With the school holidays commencing, police want to remind parents of a number of requirements they need to be mindful of when children are using quad bikes.

Children under the age of eight are prohibited from riding quad bikes and utility off-road vehicles on roads and road-related areas. They are also not able to be passengers.

Children of any age who are unable to sit with their feet flat on the floor and hands on the handholds are prohibited from driving or being a passenger on a quad bike.

Quad bikes are not toys – they’re potentially dangerous machinery.

Riding quad bikes has the potential to be deadly if not ridden safely.

Parents are urged to ensure children are riding a quad bike suitable to their age, are using the bike appropriately and are wearing all the required safety equipment, even if they are just in a paddock.

Ensure children:

• Wear an appropriate motorcycle helmet
• Use protective equipment like gloves
• Carefully descend slopes
• Operate the quad bike at a safe speed
• Make sure all cargo is secured before riding
• Do not operate a quad bike beyond their capabilities.

As an adult riding a quad bike, the bike needs to be registered to be driven on a road and the rider needs to hold a current license.

A rider must also obey all the relevant road rules, including having the rider and any passengers wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

Failing to comply is an offence and the rider could be heavily fined or face court.

Community members are encouraged to report sightings of quad bikes on the road or beaches to their local police station.

The updated guidelines for conditionally registered vehicles are available on the Transport and Main Roads website.