Driving Microcars at 45 km/h on Secondary Roads: What You Need to Know Outside the City

Light quadricycles or microcars have become an increasingly popular option for those seeking an affordable means of transport (if that even exists anymore), that does not require a license and, above all, that can be parked in congested cities.

They are models as popular as the Citroën Ami (yes, that one you’re not sure if it goes forward or backward), the Fiat Topolino, or Ligier and Aixam models, and their presence can extend beyond the urban environment. In fact, you can drive them outside the city as long as you don’t overlook the risks involved.

What is a ‘license-free’ microcar or light quadricycle: main characteristics

The market for light quadricycles remains steady in Spain, and actually sales are up: data from the sector’s trade association (ANESDOR) show that microcar registrations rose by more than 50% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. While electric models like the Ami are more city-focused, combustion-powered ones are the most used in rural environments for obvious reasons: you don’t have to recharge their batteries.

The regulations define light quadricycles or ‘license-free cars’ as “four-wheeled, two-seat vehicles whose curb weight is below 350 kg, not including the weight of the battery in the case of electric vehicles.”

In Spain they belong to the L6e category, the same as some low-displacement quads. These are their main characteristics:

• Displacement 50 cm3 or less (spark-ignition engines).
• Maximum power not exceeding 4 kW (other internal combustion engines or electric motors).
• Weight of 350 kg or less, not including the weight of the batteries for electric vehicles.
• Maximum speed: must always be 45 km/h or less.

What you need to drive a microcar: licenses and insurance

To drive a light quadricycle there are two options: obtain the AM license or the limited AM license.

Regarding the AM license, it is the same as for riding a two- or three-wheeled moped of up to 50 cc (or an electric motor up to the equivalent kW across all its variants). These are the requirements to obtain it:

• The minimum age is 15 years to obtain this license.
• To obtain the AM license, Traffic requires passing a theoretical exam and another practical exam on a track.
• The practical exam consists of two maneuvers: riding along a narrow lane (B) and weaving between obstacles at reduced speed (A). The two tests are linked, with B performed first and then A.
• Once the AM license is obtained, you must have reached 18 years old to be allowed to carry passengers.

Both light and heavy quadricycles must have at least a civil liability insurance. In addition, both types of microcars must undergo the vehicle technical inspection (ITV) and the intervals are the same for both: the first ITV is due four years after registration and then every two years until the vehicle is 10 years old. From that point on, it must be done annually.

Microcars outside the city: the environment with the highest risks

Light quadricycles can travel outside the city, but only on conventional and secondary roads. Therefore, they are not commonly seen in rural environments, although that is where they make the most sense since they solve the lack of public transport in these areas.

If you drive one of these vehicles, keep in mind that you should drive on the right-hand shoulder if it is passable and sufficient. If there is no shoulder or it is unusable, you must occupy the essential portion of the roadway. On the other hand, in very cold or hot seasons the journey will not be pleasant (not to mention if it rains heavily).

To that, you must add that you share the road with vehicles traveling at twice your speed (you cannot go faster than 45 km/h), which is why it is recommended for short trips: microcars do not have the same safety features as a car and they lack a crumple zone in the event of an accident. This means that if there is a high-speed collision, you will not come out well.