The ATV began to gain popularity relatively recently, although it appeared a long time ago. Many people have questions regarding this type of transport - we will try to answer them.
Why is an ATV better than a motorcycle or a car?
This question cannot be answered unequivocally. Much depends on your preferences.
In comparison, the ATV has the following advantages:
Higher cross-country ability and more comfortable driving.
Yes, the motorcycle handles better in some places, but the fact is that the “quad” will in most cases benefit from its stability and cross-country ability in off-road conditions, rain and snow. But it loses in dense forest conditions, where it is not always possible to squeeze through. In addition, there is no need to “maintain” balance, which in turn reduces fatigue during a multi-day trip.
Higher weight loading.
If, in the case of a motorcycle, improper loading of things will lead to destabilization of balance in off-road conditions or increased slippery conditions, then on an ATV, loading will not lead to this due to its four “paws”. But you should follow the rule - if you throw everything at one level, then the chance of capsizing is higher on an inclined or off-road (with a lot of holes and stones) surface.
With a detailed selection, the cost of a good ATV will be lower than popular motorcycles.
Higher “safe” off-road speeds.
Why in quotes, you ask? If you are inexperienced in driving, the high speed developed will lead to a rollover, and injuries from this will be more severe than in the case of a motorcycle. But the fact is a fact - you can reach higher speeds on an ATV. The above are obvious advantages, but what about a car?
Higher cross-country ability.
Passability again, but marked “in most cases.” As a rule, both a motorcycle and an ATV will not go through deep holes, rivers, and the like. But the advantage is not lost - on an ATV it is easier to go around dangerous places, go through the forest, and so on.
Price category.
A more or less good quad costs several times less than a good SUV (with the exception of a couple of units).
Fuel consumption.
If on average a car needs 10-12 liters per hundred kilometers, then an ATV needs about 5.
Quad cycles, quadricycles and tricycles. What are the differences?
Surely you are already familiar with such a vehicle as quadrocycle... It turns out that a regular driver's license is not suitable for driving it. And you will learn a little about which ones are suitable. We will also talk about different types of ATVs and even mention snowmobiles.
But we will start our excursion with a new category of vehicles "B1" - tricycles and quadricycles. These names, unlike “ATVs,” are not yet familiar to us and it is extremely difficult to find such vehicles on Russian roads.
In fact, many people believe that category “B1” allows you to drive a car with an automatic transmission. But no, this is a completely new category of transport, until recently unknown to us. Although, of course, everything is relative. It’s just that previously existing similar transport was classified in other categories.
What is a quadricycle and a tricycle?
Quadri cycles are four-wheeled motor vehicles (tricycles - three-wheeled), intended for use on public roads and subject to the traffic police in the general order.
An example of a quadricycle is the Soviet car-motorcycle SZM-S3D “Invalidka” (on the left in the figure). Some of you may remember this “misunderstanding” of Soviet engineering with a whirring motorcycle engine.
Tricycles (photo in the center) are very common in Asian countries as cargo-passenger three-wheeled motorcycle transport (our analogue is the Ant scooter).
But you can only see a three-wheeled motorcycle in large cities, and only if you try really hard. It’s just that such tricycles are found only among motorcycle aesthetes or handy Kulibins.
By the way, large quadricycles are quite often called Road ATVs, and in the West they are abbreviated as GG-Quad, Also Moto Quad, Quad Bikes etc.
Any of you, if desired, can easily acquire at least a tricycle... A flurry of enthusiastic and curious glances at you on the road is guaranteed!
An example of a commercially available tricycle - "Roadster Spider"
Undoubtedly, modern three-wheeled vehicles look very impressive, but this miracle costs... almost as much as a full-fledged car. Also, according to one of the owners, unlike two-wheeled motorcycles, you will have to stand in traffic jams on such a device no less often than on a car, and the comfort will be much less. Especially in inclement weather.
Roughly speaking, quadricycles are either three- or four-wheeled motorcycles, or mini cars, which require the same documents as a car or motorcycle. When purchasing such vehicles, a Vehicle Passport (PTS) is attached.
