Road Traffic Act 1988

Type Public General Act
Publication 1988-11-15
Last updated 2026-10-05
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
PDF Download
articles Not indexed

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.

Reform history JSON API
9

S. 3ZA inserted (24.9.2007 for certain purposes and otherwise 18.8.2008) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 30, 61; S.I. 2007/2472, art. 2(h); S.I. 2008/1918, art. 2

10
11

Words in s. 4(1)(2)(3) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 4; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

12

S. 4(6)(7) repealed (E.W.) (1.1.2006) and s. 4(8) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178, Sch. 7 para. 27(2)(4), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(1)(m)(u) (subject to art. 2(2))

13

S. 6 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

14

Ss. 6-6E substituted (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) for s. 6 by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 107, 120, Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2004/827, art. 2, 3

15

Ss. 6A-6E applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

16

Ss. 6A-6E applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

17

Ss. 6A-6E applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

18

Ss. 6A-6E applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

21

Ss. 6A-6E applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

22

S. 7 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

25

S. 7(3)(bb) inserted (4.7.1996 but with effect (1.4.1997) as mentioned in s. 63(3)(4)) by 1996 c. 25, s. 63(1) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/682, art. 2(1)(b)

26

Words in s. 7(3)(bb) substituted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 154(6)(b), 178; S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1) (subject to art. 3(4)(5))

28

Words in s. 7(4) substituted (1.4.2003) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 55(1), 108(2); S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

30

S. 7A applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

31

S. 7A inserted (1.10.2002) by 2002 c. 30, s. 56(1); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(d)(v)

32

S. 8 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

33

S. 9 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

35
37

S. 9(1A)(2) substituted for s. 9(2) (1.10.2002) by 2002 c. 30, s. 56(2); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(d)(v)

38

S. 10 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

41

Words in s. 10(1)(2) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 43; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

43
45

S. 11 applied (with modifications) (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 83(1)(3), 96(1)(3), 120 (with ss. 90, 100); S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

46

Words "3A" in s. 11(1) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 44; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

47

In s. 11(2) definition of "breath test" repealed (30.3.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, (c. 20), ss. 107, 118, 120, Sch. 7 para. 5(a), {Sch. 8}; S.I. 2004/827, art. 3

48

In s. 11(2) definition of "registered health care professional" inserted (1.10.2002 for certain purposes and 1.4.2003 otherwise) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 55(3), 108(2); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 4(d); S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

49

S. 11(2A)(2B) inserted (1.10.2002 for certain purposes and 1.4.2003 otherwise) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 55(4), 108(2); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 4(d); S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

51
52

Ss. 6-6E substituted (29.3.2004 for certain purposes and 30.3.2004 otherwise) for s. 6 by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 107, 120, Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2004/827, arts. 2, 3

53

Word in s. 12(2) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 45; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

54

S. 13(2): transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1 S. 13(2): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1(1), 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

55

Word in s. 13(4) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 46; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

56

S. 13A: transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1(1), 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7); S.I. 1999/3178, art. 3 S. 13A: transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1

57
58

S. 14(1)(2) power exercised by S.I. 1991/1255

60

S. 14(2)(bb) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 2(2)(b).

61

Words in s. 14(4) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 2(3).

66

S. 15(3A) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I 1992/3105, reg. 3(2).

67

Words in s. 15(4) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(3).

68

Words in s. 15(5)(a) substituted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(4)(a).

69

Words in s. 15(5)(b) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(4)(b).

70

S. 15(6) substituted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(6).

72

Definitions in s. 15(9) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(7)(a)(b).

74

Word in s. 15(9) omitted (2.2.1993) by virtue of S.I. 1992/3105, reg. 3(7)(b).

78

1985 c. 67. A “local service” is defined in section 2 of that Act.

