Apply for conditional registration for quad bikes and ATVs

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are mainly used off-road for recreational or agricultural purposes.

A quad bike is a four-wheel vehicle with saddle-style seating.

An ATV is a four-wheel vehicle that is usually fitted with seatbelts and roll-over protection systems and a side-by-side seating style.

They are not designed with safety features like other road vehicles so are not as safe to drive in public. However, you can drive them on the road if you have conditional registration.

When you can apply

You can apply for conditional registration for your quad bike or ATV if:

• it's for work purposes only and
• you can't carry out the task using an Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliant vehicle.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of work-related purposes

You can apply for work-related purposes, including any of the following:

• roadside litter collection
• ground maintenance
• herbicide spraying
• park management.

Driving on wet roads or rough terrain is not regarded as a sufficient reason for conditional registration.

Before you apply

Check that your quad bike or ATV has the right minimum safety equipment, including all of the following:

• a rotating amber flashing light visible from all directions from a distance of at least 200m in daylight conditions
• front and rear lighting to improve vehicle visibility
• rear-vision mirror
• horn or suitable audible warning device
• adequate brakes and steering
• red rear reflectors.

Riding restrictions on your conditional registration include all of the following:

• speed restrictions
• wearing an approved motorcycle helmet
• a current 'C' class driver licence or 'R' class driver licence.

How to apply

To apply for conditional registration, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Fill in the application for conditional registration assessment form PDF (122.6 KB)

Step 2. Submit your application:

• by email to mvr@nt.gov.au
• by mail to GPO Box 530 Darwin NT 0801
• in person at an MVR office.

After you apply

A transport inspector will contact you within 10 business days once they receive your application.

They may also ask you to provide more information to support your application.

If you are approved

If approved, you will get an approval letter with all your registration conditions.

You should then follow the steps below:

Step 1. Get your vehicle inspected

You must get a roadworthy inspection from an authorised vehicle inspector.

If you're registering the vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT) for the first time, you also need to get a compliance check at a government inspection facility.

Step 2. Prepare documents and collect your number plates

You must provide the following documents at an MVR office:

• roadworthy inspection report
• compliance check report - if this is the first registration in the NT
• approval letter with registration conditions
• completed R11 apply to register a vehicle in the NT form PDF (1.1 MB)
• evidence of identity and residency
• proof of ownership
• letter of authority - if acting on behalf of the owner.

You can pay the fees by EFTPOS, Mastercard, Visa, BasicsCard or cash.

You will get your number plates immediately.

Contact

To find out more, call MVR on 1300 654 628 - 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.