New regulations banning the use of scramblers in all public places have come into force, in what the Government says is a major step towards improving safety in communities across Dublin.
The measures, introduced by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, alongside Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer, took effect last Friday (3rd) and give An Garda Síochána stronger powers to act against the use of scramblers in public spaces.
Under the new Road Traffic regulations, the use of off-road motorcycles, including scramblers and quad bikes, is now explicitly banned in any public place.
Crucially, this applies regardless of whether the vehicle is being driven dangerously, removing a key barrier that previously limited enforcement.
The regulations also make clear that such vehicles can only be used legally on private land, either by the landowner or with their written consent.
This provision is designed to allow legitimate uses, including agricultural work and licensed sporting events, to continue while eliminating inappropriate use in built-up areas.
Announcing the measures, Minister O’Brien said the regulations complete the introduction of provisions first set out in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, aimed at tackling the dangerous use of scramblers.
“These regulations complete the introduction of provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to tackle the dangerous use of scramblers,” he said.
“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.”
The new rules will also be known as “Grace’s Law”, in memory of Grace Lynch (pictured above), with the consent of her family.
The naming is intended to serve as a lasting reminder of the consequences of dangerous road use.
“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’,” Minister O’Brien said.
“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.”
Some of the illegal bikes gardaí seized in Ballymun in February. Picture credit: An Garda Síochána
Minister Canney said the regulations are designed to strengthen existing restrictions and respond to ongoing concerns from communities affected by scrambler use.
“We have introduced these new regulations to strengthen current restrictions and address the inappropriate use of scramblers in public places,” he said.
“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 the changes would improve safety while maintaining space for legitimate off-road activity.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Scramblers have been a persistent issue in many parts of Dublin, with concerns raised about their use in parks, housing estates and other public areas.
Since July 2023, it has already been illegal to use scramblers on public roads, and it has also been an offence to drive them dangerously in any location, including private land. Gardaí have had powers to seize vehicles where they are being driven dangerously, or where there is a reasonable belief they will be.
Those powers have been used extensively, with more than 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers seized between 2023 and the end of 2025.
Under the new regulations, enforcement is expected to become more straightforward.
The explicit ban means Gardaí will no longer need to determine whether a vehicle is being driven dangerously before taking action.
The legislation also reinforces existing rules around ownership and supply, including the long-standing offence of selling or supplying a mechanically propelled vehicle such as a scrambler to a minor.
The regulations were introduced under powers set out in the Road Traffic Act 1994, as amended by the 2023 legislation, and are intended to bring clarity by consolidating previously separate provisions into a single legal framework.
Further measures are also on the way, with the Department of Transport, in consultation with the Department of Justice, finalising additional regulations that will significantly increase the cost of releasing a scrambler after it has been seized.
The Government says the combined effect of the new law and existing powers will give Gardaí the tools needed to address what has become a growing safety concern in urban communities, while still allowing appropriate off-road use in controlled settings.