Grace's Law: New Scrambler Ban Comes into Effect on Thursday

New regulations banning scrambler use in all public places will come into force on 3 April, following a joint announcement by three government ministers today.

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State for Road Safety Seán Canney, and Minister of State for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer announced the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, which consolidate existing provisions into a single legislative instrument. The regulations make it an explicit offence to use an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or quadbike, in any public place, whether or not it is being driven dangerously.

Off-road motorcycles will now only be legal on private land, either by the landowner or with their written consent. Appropriate use for agricultural purposes and controlled licenced sports events remains permitted, provided such events take place on private land with prior written approval from the landowner.

Together, the provisions relating to scramblers will be known as Grace's Law, in honour of Grace Lynch, and with the permission of her family.

Minister O'Brien said:

"These regulations complete the introduction of provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to tackle the dangerous use of scramblers. The regulations will ensure that Gardaí have the full enforcement powers to remove the use of scramblers in public places and protect the safety of all road users.

To honour the memory of Grace Lynch, and with the permission of her family, together these provisions applied to scramblers will be known as 'Grace's Law'. I hope that Grace's name will be as a reminder to all of us that dangerous road use puts the lives of our friends, neighbours and families at risk."

Minister Canney said:

"We have introduced these new regulations to strengthen current restrictions and address the inappropriate use of scramblers in public places. Road safety is a top priority for me, my Department and the Government. These regulations will further protect the safety of all road users and bring assurance to communities who have been affected by their dangerous use. The Government works collectively, collaboratively and continually with road safety stakeholders to ensure that safety of all road users remains topmost in all our minds."

Minister Buttimer said:

"These new regulations will improve road safety in our communities by implementing an explicit ban on scrambler use in public places, and strengthening the powers of Gardaí to enforce this. It is important to note that appropriate off-road use of scramblers, such as for agricultural use or for controlled licenced sports events, remains legal and it is not our intention to restrict these uses."

Since July 2023, off-road scramblers have been illegal on public roads, and it has been an offence to drive them dangerously anywhere, including on private land. More than 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes, and scramblers have been seized between 2023 and end 2025. The Department of Transport is also currently finalising regulations to substantially increase the cost of releasing a seized scrambler.