Example of a Vehicle Passport (PTS)
What category of rights is needed to drive a quadricycle and tricycle?
On November 5, 2013, a new category appeared in driver’s licenses “B1”* - tricycles and quadricycles.
This is of course all true, but there are some important nuances in determining the category of driver's license required to drive such vehicles...
Let's try to figure it out.
What is the difference between categories “M” - moped, “A” - motorcycle and “B1” - tricycles?
With an unloaded mass of such a vehicle. more than 400 kg, the driver must have a license with an open subcategory “B1”.
And owners of light tricycles and quadricycles (with an engine capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters) must have a license with category "M" ** or have any other open category of driver’s license.
__________
* - less than 550 kg for cargo transportation.
Those. Tricycles and quadricycles, depending on the required categories of rights to operate them, can be divided into:
"M"- light tricycles and quadricycles (mopeds);
"A"- tricycles and quadricycles, including those included in the junior category "A1"
"IN 1"- heavy tricycles and quadricycles (over 400kg);
And was it worth it to “fence a garden” for the sake of a tiny amount of such transport and separate it from the rest?
The question is controversial. Perhaps the time for tricycles and quadricycles in our country has not yet come... We'll wait and see.
An example of the Toyota-i-ROAD electric tricycle concept
ATV and snowmobile licenses
ATVs are motorized off-road four-wheeled vehicles (all-terrain vehicles, all-terrain vehicles) with a motorcycle-type seat and a motorcycle-type steering wheel, intended for driving off public roads.
On some ATVs, the steering wheel and driver's position are no different from a car.
The main document of the ATV is Self-propelled vehicle passport (PSM). Similar passports are also issued for tractors and other construction equipment, so an ATV can safely be called a mini tractor.
Example of a Passport for a self-propelled vehicle.
It is necessary to register * ATVs (as well as all-terrain vehicles, snow and swamp-going vehicles and even snowmobiles) with the Gostekhnadzor authorities and to drive them you must have a tractor driver's license.
To be more precise: a certificate of a tractor driver (tractor driver) category "A1"- off-road motor vehicles.
* - to register an ATV, the owner has no more than 10 days from the moment of its acquisition; (- or until the expiration of the registration marks “Transit”). These registration deadlines apply to any and are defined by paragraph 1 “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles for operation...”. By the way, such vehicles are also required to undergo technical inspection.
How to get a license for an ATV (snowmobile)?
A tractor driver's license for category "A1" can be obtained from the age of 16. To be admitted to the exam, you need to obtain a medical certificate with permission to drive tractors (self-propelled machines) and prepare for the qualification exam, which is conducted by employees of the State Technical Supervision Authority.
Updated form of the Tractor Driver (Tractor Driver) Certificate.
The exam for obtaining a tractor driver's license consists of theory and practice. The theory is accepted on tickets approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, and practice takes place in two stages on a closed site (tractor track).
You can take the practical part of the exam only after successfully passing the theory. The passed theoretical exam is valid for 3 months. If this deadline is missed, then before admission to the practical part, you will need to successfully pass the theory again.
On first During the practical stage, you need to complete the following exercises:
- starting from a standstill on an uphill slope;
- turning around with a limited width of the territory with a one-time gear shift;
- putting a self-propelled vehicle into a box in reverse;
- aggregation of a self-propelled vehicle with a trailer (trailer);
- braking and stopping at various speeds, including emergency stopping;
Second The practical exam stage is taken on a special route under conditions of actual operation of a self-propelled vehicle.
Repeated exams are scheduled no earlier than 7 days later. But if you fail the internship 3 times in a row, then on the next (4th) attempt you will be required to provide documents on additional training.
An example of an ATV that requires an “A1” tractor driver’s license
Today, a driver’s license is needed for almost any vehicle with an engine, so no one will be surprised by the new rules in the legislation, where you will definitely have to acquire a certain category. In general, a driver's license has 5 main categories and several more subcategories in each of them. If you are a resident of Russia and own an ATV, take care to obtain a certain category, prescribed specifically for such equipment. But do you need a license for children's ATVs?
