What is the youngest age to drive and use a ride on lawnmower on a private lane in Ireland

FaithNoMore

My 14 & 13 yo want to use my ride on lawnmower to keep the private lane verge tidy (another house is on the lane) to our house. I know a few years ago you the law changed so that kids can't drive cars on private property anymore, but I don't want to get into trouble allowing my kids to use the ride on lawnmower!

airy fairy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058233817/what-is-the-youngest-age-to-drive-and-use-a-ride-on-lawnmower-on-a-private-lane-in-ireland

Don't know the answer, but would be hesitant to leave them on it when in cutting mode until they are older/more mature. 14 & 13 a bit young. And if you had to watch them, it would be easier to do it yourself!

So many accidents can happen, especially if something gets stuck and they try sort the problem themselves by sticking hands under or in the shoot to free things out.

Sorry for the lecture, but I know someone who lost toes in a ride on lawnmower accident.

Victor

"another house is on the lane" - this likely makes it a 'public place' (not the same as 'public road') for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, which means driving licence, insurance, registration plate, roadworthiness certificate, etc.

Dakota Dan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118660320#Comment_118660320

No it doesn’t, there’s a private lane way to my house with two other houses on it so you don’t need a licence to drive on it.

circadian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118660360#Comment_118660360

It depends. It's called a right of way and each one is different.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning_a_home/home_owners/right_of_way.html

GM228

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118660360#Comment_118660360

Be that as it may, if other members of the public can access the lane (whether as of right or by permission) with a vehicle then it is a "public place" as legally defined under the Road Traffic Acts as noted by Victor.

babyducklings1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118659888#Comment_118659888

My parents had a ride on lawnmower when I was a child, was never allowed to drive it . Probably looking back it was because I was a girl and other siblings were boys. Probably a bit of sexism but also a huge fear that if the lawnmower went out of control or over turned I wouldn’t be able to manage it and would end up being injured.Looking back now I see that my parents were being sensible. A ride on lawnmower is a fairly heavy machine with sharp blades and not easy to control when things go wrong. Not directly related but often hear of tragic farm accidents involving young people and just so sad. Think parents should always be on the side of caution.

Peregrinus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118660360#Comment_118660360

In what senses is this a "private lane"?

If I wished to call on you or one of your neighbours, what would stop me driving along the lane to the relevant house? Would somebody have to come down and open a gate for me? Would I have to get out of the car to open a gate? If there is no barrier and I drove onto to the lane because, say, of a wrong turning, how would I know I was on a private lane?