Road Traffic Act 1988
Part I Principal Road Safety Provisions
Driving offences
1 Causing death by dangerous driving.
2 Dangerous driving.
2A Meaning of dangerous driving.
2BCausing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving
3 Careless, and inconsiderate, driving.
3ZAMeaning of careless, or inconsiderate, driving
3ZBCausing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers
3A Causing death by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs.
Motor vehicles: drink and drugs
4 Driving, or being in charge, when under influence of drink or drugs.
5 Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit.
6 Power to administer preliminary tests
6APreliminary breath test
6BPreliminary impairment test
6CPreliminary drug test
6DArrest
6EPower of entry
7 Provision of specimens for analysis.
7A Specimens of blood taken from persons incapable of consenting
8 Choice of specimens of breath.
9 Protection for hospital patients.
10 Detention of persons affected by alcohol or a drug.
11 Interpretation of sections 4 to 10.
Motor racing and motoring events on public ways
12 Motor racing on public ways.
13 Regulation of motoring events on public ways.
13A Disapplication of sections 1 to 3 for authorised motoring events.
Protective measures: seat belts, helmets, etc.
14 Seat belts: adults.
15 Restriction on carrying children not wearing seat belts in motor vehicles.
15A Safety equipment for children in motor vehicles.
15BRequirement to notify bus passengers to wear seat belts
16 Wearing of protective headgear.
17 Protective helmets for motor cyclists.
18 Authorisation of head-worn appliances for use on motor cycles.
Stopping on verges, etc., or in dangerous positions, etc.
19 Prohibition of parking of HGVs on verges, central reservations and footways.
19A Prohibition of parking of vehicles on verges, central reservations and footways.
20 Definition of “heavy commercial vehicle” for the purposes of section 19.
21 Prohibition of driving or parking on cycle tracks.
22 Leaving vehicles in dangerous positions.
22A Causing danger to road-users.
Other restrictions in interests of safety
23 Restriction of carriage of persons on motor cycles.
24 Restriction of carriage of persons on bicycles.
25 Tampering with motor vehicles.
26 Holding or getting on to vehicle in order to be towed or carried.
27 Control of dogs on roads.
Cycling offences and cycle racing
28 Dangerous cycling.
29 Careless, and inconsiderate, cycling.
30 Cycling when under influence of drink or drugs.
31 Regulation of cycle racing on public ways.
32 Electrically assisted pedal cycles.
Use of motor vehicles away from roads
33 Control of use of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways for motor vehicle trials.
34 Prohibition of driving mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads.
Directions to traffic and to pedestrians and traffic signs
35 Drivers to comply with traffic directions.
36 Drivers to comply with traffic signs.
37 Directions to pedestrians.
Promotion of road safety
38 The Highway Code.
39 Powers of Secretary of State and local authorities as to giving road safety information and training.
40Road safety grants
Part II Construction and Use of Vehicles and Equipment
Using vehicle in dangerous condition
40A Using vehicle in dangerous condition etc.
General regulation of construction, use etc.
41 Regulation of construction, weight, equipment and use of vehicles.
41A Breach of requirement as to brakes, steering-gear or tyres.
41B Breach of requirement as to weight: goods and passenger vehicles.
41CBreach of requirement as to speed assessment equipment detection devices
41DBreach of requirements as to control of vehicle, mobile telephones etc.
42 Breach of other construction and use requirements.
43 Temporary exemption from application of regulations under section 41.
44 Authorisation of use on roads of special vehicles not complying with regulations under section 41.
Tests of vehicles other than goods vehicles to which section 49 applies
45 Tests of satisfactory condition of vehicles.
46 Regulations under section 45.
46A Use of records of vehicle examinations, etc.
46B Evidence from records of vehicle examinations.
47 Obligatory test certificates.
48 Supplementary provisions about test certificates.
Tests of certain classes of goods vehicles
49 Tests of satisfactory condition of goods vehicles and determination of plated weights, etc.
49AUse of records of goods vehicle examinations, etc.
