For a quad bike to be used on the road, it must be approved, registered, taxed, and have an MOT (if required). Quad bikes are not generally allowed on the road because they do not meet road safety standards. Make sure that your quad bike has been approved for road use by the manufacturer. You can apply for 'type approval' if your quad bike has not yet been approved, but it meets road safety standards.
Quad bike rules.
Registration
Quad bikes need to be licensed with the DVLA, and they must be equipped with front and rear license plates.
MOT certificates
A quad bike used on the road must have a valid MOT certificate if it is more than three years old.
Driver's license
Quad bikes can only be driven on the road with a valid car licence, or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997.
Insurance
A quad bike driver must have third-party insurance.
Passengers
Quad bikes can only carry passengers if they are designed to do so and have the required number of seats. If you're unsure, check with the manufacturer.
Crash helmets
In England, Scotland, and Wales, quad bikers and passengers are not required to wear crash helmets, but it is recommended. If you're driving a quad bike in Northern Ireland, you must wear a helmet. Refusal to do so can result in a fine of up to £500.
Use of quad bikes off-road
A quad bike can be ridden off-road without a driver's license. If you only plan on using your quad bike off-road, then you do not need to tax and register it. In order to help the police find your stolen off-road quad bike, there is an off-road register where details of your quad bike can be recorded.
Agriculture Quad Bikes
Quad bikes used in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry must be registered as light agricultural vehicles.
Using an agricultural quad bike on the road
On the road, an agricultural quad bike does not need an MOT, but it must be registered, licensed, and insured for third party damage. If it is used on the road after dark, it will also need lights.
Vehicle tax
Vehicle tax is not required on quad bikes used for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry.
It depends on how you use your quad bike whether you have to pay tax:
bikes used on the road are subject to a limited use tax
agricultural machine class for bikes not licensed for road use
Passengers
Quad bikes used as light agricultural vehicles should only have a driver's seat. Passengers are not allowed on them.
More information
This can be obtained from the Department of Transport.
International Vehicles and Standards
Department for Transport
Zone 1/33
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
International Vehicles and Standards\
For information on our quads for sale, including the Polaris Sportsman and Kioti UTV 2400 K9 please call us on 01673 828 965.