If you have ever enjoyed jumping to the back of a quad bike for some fun around a farm, you might be considering the purchase of your own four-wheeled adventure. While an off-road quad bike is bound to be a lot of fun, you are limited as to where and when you are able to use your new machine.

Enter the road legal quad. As these machines are compliant with the Road Traffic Act put on paper in 1988, not only can you drive them to an off-road destination, but you could even use them as a means of regular transportation should you wish to.

Unfortunately though, it isn’t quite that simple. For a quad bike to be classed as road legal there are a variety of additions that are required in comparison with a more traditional off-road equivalent. There are also other matters to consider, such as insurance, tax and certification. The following points will help you to understand exactly what a road legal quad bike is, and what you need to do in order to enjoy owning one.

What makes a quad bike road legal?

Quad bikes were first enjoyed on farms as a means of transporting goods and travelling over hostile terrain. Before long though, the masses started to realise the enjoyment and fun that was to be had from these machines, with activity days, camping trips and more all taking advantage of them. And so road legal quad bikes were developed, to allow users to easily get to a destination where they could properly enjoy the power and performance of their chosen quad.

For a quad bike to be classed as road legal then, there are certain elements that must be present, just as in the case of a car or motorbike. The quad must have lights and indicators for example, as well as a speedometer, appropriate tyres for road use, mirrors for seeing vehicles behind you and even a horn. A valid number plate, insurance certificate and tax document are three other legal requirements for a road legal quad bike.

Who can ride a road legal quad bike?

In order to take a road legal quad bike onto a public road you must hold a full driving licence. This means that you must be over 17 years of age. No additional certification is required by law, but as quad bikes are dangerous machines it is recommended that you undertake a training course before use. These usually last for one – two days and tend to be inexpensive.

Undertaking a course in operating a quad bike will also help you to obtain an insurance quote, which is a legal requirement when it comes to taking your quad on the road.

Finally, remember that safety is paramount whether your quad bike is for on or off-road use, so ensure that you are correctly kitted out with an essential helmet and other useful equipment such as gloves, goggles and boots.