ATVs for children have always been considered an excellent gift and therefore are in great demand. Every year new models are released, in particular, battery-powered equipment is considered an interesting model. Despite such a simple system, the battery-powered ATV can be used for trips to the country, nature or walks. Depending on the model, such an ATV can even be used to move around the city, especially for a leisurely ride on a public road. But no one has canceled the likelihood of getting into an accident, because you essentially become a participant in traffic. Consequently, the legislation introduced a new category of rights - M.
Legislation until 2013 allowed the movement of vehicles with a volume of up to 50 cubic meters. see without a driver's license, but now all ATVs must have one, regardless of volume. If you drive a children's ATV with a capacity of up to 50 cubic meters, you will receive a license of category M; equipment with a capacity of more than 50 cubic meters requires category A.
Where can I get my ATV license?
If you decide to acquire a license for a children's ATV, you can obtain a certificate from the main authority - the traffic police. They issue licenses of the required category, but you will first have to study at a driving school. If you are not sure about the need to obtain a license, call Gostekhnazdor, they are engaged in registering ATVs and will help resolve your issue. They will also advise you on the need to register and obtain rights to electronic equipment.
License for an ATV up to 50cc
Depending on the model of four-wheeler you choose, you may not need to obtain a license. The fact is that there are certain manufacturers who produce ATVs specifically for a certain age. The ATV can be used by children from 4 years old. Even the battery model has the ability to reach a maximum speed of 50 km/h, so sometimes it becomes dangerous to move.
The law allows people over 16 years of age to obtain a license, so a child is unlikely to be able to obtain such a document. That is why parents who have purchased such equipment should not wonder whether they need a license for a children’s ATV or not? The fact is that you are unlikely to decide to let your child go on public roads with a constant flow of cars.
Children usually ride such equipment in rural areas, on separate roads or in limited areas. A traffic police officer does not even have the right to approach a child and demand a driver’s license, so try not to let children ride an ATV on public roads and they won’t need a license. Otherwise, you will have to obtain the relevant documents, register and pass your license. But the child must be at least 16 years old.
Many drivers have a question about where they can ride an ATV. This vehicle is designed for extreme off-road riding. Mud, swamp, bad road - this is his element. However, is it possible to ride an ATV on public roads, for example, in the city? On the one hand, the manufacturer’s instructions for many models state that this vehicle is not intended for such use. On the other hand, the law does not prohibit this.
There are no strict restrictions for ATVs to travel on the streets of Russian cities or public roads. But this will require fulfilling a number of requirements. All-terrain vehicles are more designed for driving on rough terrain, so if used improperly, such vehicles can quickly fail.
Traffic rules
The traffic rules do not prohibit riding an ATV on public roads, since little is said about such vehicles. The regulations regarding these motorcycles have not yet been fixed. For this reason, controversial issues may arise.
ATVs do not create obstacles on the road for other road users, so their use in such conditions cannot be prohibited. The driver is obliged to strictly follow the general traffic rules:
- The vehicle must be equipped with headlights, turn signals and rear-view mirrors.
- The weight of the ATV should not exceed 400 kg.
- The maximum speed for this vehicle should not be more than 40 km/h.
If the listed rules are observed, dangerous situations and problems do not arise in traffic flow. Drivers may be interested in the question of why it is impossible to ride an ATV in the city if these conditions are not met. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in dangerous situations on the road. They are fraught with serious consequences both for the driver himself and for all other road users.
Where can you ride an ATV?
Due to its design features, the ATV is designed for off-road driving. This can be either a hard unpaved road or rough off-road. Depending on the characteristics of the motorcycle, it can move on the following surfaces:
- Priming.
- Swamp.
- Dirt.
- Sand.
- Small bodies of water, etc.
In addition, the traffic rules do not prohibit driving an ATV in the city or highway. There is no article in the Administrative Code according to which it would be legal to punish the driver of an all-terrain vehicle for driving under the DOP if he fulfills all the requirements when driving.
Where should you not ride an ATV?
The traffic rules stipulate where you cannot ride this motorcycle:
- On the highway, which is marked with sign 5.1.
- On roads for vehicles marked with 5.3.
