Where the 2026 Public-Place Ban Applies
Since 3 April 2026, Ireland’s Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations explicitly prohibit using an off-road motorcycle such as a scrambler, or a quad bike, in any public place. The Department of Transport says use is permitted only on private land by the landowner or with the landowner’s written consent. Calling a route a field, track or estate road does not by itself make it private land; establish the status of the location and permission before riding.
Off-Road Scramblers and Road-Registered Bikes
The regulations do not prohibit registered, on-road motorcycles that are safe and legal for road use. A road-registered motorcycle remains subject to ordinary traffic, insurance, tax, licence and roadworthiness requirements. Conversely, registering or insuring another motorcycle does not make an off-road scrambler lawful to use in a public place. The distinction is between a vehicle legally equipped and approved for public-road use and an off-road machine covered by the new restriction.
Private-Land Exceptions and Other Safety Duties
The Department says appropriate off-road use for agricultural purposes and controlled licensed sports events can continue on private land, with prior written landowner approval for the sports events. It also notes that dangerous-driving rules continue to apply, including on private land. Read the Department of Transport announcement and scope of the regulations before arranging an event or relying on an exception; the announcement is not a substitute for checking the legislation and local circumstances.
For agricultural quad use, separate workplace safety duties may apply even on private property. Our guide to farm ATV and quad rules in Ireland covers training and protective equipment; those requirements do not create permission to ride on public land.
