Illegal Quad Riders Face 5 Years, Rs 100,000 Fine for Using Public Roads

Riders of quad bikes caught using them on Mauritian public roads face severe penalties, including a maximum fine of Rs 100,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.The National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) has issued a statement reminding the public that these vehicles, which also include Side-by-Side Vehicles, are not registered or authorised for circulation on public highways in the island nation.

Safety and Design Concerns

In a communiqué released on 3rd December, the NLTA highlighted the significant danger quad bikes pose when driven on regular roads. The Authority stressed that the vehicles are designed exclusively for off-road use, pointing to several critical safety flaws that make them unsuitable for tarmac:

• Instability when driven at high speed.
• Tyres that are not appropriate for braking on paved surfaces.
• The frequent absence of necessary safety equipment.

Legally Permitted Use

The NLTA has clarified that the only legitimate use for quad bikes is on private land and dedicated tracks. Even in these limited settings, strict safety conditions apply:

• The vehicles must be insured.
• Riders must obligatorily wear a helmet.
• The transport of passengers is only allowed if the vehicle is specifically designed to carry more than one person.

Source: Le Mauricien