Before driving a quad for the first time, it is necessary to know the type of vehicle. From a legislative point of view, according to article 53 of the Highway Code, the quad is a quadricycle and belongs by right to the category of motorcycles.

More specifically, the quad is a light quadricycle, with a displacement equal to or less than 50 cm³ and power less than 4 KW, with an unladen weight generally less than 350 Kg and a maximum speed of 45 Km/h.

The license required to drive a quad

To drive a quad you need a B1 driving license. The regulatory framework has recently changed, with the assimilation and incorporation (in 2011), within the Italian Highway Code, of the European directives on licenses from 2006. This harmonization work has led to substantial changes within the Highway Code, especially regarding the introduction and renewal of licenses.

The transposition of European legislation has led to the definition of 15 driving licenses, with an obvious impact also on the quad license. In detail, it is no longer possible to drive a quad with a B license and with an A license (as it used to be in the past).

In case the empty weight of the quad is equal to or less than 350 kg, you need the AM license (for category L6e), obtainable from the age of 14 following a practical driving test of a vehicle approved to carry a passenger and driver.

The most appropriate license for driving more powerful quads is the B1 license, obtainable from the age of 16; with this license, you can drive a quad weighing up to 400 kg, for category L7e, with power up to 15 kW. Also in this case, a practical exam must be taken, with a quad of category L7e capable of reaching speeds of 60 km/h.

From the age of 18 onwards, finally, the license to drive a 700cc quad is B, which allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg. In this case, not only does the weight of the vehicle with which to take the practical exam change, but also the maximum speed reachable (up to 100 km/h).

When renting a quad for an excursion, you need a B1 license, with the possibility of carrying another person, even a minor, on the rear seat.

Driving without a license and other cases: sanctions

In some cases, the driver of a quad can face severe sanctions if not in possession of the necessary driving license. In the specific case where the driver is deemed unfit to drive due to physical or mental reasons, or has never obtained any driving license, or, furthermore, in the event that it has been revoked or is not suitable for the type of quad in question, articles 115 and 116 of the Highway Code provide for various sanctions. These range from suspension of the license (if possessed) up to a maximum of twelve months' imprisonment, or administrative detention, including vehicle confiscation.

Other penalties are provided for anyone driving or riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Helmets are mandatory in any case on a quad: only helmets approved to European standards, with special tags attached to the chin strap indicating the production number, the corresponding country approval number and the type and approval code.

Article 175 of the Highway Code regulates access to motorways and extra-urban roads, prohibiting it for motorcycles with an unladen mass up to 400 KW. Light quadricycles (accessible with AM license) are excluded. In addition to the vehicle's mass, the quad's speed must also be considered: since a minimum speed of 80 km/h is required for motorways and similar roads, quads are naturally excluded. Penalties for violating the ban on quad circulation range from €36.00 to €148.00 (with deduction of two points from the license).

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