Facilitates different turning speeds of the wheels of an axle, e.g. when driving along curves. In offroad use however, the differential is rather obstructive. Therefore and because of the rather small track width of the ATVs/quads many manufacturers, in favor of better offroad and road characteristics, abandon a differential at the rear axle. At the front axle with "4WD" ATV however, a differential becomes necessary for the reduction of the guidance forces. Everyone who has ever tried to drive with an inserted front axle differential lock, knows why. See also differential lock, rigid axle, rigid drive shaft.

Many ARCTIC CAT models are equipped with a manual front axle differential lock. With inserted four-wheel drive and a spinning wheel on the front axle usually further advancing is possible by switching on the differential lock. By locking the differential, both wheels are forced to run with the same speed. Apart from the manual differential lock there are also automatic differential lock systems. Before driving along curves the differential lock has to be loosened absolutely.

In order to be allowed to drive an ATV or a quad with more than 50ccm displacement, you must have a car driving licence. Vehicles with less than 50ccm can be driven with the moped driving licence and/or driving licence class S (Germany).