81

S. 19 excluded (temp.) (E.W.) (1.10.1991) and (S.) (16.6.1997) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), ss. 43, 76(3)(e), 84, Sch. 3 para. 2(4)(d); S.I. 1991/2054, art. 3, Sch.; S.I. 1997/1580, art. 2

83

S. 19A (which was inserted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1) ss. 4, 8(3)(b), Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 22(1)) repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch.8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

86

Words in s. 21(1) substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 67, 103(2), Sch. 7 para. 4(1)(2)

87

Words in s. 21(2)(b) inserted (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 70(4), 103(3); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(d); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(e)

90

S. 21(3)(aa) inserted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 67, 103(2), Sch. 7 para. 4(3)

91

Words in s. 21(3)(b) substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406(1)(6), 408, 411, Sch. 17 para. 95 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

92

S. 22 applied (S.) (21.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/854, art. 3(4)(a)(b)

93

Words in s. 22 substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para.48; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

94
97

S. 25 applied (S.) (21.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/854, art. 3(4)(a)(b)

98

s. 27(6): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1(1) 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3 S. 27(6): transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1

99

Words in s. 27(7)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 159(2); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

100

S. 28 substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 7; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

101

Words in s. 29 repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch.8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

102
103

S. 31(2): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3 S. 31(2): transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1

104
110

Words in s. 33(5)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 159(3); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

112

This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

113

S. 34 substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 67, 103(2), Sch. 7 para. 5

115

Words in s. 34(2) repealed (2.5.2006 for E. and 16.11.2006 for W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 70(3), 105(2), 107, Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/1176, art. 6; S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2

116

S. 34(2A) inserted (E.W.) (2.5.2006 for E. and 16.11.2006 for W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 70(4), 107; S.I. 2006/1176, art. 6; S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2

118

Words in s. 34(6) substituted (E.W.) (2.5.2006 for E. and 16.11.2006 for W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 70(5), 107; S.I. 2006/1176, art. 6; S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2

120

Words in s. 34(7) inserted (E.W.) (2.5.2006 for E. and 16.11.2006 for W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 70(6), 107; S.I. 2006/1176, art. 6; S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2

121

S. 34(8) inserted (E.W.) (2.5.2006 for E. and 16.11.2006 for W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 70(7), 107; S.I. 2006/1176, art. 6; S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2

122

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

125

Words in s. 35(1) inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(2)(a)(i), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2

126

Words in s. 35(1) inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(2)(a)(ii), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2

127

Words in s. 35(2)(b) inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(2)(b), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2

128

S. 36 applied (with modifications) (30.12.2003) by London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003 (c. iii), s. 7(4)

131

S. 36 applied (with modifications) (29.3.1993) by 1993 c. iv, ss. 25(1)(b)(3), 26(1)(b)(3) (with ss. 36, 41(5), 44(1)) S. 36 applied (12.8.1994) by S.I. 1994/1519, reg. 10(1) (which S.I. 1994/1519 is revoked (31.1.2003) by S.I. 2002/3113, reg. 2) S. 36 applied (S.) (4.1.1995) by 1994 c. 39, s. 150(2); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 3(a), Sch. 2 S. 36 applied (1.3.1998) by S.I. 1997/3053, reg. 4(2) S. 36 applied (31.1.2003) by S.I. 2002/3113, reg. 10(1) S. 36 applied by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), Sch. 4 para. 13A(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 122(7), 178, Sch. 8 para. 11; S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1) (subject to art. 3(4)(5)))

132

S. 36(1) excluded (S.) (18.11.2003) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40), Sch. 3 para. 2(4) (as inserted by The Road Traffic Act 1991 (Special Parking Area) (Scotland) Order 2003 (S.S.I 2003/508), {art. 2})

134

S. 36(5): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1 S. 36(5): transfer of functions (27.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3143, art. 2(2) S. 36(5) amended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1(1), 4, Sch. 3 (with art. 7); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

137

S. 37 extended (S.) (21.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/854, art. 3(2)(b)

139

Words in s. 37 inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(3)(a), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2

140

Words in s. 37 inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(3)(b), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2

145

S. 39: transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, ss. 53, 56(1)(i) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2(1)

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