- Under sign 3.4 prohibiting the movement of trucks.
- Under sign 3.6, prohibiting the movement of tractors.
Paperwork
According to the law, in order to drive an ATV, you will need to register it with the Gostekhnadzor authorities and obtain a license of the appropriate category. Therefore, when moving on public roads you need to have with you:
- Driving license category "A1".
- Insurance policy.
- Technical inspection documents.
You will need to undergo training at a driving school and obtain a tractor driver's license. Next, the vehicle is registered with Gostekhnadzor. After passing the exam, the driver receives the appropriate license.
To obtain the required documents, you will need to undergo special training. The training lasts approximately a year. During this time, the vehicle owner takes a course on the safety of driving self-propelled vehicles, studies the theory of traffic rules, and also masters the basic practical skills of driving an ATV.
Registration
After receiving a driver's license of category "A1", you need to register the ATV with the Gostekhnadzor authorities. To do this, you will need to write an application and collect the appropriate package of documents. After this, the vehicle undergoes technical inspection. To safely travel on public roads, you will need to add headlights, turn signals and rear-view mirrors to your all-terrain vehicle. A registration certificate for the self-propelled vehicle is also issued. After this, you will be able to obtain an insurance policy.
The traffic police will need to register the ATV and receive the corresponding number. Having fulfilled all legal requirements, you can drive on public roads without hindrance.
Some features of traveling on an ATV
So, the law does not provide restrictions on driving an all-terrain vehicle on highways or city roads. However, manufacturers of such equipment prohibit this, stipulating it in the instructions. The ATV is designed for off-road driving; all elements of its design are designed taking into account such operating features. Therefore, you cannot drive this vehicle on an asphalt road for a long time. This is, firstly, quite inconvenient, and secondly, unsafe for motor vehicles. During such operation it will have to be repaired more often.
The ATV is moving quite slowly. The maximum speed of many models does not exceed 65-70 km/h. This is more than enough for extreme riding and an unforgettable experience when driving on bumpy dirt roads. But when moving along the highway, the ATV has a speed limit of 40 km/h. This causes a lot of negative emotions in some car drivers.
The seat, wheels, suspension and other elements of the ATV are designed for driving over rough terrain and overcoming obstacles. If the driver drives on the highway for a long time, this will cause fatigue, and possibly even pain. The seat of the ATV is designed so that the driver periodically rises and rides standing, overcoming holes and slabs. It is not comfortable enough for long periods of sitting.
The tires have a special tread pattern that allows you to conquer off-road conditions. On hard surfaces, controllability is noticeably reduced. Therefore, it is worth considering that the law does not prohibit riding an ATV on an asphalt road. But in practice this is uncomfortable and unsafe for the vehicle. Because of this, its mechanisms and components wear out much faster.
Is it possible to ride an ATV in the city? To answer, it’s worth considering what this vehicle is. An ATV is a machine with four wheels. And thanks to many advantages, this vehicle can be called an ideal city vehicle. But still, the purpose of such a vehicle is rural off-road. There the ATV can reach higher speeds. The advantages of this vehicle include the transportation of heavy loads.
What is an ATV?
The ATV combines the best characteristics of a motorcycle, jeep and tractor. In Russia, this concept includes all-terrain vehicles. ATVs have been around for a long time, but have gained popularity over the past seven years. The best route for these vehicles is off-road, where a passenger car or even a motorcycle cannot pass. But is it possible to ride an ATV around the city?
Are there any restrictions for ATVs on city streets?
There are no strict restrictions on street movement for this type of transport. But there are still a number of requirements and conditions that must be met. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that ATVs are still more suitable for rural areas. Therefore, when purchasing a vehicle, all its advantages and disadvantages are taken into account so that the vehicle lasts a long time.
Advantages of ATVs
Is it possible to ride an ATV in the city? Yes, thanks to many advantages. ATVs have excellent maneuverability and high power. These vehicles are distinguished by their mobility and ease of operation. Such self-propelled vehicles consume very little fuel and are very stable while driving.
