be used, such as the types of surface travelled over and anticipated speeds. The harder the surface and higher the speed, the greater the degree of protection needed. Standard industrial hard hats, forestry helmets or cycling helmets are not acceptable.

Can I tow a trailer with a quad on a public road?

Yes. The quad must be taxed, insured and roadworthy. You must have an appropriate driving licence for that vehicle combination and the loaded weight of the trailer must not exceed the quad’s towing capacity.

Can I carry a passenger on a quad?

You cannot carry a passenger on a quad. The only exception is if the quad was originally manufactured to carry a passenger. Carrying

If you need further information about this topic or you have other questions, you can drop-in to the Citizens Information Service in Bantry or ring 0818 07 8390. They will be happy to assist you. WEST CORK HELPLINE 0818 07 8390

The offices are staffed from 10am -5pm from Monday to Thursday and on Friday from 10am -4pm. Alternatively you can email on [email protected] or log on to
www.citizensinformation.ie