50 Appeals against determinations.
51 Particular aspects of regulations under section 49.
52 Supplementary provisions about tests, etc., of goods vehicles.
53 Obligatory goods vehicle test certificates.
Approval of design, construction, equipment and marking of vehicles
54 Type approval requirements.
55 Type approval certificates.
56 Conditions of, and cancellation or suspension of, type approval certificates.
57 Certificates of conformity.
58 Minister’s approval certificates.
59 Supplementary provisions as to certificates of conformity and Minister’s approval certificates.
60 Appeals.
61 Regulations for the purposes of sections 54 to 60.
62 Other supplementary provisions.
63 Obligatory type approval certificates, certificates of conformity and Minister’s approval certificates.
63A Alteration of plated weights for goods vehicles without examination.
64 Using goods vehicle with unauthorised weights as well as authorised weights marked on it.
64AFailure to hold EC certificate of conformity for unregistered motor cycle or tractor
65 Vehicles and parts not to be sold without required certificate of conformity or Minister’s approval certificate.
65AMotor cycles not to be sold without EC certificate of conformity
Conditions for grant of excise licence
66 Regulations prohibiting the grant of excise licences for certain vehicles except on compliance with certain conditions.
Vehicle examiners
66A Appointment of examiners.
Testing vehicles on roads
67 Testing of condition of vehicles on roads.
67A Remedying defects discovered on roadside test.
67B Tests to check whether defects have been remedied.
Inspection of public passenger vehicles and goods vehicles
68 Inspection of public passenger vehicles and goods vehicles.
Prohibition of unfit vehicles
69 Power to prohibit driving of unfit vehicles.
69A Prohibitions conditional on inspection etc.
70 Power to prohibit driving of overloaded goods vehicles.
71 Unfit and overloaded vehicles: offences.
72 Removal of prohibitions.
72A Official testing stations.
73 Provisions supplementary to sections 69 to 72.
Miscellaneous provisions about vehicles and vehicle parts
74 Operator’s duty to inspect, and keep records of inspections of, goods vehicles.
75 Vehicles not to be sold in unroadworthy condition or altered so as to be unroadworthy.
76 Fitting and supply of defective or unsuitable vehicle parts.
77 Testing condition of used vehicles at sale rooms, etc.
78 Weighing of motor vehicles.
79 Further provisions relating to weighing of motor vehicles.
80 Approval marks.
Pedal cycles and horse-drawn vehicles
81 Regulation of brakes, bells etc., on pedal cycles.
82 Regulation of brakes on horse-drawn vehicles.
Miscellaneous
83 Offences to do with reflectors and tail lamps.
84 Appointment of officials and destination of fees.
85 Interpretation of Part II.
86 Index to Part II.
Part III Licensing of drivers of vehicles
Requirement to hold licence
87 Drivers of motor vehicles to have driving licences.
88 Exceptions.
Tests
89 Tests of competence to drive.
89A The alternative requirements to those in section 89.
90 Review of conduct of test.
91 Repayment of test fees.
Physical fitness
92 Requirements as to physical fitness of drivers.
93 Revocation of licence because of disability or prospective disability.
94 Provision of information, etc. relating to disabilities.
94A Driving after refusal or revocation of licence.
95 Notification of refusal of insurance on grounds of health.
96 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight.
Granting of licences, their form and duration
97 Grant of licences.
98 Form of licence.
98ACompulsory surrender of old-form licences
99 Duration of licences.
Driver training
99ZA Compulsory driver training courses.
99ZB Requirements to complete training courses.
99ZC Driver training courses: supplementary.
Community licence holders
99A Authorisation to drive in Great Britain.
99B Information about resident Community licence holders.
99C Revocation of authorisation conferred by Community licence because of disability or prospective disability.
99D Information relating to disabilities etc.
99E Return of Community licences delivered to Secretary of State.
Appeals
100 Appeals relating to licences.
Disqualification (otherwise than on conviction)
101 Disqualification of persons under age.
102 Disqualification to prevent duplication of licences.
Disqualification if disqualified in Northern Ireland etc.