Traffic rules and traffic police requirements
All provisions regarding ATVs have not yet been enshrined in legislation. Therefore, when driving self-propelled vehicles on city roads, controversial issues often arise. But since ATVs do not interfere with other road users, there are no prohibitions on these vehicles. But there are general traffic rules that must be strictly observed:
- ATVs must be equipped with full headlights, rear-view mirrors and turn signals;
- the total weight of the vehicle cannot exceed 400 kilograms;
- The maximum speed of the ATV should be no more than 40 km per hour.
These requirements are designated for road safety, so that in the general traffic flow there are no problems for other road users. Why can’t ATVs be driven around the city if the above requirements are not met? This is fraught with dangerous situations on the road both for the driver of the ATV and for other road users. 
Recently, traffic rules have changed frequently. Therefore, it is worth paying attention, if necessary, to equipping a self-propelled vehicle with additional lighting devices. In addition, this vehicle must have license plates registered with the traffic police.
Paperwork
Documents are issued, in accordance with the law, for any vehicle. ATVs are no exception to the rule. The driver must have with him:
- valid driver's license;
- documents on the passed technical inspection;
- insurance policy for the vehicle.
Is it possible to ride an ATV on public roads? Yes, but only if the driver has been trained in a special driving school. After this, a driver's license is issued with a note indicating permission to drive a specific vehicle. 
Do you need a license to ride an ATV?
Is it possible to ride around the city on an ATV without a license to drive this vehicle? No, as you will need a driver's license with permission to drive a tractor. And the ATV belongs precisely to this category. Obtain a driver's license in the standard way.
Obtaining a driver's license
To drive an ATV you must have a license with category “A”. If it is not there, then you should take special courses. The standard training period is one year. The courses are conducted in three stages:
- safety precautions when operating self-propelled vehicles;
- traffic rules theory;
- vehicle management practice.
If you already have a driver’s license, but do not have category “A”, then the learning process can be significantly reduced in time. Most often, repeating the traffic rules theory is not required.
Registration of an ATV at the traffic police
Is it possible to ride an ATV around the city without registering the vehicle with the traffic police? No, since any vehicle is allowed to travel only after technical inspection. To do this, the ATV is first registered with Gostekhnadzor. Then a passport for the self-propelled vehicle is issued and it undergoes technical inspection. Then you get an insurance policy for the vehicle.
Since ATVs belong to the category of tractors, you need to focus on these vehicles in all matters. It is necessary to review amendments to legislation, which changes frequently.
Features of traveling on an ATV
Riding an ATV in the city has its own characteristics, since this vehicle is intended more for movement on the ground and off-road. Self-propelled vehicles have design features that do not allow driving for long periods of time on asphalt or other hard surfaces.
In this case, ATVs will have to be repaired more often. Such vehicles have their own operating requirements. When driving within the city, you need to take into account the ambiguous attitude of other drivers towards self-propelled vehicles on the roads.
Is it possible to ride an ATV in the city? Yes, but not recommended. ATVs are made to travel on off-road and dirt roads, where driving is much slower than on a city highway. Therefore, at high speed and prolonged use of the vehicle on asphalt, the vehicle can be seriously damaged.
It should also be taken into account that many drivers do not consider it necessary to give way to motorcyclists, tractors and similar vehicles. And some motorists do not follow traffic rules at all. ATVs are not protected from the wind, so traveling in such vehicles in winter is inconvenient. But many of the listed shortcomings can be corrected in any car service center, of which there are quite a lot now.
Is it possible to ride an ATV in the city without a helmet? This question interests many fans of self-propelled vehicles. It is not necessary to wear a helmet when riding an ATV, but it is recommended. These self-propelled vehicles are not so often found on city roads, so traffic inspectors can find fault with such a driver. And for your own safety, a protective helmet won’t hurt. Perhaps soon it will even be included in the legislation as a mandatory attribute when driving self-propelled vehicles. 
Where are ATVs prohibited?
Where there are signs prohibiting tractors, you cannot ride ATVs. These vehicles belong to the category of self-propelled vehicles. Therefore, they are subject to all traffic regulations regarding tractors. For example, ATVs are not allowed on highways, in parks or on sidewalks.