Donegal gardaí stress zero tolerance on quads 'before young lives are lost'

An Garda Siochana have said they will operate a “zero tolerance” policy and warned that “lives will be lost” regarding young people in Donegal driving quads.

Gardaí are currently investigating recent reports and incidents of youths using quads on public roads in the Carrigans, St Johnston, Manorcunningham and Newtowncunningham areas.

In Ireland, quad bikes (ATVs) are legally treated as mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs), requiring insurance, tax, registration, and a driver's licence to be driven in any public place or road. Riders must be at least 16 (or 17 for heavier quads), wear a helmet, and obey road rules

“Once again, we wish to remind parents of the dangers associated with the use of quads and we urge them to talk to their children about the potential risks involved, both to their safety, the safety of others and also in relation to the law surrounding the use of them,” Garda Gráinne Doherty said.

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“Quads are powerful machines and they have the potential to severely or even fatally injure someone. When a quad is used on a public road, it is subject to the same rules as any other MPV. They are required to be registered, taxed and in a good roadworthy condition. The driver must hold the appropriate driving licence and they must be insured to drive the vehicle.

“We are enforcing a zero tolerance policy towards this type or any type of dangerous behaviour on our roads. We ask parents to also enforce a zero-tolerance policy before young lives are lost. Never allow your youth to use a quad on public roads and make it known to them that this behaviour will not be tolerated by you as a parent or by Gardaí. It will be too late to act when a tragedy happens, so please act now. Unfortunately, Gardaí regularly witness and/or receive reports of dangerous driving on our roads.”