102ADisqualification while disqualified in Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or Gibraltar
Effects of disqualification
103 Obtaining licence, or driving, while disqualified.
Miscellaneous
104 Conduct of proceedings in certain courts by or against the Secretary of State.
105 Regulations.
106 Destination of fees for licences, etc.
107 Service of notices.
108 Interpretation.
109 Provisions as to Northern Ireland drivers’ licences.
109ACounterparts issued to Northern Ireland licence holders
109BRevocation of authorisation conferred by Northern Ireland licence because of disability or prospective disability
109CInformation relating to disabilities etc
Part IV Licensing of drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles.
Licensing of drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles.
110(1) Licences under Part III of this Act to drive...
111 Functions of traffic commissioners.
112 Grants of licences: fitness as regards conduct.
113 Grant of licences: referral of matters of conduct to traffic commissioners.
114 Conditions of certain licences.
115 Revocation or suspension of licences.
115ACommunity licence holders: cessation of authorisation, etc.
116 Revocation or suspension of licences: referral of matters of conduct to traffic commissioners.
117 Disqualification on revocation of licence.
117A Community licences: disqualification etc.
118 Revoked or suspended licences: surrender, return and endorsement.
119 Appeals to magistrates’ court or sheriff
120 Regulations.
121 Interpretation.
122 Provisions as to Northern Ireland licences.
Part IV Licensing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles
Part V Driving Instruction
Instructors to be registered or licensed
123 Driving instruction for payment to be given only by registered or licensed persons.
124 Exemption of police instructors from prohibition imposed by section 123.
Registration
125 The register of approved instructors.
125A Registration of disabled persons.
125B Provisions supplementary to section 125A.
126 Duration of registration.
127 Extension of duration of registration.
128 Removal of names from register.
Licences
129 Licences for giving instruction so as to obtain practical experience.
130 Revocation of licences.
Appeals
131 Appeals.
Compensation
131ACompensation in respect of suspension
Examinations and tests
132 Examinations and tests of ability to give driving instruction.
133 Review of examinations.
Disabled persons: emergency control certificates, etc
133A Assessment of disabled person’s ability to control a motor car in an emergency.
133B Further assessments.
133C Duty to disclose further disability.
133D Offences relating to giving by disabled person of paid driving instruction.
General and supplemental
134 Power to alter conditions for entry or retention in, and removal from, register and for grant or revocation of licences.
135 Power to prescribe form of certificate of registration, etc.
136 Surrender of certificates and licences.
137 Production of certificates and licences to constables and authorised persons.
138 Offences by corporations.
139 Service of notices.
140 Receipts.
141 Regulations.
141A Meaning of “motor car".
142 Index to Part V.
Part VI Third-Party Liabilities
Compulsory insurance or security against third-party risks
143 Users of motor vehicles to be insured or secured against third-party risks.
144 Exceptions from requirement of third-party insurance or security.
144AOffence of keeping vehicle which does not meet insurance requirements
144BExceptions to section 144A offence
144CFixed penalty notices
144DSection 144A offence: supplementary
145 Requirements in respect of policies of insurance.
146 Requirements in respect of securities.
147 Issue and surrender of certificates of insurance and of security.
148 Avoidance of certain exceptions to policies or securities.
149 Avoidance of certain agreements as to liability towards passengers.
150 Insurance or security in respect of private use of vehicle to cover use under car-sharing arrangements.
151 Duty of insurers or persons giving security to satisfy judgment against persons insured or secured against third-party risks.
152 Exceptions to section 151.
153 Bankruptcy, etc., of insured or secured persons not to affect claims by third parties.
154 Duty to give information as to insurance or security where claim made.
155 Deposits.
156 Power to require evidence of insurance or security on application for vehicle excise licence.
Payments for treatment of traffic casualties
157 Payment for hospital treatment of traffic casualties.
158 Payment for emergency treatment of traffic casualties.
159 Supplementary provisions as to payments for treatment.
General
159ADisclosure of information
160 Regulations.
161 Interpretation.
162 Index to Part VI.
Part VII Miscellaneous and General
Requirement for approval of persons to assist at tests
162AApproved test assistants
Powers of constables and other authorised persons
163 Power of police to stop vehicles.
164 Power of constables to require production of driving licence and in certain cases statement of date of birth.
165 Power of constables to obtain names and addresses of drivers and others, and to require production of evidence of insurance or security and test certificates.
