Golf buggies and ride-on lawnmowers

Powered vehicles such as golf buggies or ride-on lawnmowers are generally designed and intended for off-road private use only. If used on a public road, they are subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other mechanically propelled vehicles e.g., registered, taxed, be subject to all regulations listed below. In addition, the driver of the vehicle would have to hold the appropriate driving licence and be insured to drive that vehicle.

They are subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles and so must comply with the following road traffic regulations*:

S.I. 5 of 2003 - Road Traffic Construction and Use of Vehicles Regulations 2003

S.I. 190 of 1963 - Road Traffic Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles Regulations 1963

S.I. 189 of 1963 - Road Traffic Lighting of Vehicles Regulations 1963

*The above regulations are in original format and amendments can be viewed at Irish statute book

No.

In order to register a golf buggy or a ride-on lawnmower, it will require a certificate of conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer. For information relating to registration, contact Revenue.

No. However under road traffic law, it is the owner and driver’s responsibility to ensure that if their vehicle is used in a public place, it must be always kept in a roadworthy condition. All parts and equipment must be in good working order. Failure to do so can result in prosecution.

If used on a public road, golf buggies are subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles. However, enforcement of these regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána. The same applies to using a ride-on lawn mower to get from one private area to another via a public road which includes footpaths. Contact your local Garda station for further clarification.

Yes. If used on a public road, it is subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

This equipment is generally designed and intended for off-road private use only. However, if used on a public road, such equipment is subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles e.g. registered, taxed and comply with all regulations mentioned above.

Vehicles used in a public place require the driver to have a driving licence. The minimum age is 16 for vehicles 350 kg or less with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h, otherwise the age limit is 17 years. Minors using golf buggies or ride-on lawnmowers on private property fall under the remit of the Health and Safety Authority.

No. But if one is fitted it should be worn.

 Yes.

This will depend on the weight and power of the golf buggy or ride-on lawnmower. For further information, see the breakdown of licence categories.

This will depend on the weight of the trailer. For further information, see the breakdown of licence categories.

Your trailer must also be capable of carrying the ride-on lawnmower i.e. that it is not overloaded and that your vehicle has the towing capacity to pull the trailer’s weight loaded. Overloading a trailer or exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity is illegal.

For towing capacity, consult the owner’s manual or contact original manufacturer.

You may also wish to refer to our FAQ on Towing Capacity.