Road Registration rules c

The MSVA test that comes into force on 17/6/03 will formalise the registration process for quads by laying down a set of rules. If a quad meets these standards then it can be road registered for use without restrictions. If if fails the standards it can't be registered.

UK Quad Scene attended the recent seminar run by the Vehicle inspectorate, and can reveal that there are a number of changes that need to be made to the regulations to ease the registration process.

The changes that we need to request are as follows:

• Quad braking systems are designed by the manufacturer to be safe. The requirements state that all quads must have a combined braking system where the foot brake operates the brakes on all wheels, and there must be an emergency (parking) brake which can be operated while the vehicle is moving.
  • Quads (and trikes) that are not designed to have a combined braking system should not be required to have one.
  • Please stress how UNSAFE it would be with many quads to have combined brakes.
  • Also suggest that quads with a single handlebar lever operated brake should be permitted.
  • Mention that other EU countries permit motorcycle style braking systems on quads - hence GAS GAS has motorcycle braking on their quads which are factory fitted with road going parts.
    
• Quads with 2 headlights where the width of the vehicle is less than 1300mm must have them separated by at least 400mm.
  • A 400mm rule could mean that 400EX headlights would not be legal.
  • Please reqest that this requirement is removed for quads of less than 1300mm wide - the requirement is not necessary as it is permissable for these quads to have a single headlight.

PLEASE send a response back to %01Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division.%01

The easiest way to do it is to e-mail your comments to consultation.vse3@dft.gov.uk

During the meeting the MOT standards were also discussed, and we can confirm that seat belts are not required on quads. If you have problems with an MOT station, ask them to call the queries section of the Vehicle inspectorate for confirmation.

For more information see http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/msvas/index.htm

Please note that the process for registering quads for agricultural purposes is not affected.