What are the rights to a quad bike? What gives you the right to ride an ATV?

ATVs are not only a popular recreational vehicle, but also a useful off-road vehicle - used by various services and people whose work requires access to hard-to-reach places. However, it is not possible to ride an ATV everywhere, and movement on public roads requires the acquisition of appropriate permits. The type of driver's license you have for an ATV depends on what kind of machine you will be able to drive.

You cannot drive an ATV without a driver's license

Until a few years ago, light four-wheeled vehicles, which include most ATVs, did not require special permits (as for a moped), and adults could legally drive them with only an identity card. Since 2013, it has become necessary to have a driver's license to drive mopeds, with the exception of persons who have previously received such a right, i.e. over 18 years old. However, by the way, light ATVs fell out of this group, to control which you must have at least an AM driver's license. Moped card holders have to exchange them, but this is not a particularly troublesome process.

What kind of ATV driving license do you need?

It all depends on what kind of license you already have and what kind of ATV you are going to use. Many ATVs "catch up" with the AM category, i.e. a former moped card, which is obtained as if on the occasion of the acquisition of rights of a higher category. So if you have a B1 and B driver's license or a motorcycle license, in many cases you don't need anything else. In order to legally drive on roads and public places, your vehicle must also be registered and have a valid civil liability insurance policy. Only then will you be able to drive an ATV without exposing yourself to high fines and troubles from the traffic police.

What ATV will you ride to get an AM driver's license?

From the age of 14, you can get an AM driver's license, which gives you the right to drive light ATVs, that is, vehicles weighing up to 350 kg and a maximum speed of 45 km/h (homologation L6e). Contrary to what seems to be quite a lot of interesting models in this category, and due to the use of an all-terrain vehicle mainly for off-road driving, this speed suits many. If you have a category above AM, you have automatically received such rights, and the owners of the moped card can exchange it at the office. Getting an AM category from scratch is also easy - all you need is a training exam (passed on a moped) costing about 30 euros, which costs 17 euros and 10 euros for issuing a document.

Is an ATV up to 350kg a good gift for a 14 year old?

This question is asked by many parents, uncles, grandparents who would like to give their loved ones the four-wheeled car of their dreams. Although the AM category gives the right to drive vehicles weighing up to 350 kg, it is worth knowing about the differences between ATVs and mopeds. They are different from cars and motorcycles, and driving them requires a different sense of cornering, which means that a 14-year-old will not necessarily be a danger on the road. A much better solution seems to be just a scooter, which will also satisfy the needs of a young person, and at the same time smoke less and be easier to control.

Should I get a B1 driver's license to drive an ATV?

If you want to drive a vehicle whose curb weight exceeds 350 kg, i.e. homologated as L7e (heavy quads), you will need the appropriate license - category B1 or B. This also applies to light quads, but with a maximum speed of over 45 km / h. The upper limit of unladen weight in the case of category B1 is 400 kg (for cars) or 550 kg (for vehicles intended for the carriage of goods). Even 16-year-olds can ride such an ATV if they pass the B1 exams. However, if you are over 18 or approaching this limit, it is worth doing a "full" B, because the requirements are the same as the fees, and the volume of permits is incomparably greater.

What is the penalty for not having an ATV driver's license?

Driving an ATV without a license is equivalent to driving a car or motorcycle. A person who decides to do this risks a fine of 500 to 500 euros, but the consequences can be more painful. You can lose your "license", especially if the driver contributed to the collision. The most severe sanction for a driver is imprisonment for up to 2 years, often accompanied by a driving ban for up to 15 years. This is not the end of the problems. So if you think that since the ATV is small, then you can ride it with impunity, breaking the rules, you may be painfully surprised.

Where does homologation and the obligation to have a driver's license not apply?

Of course, you won't always need a driver's license to operate an ATV. If you are driving on private property, competition tracks, or other areas that are not a traffic area, you will not need a driver's license, OC, or even homologation. Remember, however, that you somehow need to get your quad bike to its destination, and driving even on a patch of public road can result in the fine and unpleasant consequences described above. You can’t ride an ATV in the forests, except for specially designated roads - this also threatens with a fine and legal troubles.

What else do you need to pay attention to when driving an ATV?

To use an ATV, you will also need a helmet - unless it is a closed design, additionally equipped with seat belts. True, even small children can be transported in it, but then the speed should not exceed 40 km / h (a child under 7 years old). In addition to the forest, you will not legally go to the expressway or freeway on an ATV - even if we are talking about a model that develops high speeds, about 130-140 km / h. Recall that these are cars designed mainly for off-road driving, which is reflected in their security systems that are not designed for driving at such speeds.

Is riding an ATV a trifle?

Not necessary. Although an ATV looks like a car and the required permits are the same, due to the different way of driving as well as the lower level of safety, not everyone is suitable for driving this type of vehicle. If you want to drive this vehicle, your best bet is to buy a few hours with an instructor during which you will learn more about how to drive a quad bike.

ATVs are a popular vehicle on our roads. Although they appear smaller than cars, they require proper permits, purchase of liability insurance, and approval.