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Road Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Questions (827)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

827. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation which governs the use of quads and scramblers on public roads; the circumstances in which they are permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7964/20]

View answer

Written answers

Scrambler motorbikes, quadbikes and other small similar vehicles, are mechancially propelled vehicles, which means that they are vehicles intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical power. They are subject to the same road traffic legislation as every other vehicle on our roads. As such, irrespective of engine capacity, under Road Traffic legislation, the user of a scrambler motorbike, a quad bike or similar vehicle, in a public place, must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties under the road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.

For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, a “public place” means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.

Scrambler motorbikes and quad bikes must also comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996 when used in a public place. These regulations prescribe standards in relation to essential matters such as brakes, steering, mirrors, safety glass, wipers, headlamps, rear lighting, indicators and reflectors.

Enforcement of the road traffic laws is a matter for An Garda Síochána, and I am advised that it is satisfied that it has the necessary powers to deal with cases concerning the use of scrambler motorbikes and similar vehicles in public places under the Road Traffic Acts.

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