Road Traffic Act 1988

Changes over time for: Section 53

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Changes to legislation:

Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 53 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 01 August 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to Section 53:

s. 53(3) words inserted by 1982 c. 49 s. 10(7)(b)

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

s. 3B-3D inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 54(1)
s. 13A(1A) inserted by 2024 c. 10 Sch. 3 para. 1(4)(b)
s. 22B inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 54(2)
s. 25(1) s. 25 renumbered as s. 25(1) by 2024 c. 10 s. 55(a)
s. 25(2) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 55(b)
s. 34A inserted by 2000 c. 37 Sch. 7 para. 6 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. The amending provision has been repealed)
s. 34B 34C and cross-heading inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 53(1)
s. 41(2)(m) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 18(1)(a)
s. 41(2)(ba) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 56(3)
s. 49(3A) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 48(1)
s. 66(7A) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 56(5)
s. 67(1A)(1B) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(2)(a)
s. 67(3B)(d) and word inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(2)(b)(ii)
s. 67(8A) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(2)(c)
s. 67(11) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(2)(d)
s. 68(6)(d) and word inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(3)(b)(ii)
s. 68(7)(8) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(3)(c)
s. 69(1)(d) and word inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(4)(a)
s. 69(2)(d) and word inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(4)(b)
s. 69(10) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 92(4)(c)
s. 76(11) inserted by 2024 c. 10 s. 56
s. 85(1) words omitted (temp.) by S.I. 2019/648 reg. 2(5)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 2(5)(a) substituted (1.9.2020) by S.I. 2020/818, regs. 1(b), Sch. 6 para. 39(2)(c)(i))
s. 85(1) words omitted (temp.) by S.I. 2019/648 reg. 2(5)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 2(5)(a) substituted (1.9.2020) by S.I. 2020/818, regs. 1(b), Sch. 6 para. 39(2)(c)(ii))
s. 85(2) added by 1988 c. 54 Sch. 2 para. 17(c)
s. 97(1)(c)(ia) words repealed by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 3 para. 6(2)(b) Sch. 7(4)
s. 97(1)(d)(ii) words omitted by S.I. 2018/1251 reg. 2(4)
s. 97(1ZA) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 38(2)
s. 108(1BA) inserted by S.I. 2018/1251 reg. 2(5)(c)
s. 123 123A substituted for s. 123 by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 2
s. 123A(3) words inserted by 2009 c. 17 s. 1(3)
s. 124(3)-(5) inserted by 2009 c. 17 s. 3
s. 124(6) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 2(b) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125(3A)-(3D) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 3(2) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125(5A) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 3(3) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125A(5)-(7E) substituted for s. 125A(5)-(7) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 6(3)
s. 125ZA inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 5
s. 125ZA(2)(b) word omitted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(a) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125ZA(2)(d) and word inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(b) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125ZA(4)(c) word omitted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(3)(c) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125ZA(4)(c) words substituted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(3)(b) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125ZA(4)(ba)(bb) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(3)(a) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 125ZA(4)(ca) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 4(3)(d) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 126(5) omitted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 6 (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 126A inserted by 2016 c. 16 s. 1(3)
s. 126A omitted (cond.) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 8A (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 3(3)
s. 126A heading words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 3(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 126A(1) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 3(3)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 126A(1) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 3(3)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128A inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 11
s. 128A(4) inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 11 (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 4(4)
s. 128B inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 9 (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 128ZA inserted by 2009 c. 17 s. 1(1)
s. 128ZB inserted by 2009 c. 17 s. 2
s. 128AZA 128AZB inserted by 2016 c. 16 s. 2(2)
s. 128AZA 128AZB inserted (cond.) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 10A (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 4(2)
s. 128AZA 128AZB substituted (cond.) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 10A (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 4(2)
s. 128AZA heading words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(2)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128AZA(1) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(2)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128AZA(4) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(2)(c) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128AZB heading words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(3)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128AZB(1) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(3)(b)(i) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 128AZB(1) words inserted by S.I. 2016/1089 reg. 4(3)(b)(ii) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 3, 4 omitted (1.12.2023) without ever being in force by virtue of S.I. 2023/1286, regs. 1, 7(3))
s. 131(A1)-(C1) inserted by 2006 c. 49, Sch. 6 para. 13(1A) (as inserted) by S.I. 2023/1286 Sch. 3 para. 92(2)(a)(i)
s. 131(3)(b)(c) substituted for s. 131(3)(b) and word by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 13(4)
s. 131(6) inserted by 2016 c. 16 s. 2(4)
s. 131(6) inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 13(9) (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 4(5)
s. 131(6) substituted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 13(9) (as inserted) by 2016 c. 16 s. 4(5)
s. 132-133ZA and cross-heading substituted for ss. 132, 133 and cross-heading by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 14
s. 133(2)(a) words omitted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 10(a) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 133(2)(b) words omitted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 10(b) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 133D(1A) inserted by 2015 c. 20 Sch. 2 para. 14(2) (This amendment is to Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 6 to the Road Safety Act 2006. Those amendments have not yet come into force)
s. 140(1)(2) inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 23(2)
s. 140(1A) inserted in earlier affecting provision 2006 c. 49, Sch. 6 para. 23(2) by S.I. 2023/1286 Sch. 3 para. 92(2)(b)
s. 140(3) s. 140 renumbered as s. 140(3) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 23(1)
s. 141A(5) words repealed by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 3 para. 24 Sch. 7(4)
s. 143(1A) repealed (cond.) by S.I. 2019/1047 Sch. 2 para. 2 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. The insertion of s. 143(1A) by 2018 c. 18, Sch. para. 17 was repealed (1.11.2019) by The Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1047), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 1 (with reg. 5) without ever being brought into force.)
s. 145(3A) word inserted by 2024 c. 10 Sch. 2 para. 4(2)
s. 173(2)(g)-(gb) substituted for s. 173(2)(g) by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 27
s. 173(2)(n) and word inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 37(8)
s. 174(1)(da) inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 28
s. 183(6A) inserted by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 6 para. 29
s. 192(1ZA) inserted by 2024 c. 10 Sch. 2 para. 4(5)(b)

