Quad bike riders now legally required to wear helmet on public roads

Date published: 30 June 2017

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Riders of four-wheel quad and all-terrain bikes are now required by law to wear a helmet when travelling on the public road network.

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The Motor Cycles (Protective Headgear) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 which mandates the wearing of helmets for those who ride motor cycles has been extended to those who ride motor quadricycles (quad bikes).

Those found in breach of the law can be fined up to £500.

The legislation is available online at: ​http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2017/89/introduction/made   

Notes to editors: 

  1. The new legislation will apply only to public roads. The Department for Infrastructure does not have the powers to legislate for private land.
  2. Figures provided by the PSNI show that between 2006 and 2016, five people were killed and 71 injured while riding on a quad bike on a public road.  The PSNI do not collate data on collisions that occur on private roads.
  3. Information is available on the nidirect website at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/safety-helmets-and-protective-clothing-motorcyclists
  4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383.
  5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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