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Road Traffic Act 1988
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- 1988 c. 52
- Part IV
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Changes to legislation:
Road Traffic Act 1988,
Part IV is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 December 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.
Changes and effects yet to be applied to Part IVn2:
- 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. 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(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- s. 97(1)(c)(ia) words repealed by 2006 c. 49 Sch. 3 para. 6(2)(b) Sch. 7(4)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(1ZA) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 38(2)
- 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. 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. 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. 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)
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. 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(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(1ZA) inserted by 2006 c. 49 s. 38(2)
- 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. 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. 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. 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)
[F1X1Part IVU.K. Licensing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editorial Information
X1Pt. IV (ss. 110–122): by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 1(1)(2)(7), 16, Sch. 6 it is provided that Pt. IV (entitled "Licensing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles") shall cease to have effect and is repealed (1.4.1991) and by s. 2(1) of that 1989 Act (coming into force 1.4.1991) it is provided that there shall be inserted as Part IV (entitled "Licensing of drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles") of this 1988 Act the provisions set out in Schedule 2 to that 1989 Act which: (a) apply both to the licensing of the drivers of large goods vehicles and to the licensing of the drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles (as there defined); and (b) re-enact and assimilate certain of the provisions of Part IV of the 1988 Act (as originally enacted) and of section 22 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (c. 14) to take account of the abolition by section 1 above of special licences to drive heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles and the granting after the appointed day of licences to drive such vehicles under Part III of the 1988 Act
Textual Amendments
F1Pt. IV (ss. 110–122): by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 1(1)(2)(7), 16, Sch. 6 it is provided that Pt. IV (entitled "Licensing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles") shall cease to have effect and is repealed (1.4.1991) and by s. 2(1) of that 1989 Act (coming into force 1.4.1991) it is provided that there shall be inserted as Part IV (entitled "Licensing of drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles") of this 1988 Act the provisions set out in Schedule 2 to that 1989 Act which: (a) apply both to the licensing of the drivers of large goods vehicles and to the licensing of the drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles (as there defined); and (b) re-enact and assimilate certain of the provisions of Part IV of the 1988 Act (as originally enacted) and of section 22 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (c. 14) to take account of the abolition by section 1 above of special licences to drive heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles and the granting after the appointed day of licences to drive such vehicles under Part III of the 1988 Act
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