Gardai are reminding people that mini-motos and quad bikes can only be used on public roads by a licenced driver.
The warning follows a predicted rise in ownership of such vehicles over the Christmas period.
Gardai are also warning of the dangers associated with miniaturised vehicles, and say they are powerful machines, which have in the past killed and seriously injured children who used them.
Garda Derek Cloughly from the National Roads Policing Bureau, says mini vehicles and quads should only be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
"If they are to be used on a public road, they must be licensed, insured and taxed", said Garda Cloughy. "They must not be used on a public road; they are vehicles at the end of the day."
Besides the number of road traffic offences that can be incurred from operating these vehicles on a public highway, Gardai also hold the right to impound a quad or mini-moto operating outside their legal limits.
