Police in Pembrokeshire have renewed their crackdown on the illegal use of off-road bikes, including quad bikes, scramblers, mini-motos, and motorbikes, following a surge in community complaints about nuisance riding. The warning, issued March 23, 2025, by Dyfed-Powys Police, makes clear that any vehicle used unlawfully on roads, pavements, or public paths can be seized on the spot.

Under the Road Traffic Act, off-road vehicles must meet full road-legal requirements—such as lights, indicators, mirrors, and tax and insurance—before they can be ridden on public highways. Even on private land, quad bike riders can face charges if they ride dangerously or carelessly. The police also remind that using a quad bike on a footpath, bridleway, or restricted bridleway is an offence under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The rural and coastal nature of Pembrokeshire makes the issue particularly acute. Families, walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and tourists regularly use public paths, bridleways, and open countryside. Illegal off-road riding not only endangers these users but also damages sensitive habitats in areas like the Preseli Hills, where local authorities have previously partnered with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to deploy patrols targeting unlawful vehicles.

This latest warning follows two high-profile incidents. In January 2025, a 12-year-old pedestrian was hit by an off-road motorbike on a footpath along Pembroke Road (known locally as Top Road) in Pembroke Dock. The child suffered minor injuries, and police appealed for witnesses. Then, in March 2025, an illegal e-bike was seized and ordered for destruction after late-night anti-social behavior in Pembroke. A 24-year-old man from Monkton was disqualified from driving after admitting dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and riding without third-party insurance.

Value-Added Context: National Trends & U.S. Parallels

While the Dyfed-Powys Police action is specific to the UK, the problem of illegal off-road vehicle use is a global concern. In the United States, similar enforcement exists under state laws—for example, California’s Vehicle Code prohibits off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on paved roads unless they are street-legal, and many states allow police to impound vehicles used unlawfully on public lands. The UK’s approach mirrors U.S. efforts in national parks and forest lands, where rangers coordinate with local law enforcement to patrol illegal riding.

Recent data from the UK Department for Transport shows that in 2024, over 1,200 off-road vehicles were seized by police forces across England and Wales, a 15% increase from 2023, reflecting growing public pressure to address noise, safety, and environmental damage. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that off-road vehicle accidents caused an estimated 800 deaths and 100,000 emergency-room visits annually, with youth riders disproportionately affected.

“The key message is simple: if you ride off-road where you shouldn’t, or on roads without proper legal compliance, your vehicle will be taken away,” said a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson. “We are prioritizing community safety and protecting the countryside for everyone.”

Police urge the public to report any illegal use of off-road bikes. Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or through their website.

The warning also serves as a reminder for riders to check the legal status of their vehicles before taking them onto public land. Even with landowner permission, riding on a public right of way without proper authorization remains a criminal offence. As spring approaches and more people venture outdoors, police urge extra vigilance—both from riders and from the public who may witness unsafe behavior.