Quad driving licence in Switzerland: laws, information and tips
A quad is a four-wheeled vehicle. It is also very popular in Switzerland. Find out what the requirements are for quad biking in Switzerland.
08.06.2023
iStock / Kyryl Gorlov
1. Quad driving in Switzerland – which driving licence is necessary?
There is no special quad exam in Switzerland. Swiss law does not refer specifically to quads or ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), but to light motor vehicles or small motor vehicles.
These vehicles can look different from one another. What they have in common: they have four wheels or tracks. The driving licence that permits you to drive a quad depends on the type of vehicle.
| Driving licence category | Vehicle characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cat. A1 from 16 years | Max. speed: 45 km/h / Cubic capacity max. 125 cc / Max. engine power 11 kW |
| Cat. A (restricted) | Max. engine power 35 kW / Max. engine power to tare weight ratio 0.20 kW/kg |
| Cat. A (unrestricted) | Engine power more than 35 kW / Engine power to tare weight ratio greater than 0.20 kW/kg |
| Cat. B | Max. 3.5 t total weight |
| Cat. B1 | Max. 550 kg tare weight |
| Cat. F | Max. speed: 45 km/h / Aged 16 and over: work motor vehicles / From 18 years of age: other vehicles (except motorcycles) |
Good to know: the categories are not limited to quads. That is why you are also allowed to drive other vehicles with it. Depending on the category, that may include motorcycles (cat. A), cars (cat. B) or excavators (cat. F).
Can I ride a quad bike on my standard driving licence?
With a category B driving licence, you may drive quads of the categories B1 and F without an additional examination. Special requirements apply to all A categories. You can find out more in our article on the motorcycle licence in Switzerland.
Tip: before getting on a quad, have a look at the vehicle registration document. This way, you know which category it is.
Is quad biking possible in Switzerland without a driving licence?
If you drive on private property, you do not need a driving licence for the quad. This includes many quad courses or off-road parks. Important: familiarize yourself with the vehicle beforehand. Especially on corners, the quad bike can easily tip over.
2. Quad biking: what requirements apply?
Quad bikes are subject to the same traffic rules and regulations as cars. Please note these special details:
Is there a speed limit for quads?
In urban areas in Switzerland, the speed limit for lower-category ATVs is 45 km/h. These include categories A1 and F. There are no special speed limits for high-performance quads (e.g. categories A and B).
Do I need insurance for a quad?
A liability insurance policy is regardless of the quad category. You can also take out partial casco or full casco insurance. Find out more in our article on quad insurance in Switzerland.
From what age am I allowed to ride a quad?
The minimum age for quad biking depends on the vehicle category:
Category A1 and F quads: 16 years
Vehicles with engine power greater than 11 kW: 18 years
Is it compulsory to wear a helmet on quads in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, you must wear a helmet when riding a quad. If the vehicle is equipped with a seat belt, you must also fasten your seat belt.
Where can I ride the quad?
Quads were originally designed as off-road vehicles. If the quad bike has a motorcycle licence plate, you can drive it on Swiss roads. You can even drive on the motorway. There is a condition, however: a speed of at least 80 km/h must be possible with the vehicle.
3. Quad bikes: how much do they cost?
Buying a quad bike
Quads of categories A1 and F are available from around 5,000 francs (new price). Heavy and high-performance quads usually cost at least 7500 francs.
Quad bike insurance
A liability insurance policy for vehicles of categories A1 and F usually costs at least 50 francs per year. If you choose a lower coinsurance, you will pay more. You should also check whether you want to include other coverage options such as collision casco. This can save you money, especially for new vehicles.
Good to know: many insurers offer generous discounts with a suspension waiver.
Quad maintenance
Further expenses will be incurred for the maintenance of your quad bike. These include: servicing, cleaning or parking.
Cost of a quad/ATV driving licence
Don’t have a licence to ride a quad? You should expect additional administrative costs. Depending on the vehicle category, you will need a learning permit or a first-aid course. Combined with a theoretical or practical examination, you may need to spend several hundred francs.
This article was first published on 15.11.2010
