Pat Carey
Ceist:515 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if quad bikes are covered by the motor tax regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18527/03]
Written Answers. - Motor Taxation.
Quadricycles including those with generic names such as "quad" or "atv", are regarded as mechanically propelled vehicles under the 1961 Road Traffic Act. Accordingly, when they are in use in a public place they are subject to the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use) Regulations 1963 to 2003 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. In accordance with section 56 of the 1961 Road Traffic Act, all mechanically propelled vehicles used in a public place must be covered by an insurance policy that provides unlimited cover for liabilities to third parties. The user of a quadricycle in a public place must hold a category B driving licence.
The Road Traffic Acts create the offences for which the gardaí may prosecute under their general powers as referred to in section 126 of the 1961 Road Traffic Act.