165APower to seize vehicles driven without licence or insurance
165BRetention etc. of vehicles seized under section 165A
166 Powers of certain officers as respects goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles.
167 Power of arrest in Scotland for reckless or careless driving or cycling.
Duty to give name and address
168 Failure to give, or giving false, name and address in case of reckless or careless or inconsiderate driving or cycling.
169 Pedestrian contravening constable’s direction to stop to give name and address.
Duties in case of accident
170 Duty of driver to stop, report accident and give information or documents.
Other duties to give information or documents
171 Duty of owner of motor vehicle to give information for verifying compliance with requirement of compulsory insurance or security.
172 Duty to give information as to identity of driver etc in certain circumstances.
Forgery, false statements, etc.
173 Forgery of documents, etc.
174 False statements and withholding material information.
175 Issue of false documents.
176 Power to seize articles in respect of which offences under sections 173 to 175 may have been committed.
177 Impersonation of authorised examiner, etc.
Offences in Scotland
178 Taking motor vehicle without authority, etc.
Inquiries
179 General power to hold enquiries.
180 General provisions as to inquiries.
181 General provisions as to accident inquiries.
182 Special provisions as to accident inquiries in Greater London.
Application to the Crown
183 Application to the Crown.
184 Application of sections 5 to 10 to persons subject to service discipline.
Interpretation
185 Meaning of “motor vehicle” and other expressions relating to vehicles.
186 Supplementary provisions about those expressions.
187 Articulated vehicles.
188 Hover vehicles.
189 Certain vehicles not to be treated as motor vehicles.
190 Method of calculating weight of motor vehicles and trailers.
191 Interpretation of statutory references to carriages.
192 General interpretation of Act.
192A Tramcars and other guided vehicles: drink and drugs.
193 Exemptions for tramcars, trolley vehicles, railway locomotives, carriages and trucks.
193A Tramcars and trolley vehicles.
194 General index.
Supplementary
195 Provisions as to regulations.
196 Provision, etc., of weighbridges.
197 Short title, commencement and extent.
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1Supplementary Provisions in Connection with Proceedings for Offences under Sections 15A, 17 and 18(4)
Proceedings in England and Wales
1(1) A person against whom proceedings are brought in England...
2(1) Where— (a) it appears that an offence under section...
3(1) Where proceedings are brought in England and Wales against...
Proceedings in Scotland
4(1) Where a contravention of section 15A, 17 or 18(4)...
Proceedings in Great Britain
5(1A) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, in any...
6(1) An accused who in any proceedings for an offence...
7In this Schedule, “equipment” means equipment to which section 15A...
SCHEDULE 2Deferred Tests of Condition of Vehicles
1Where the driver is the owner of the vehicle, he...
2When the driver is not the owner of the vehicle...
3(1) Where under the preceding provisions of this Schedule a...
4The owner of the vehicle must produce it, or secure...
5(1) References in this Schedule to the owner of a...
SCHEDULE 2AOffence of keeping vehicle which does not meet insurance requirements: immobilisation, removal and disposal of vehicles
Immobilisation
1(1) Regulations may make provision with respect to any case...
Offences connected with immobilisation
2(1) The regulations may provide that a person contravening provision...
Removal and disposal of vehicles
3(1) The regulations may make provision with respect to any...
Offences as to securing possession of vehicles
4The regulations may provide that where— (a) a person makes...
Disputes
5The regulations may make provision about the proceedings to be...
Authorised persons
6As regards anything falling to be done under the regulations...
Application of Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
7The regulations may make provision for the application of any...
Interpretation
8(1) The regulations may make provision as to the meaning...
9(1) The regulations may make provision as to the meaning...
10In this Schedule— (a) references to an immobilisation device are...
SCHEDULE 2AForm of seat belt symbol for buses
SCHEDULE 3
1On an appeal under section 131 of this Act, the...
2(1) The Secretary of State shall refer every such appeal...
3(1) The Secretary of State may by rules made by...
4(1) The Secretary of State may on an appeal under...
5Section 180 of this Act, in its application to an...
SCHEDULE 4
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Royal arms

Road Traffic Act 1988

1988 CHAPTER 52

An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to road traffic with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—