53 Obligatory goods vehicle test certificates.E+W+S

(1)If any person at any time on or after the relevant date—

(a)uses on a road a F1... vehicle of a class required by [F2relevant regulations] to have been submitted for examination for plating, or

(b)causes or permits to be used on a road a F1... vehicle of such a class,

and at that time there is no plating certificate in force for the vehicle, he is guilty of an offence.

In this subsection “relevant date”, in relation to any F1... vehicle, means the date by which it is required by the regulations to be submitted for examination for plating.

(2)If any person at any time on or after the relevant date—

(a)uses on a road a [F3vehicle of] a class required by [F4relevant regulations] to have been submitted for a goods vehicle test, or

(b)causes or permits to be used on a road a [F5vehicle of] such a class,

and at that time there is no goods vehicle test certificate in force for the vehicle, he is guilty of an offence.

In this subsection “relevant date”, in relation to [F6any vehicle], means the date by which it is required by the regulations to be submitted for its first goods vehicle test.

(3)Any person who—

(a)uses a F7... vehicle on a road, or

(b)causes or permits a F7... vehicle to be so used,

when an alteration has been made to the vehicle or its equipment which is required by [F8relevant regulations] to be, but has not been, notified to the Secretary of State [F9or the prescribed testing authority] is guilty of an offence.

(4)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (3) above, it shall be a defence to prove that the alteration was not specified in the relevant plating certificate in accordance with [F10relevant regulations].

(5)The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a)exempt from all or any of the preceding provisions of this section the use of goods vehicles for such purposes or in such an area as may be prescribed, and

[F11(b)make provision for and in connection with—

(i)the issue in respect of a vehicle of a certificate of temporary exemption exempting that vehicle from the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) above for such period as may be specified in the certificate;

(ii)the revocation of such a certificate.]

[F12(5A)The power under subsection (5)(b) includes power to—

(a)make provision for a certificate of temporary exemption to be issued subject to conditions;

(b)make different provision for different circumstances or cases;

(c)confer functions on a person (including functions involving the exercise of a discretion).]

[F13(6)In this section “relevant regulations” means regulations made—

(a)under section 49 of this Act, or

(b)for the purposes of implementing Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers.]

Textual Amendments

F1Word in s. 53(1) omitted (20.5.2018) by virtue of The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(a)(i)

F2Words in s. 53(1)(a) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(a)(ii)

F3Words in s. 53(2)(a) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(b)(i)

F4Words in s. 53(2)(a) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(b)(ii)

F5Words in s. 53(2)(b) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(b)(iii)

F6Words in s. 53(2) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(b)(iv)

F7Word in s. 53(3) omitted (20.5.2018) by virtue of The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(c)(i)

F8Words in s. 53(3) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(c)(ii)

F9Words inserted (prosp.) by Transport Act 1982 (c. 49, SIF 107:1), ss. 10(7)(b), 76(2) (as amended (15.5.1989) by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 4(4)(b))

F10Words in s. 53(4) substituted (20.5.2018) by The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/849), regs. 1, 3(d)

F11S. 53(5)(b) substituted (22.7.2020) by Business and Planning Act 2020 (c. 16), ss. 13(3), 25(2)(b)