City of Wolverhampton Council is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

The anti-social use of off-road vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes, and other similar vehicles, can cause significant distress and danger to our communities. This page provides information on how to report such nuisances and the measures we are taking to address them.

Measures to combat off-road vehicle nuisance

City of Wolverhampton Council is taking proactive steps to address the issue of off-road vehicle nuisance. These include:

  • Partnerships: We are working closely with West Midlands Police to identify and take action against offenders.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Informing residents about the dangers and legal consequences of anti-social vehicle use.
  • Legal action: Pursuing legal measures against persistent offenders, including fines and vehicle seizures.
Legal consequences

The anti-social use of off-road vehicles is not only dangerous but also illegal. Offenders may face:

  • Fines: Substantial fines for illegal use of vehicles.
  • Vehicle seizure: Confiscation of vehicles used in anti-social activities.
  • Prosecution: Legal action leading to potential criminal charges.
Information for parents

Parents considering purchasing off-road vehicles for young people should be aware of the potential consequences. These include:

  • Legal responsibility: Parents may be held accountable for the actions of their children if they are found using vehicles anti-socially. This can include fines and legal action.
  • Safety concerns: Ensuring the vehicle is used safely and responsibly is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Insurance and liability: Parents must ensure that the vehicle is properly insured. If an uninsured vehicle is involved in an accident, parents could be held financially liable for damages and injuries.
  • Educational opportunities: We ask parents educate their children about the legal requirements and safety measures for operating off-road vehicles. This includes understanding the importance of wearing safety gear and adhering to traffic laws. 
The law relating to off-road vehicles

Off-road vehicles are classed as motor vehicles and must meet specific standards to be ridden on public highways. These standards include:

  • Vehicle Requirements:
    • A log book and registration with the DVLA
    • Road tax
    • A valid MOT
    • Fitted lights
    • Registration plates
  • Rider Requirements:
    • Be aged 17 or over (16 if the vehicle is classified as a moped)
    • Hold a valid driving licence
    • Have valid motor insurance
    • Wear suitable safety equipment (e.g., a helmet)

Where these conditions are not met, it is illegal to use an off-road vehicle on the road. Offences can be committed under the Road Traffic Act (1998) and the Police Reform Act (2002).

Off-road bikers must have the permission of the landowner to ride on private land. It is illegal to ride an off-road vehicle on any land not forming part of a road or any road which is a footpath or bridleway without the landowner’s permission. Even with permission, dangerous or careless riding can lead to prosecution.

For more information or to discuss concerns, please email safer@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Reporting off-road vehicle nuisance

If you witness the anti-social use of off-road vehicles, please report it. You can do this by either:

When reporting, please provide as much information as possible, including:

  • The location of the incident
  • Description of the vehicle(s) involved
  • Time and date of the incident
  • Any photos or videos, if available
  • Start
  • Preview
  • Complete
For example the colour, markings or licence plate
For example, age, physical description, clothing.
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