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
694

S. 132 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

695

Words in s. 132(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(2); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

696

Words in s. 132(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(a)(i); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

697

Words in s. 132(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(a)(ii); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

698

Words in s. 132(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(a)(iii); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

699

Words in s. 132(2)(b) inserted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(b)(i); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

700

Words in s. 132(2)(b) inserted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(b)(ii); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

701

Words in s. 132(2)(c) inserted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 9(1)(3)(c); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

702

S. 133 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

703

Words in s. 133(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(2)(a); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 3(3))

704

Words in s. 133(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 309; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3

705

Words in s. 133(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(2)(b); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 3(3))

706

Words in s. 133(2) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(3)(a); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 3(3))

707

Words in s. 133(2) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(3)(b); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 3(3))

708
709

S. 133A excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

710

Ss. 133A, 133B and cross-heading inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 3; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

711

S. 133A(4A) inserted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 260, Sch. 29 para. 10; S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

712

S. 133B excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

713

Ss. 133A, 133B and cross-heading inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 3; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

714

S. 133C inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s.4; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

715

S.133C excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

716

S. 133D inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 5 ; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

717

S. 133D excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

718

Ss. 133A, 133B and cross-heading inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s.3; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

719

S. 134 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

720

S. 135 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

721

S. 136 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

722

S. 137 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

723

S. 138 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

725

S. 139 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

728

S. 140 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

729

S. 141 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

730

S. 141: s. 125(3)(with ss. 127(2), 132(1)(a)(2)(b), 134 and 141) power exercised by S.I.1991/1129

731

S. 141: power previously exercised by S.I. 1989/1373, 1989/2057, 1990/1113.

732

S. 141A inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2 Sch. 1 para. 29

733

S. 141A excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

734

S. 142 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

735

Entries in table in s. 142 inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 6, Sch. para. 8; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

736

Entry in table in s. 142 inserted (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/357, reg. 2(5)

738

S. 143 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

739

Words in s. 143(1)(a) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 2(a)

740

Words in s. 143(1)(b) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 2(b)

741

S. 144 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

744

Words in s. 144(2)(a)(i) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, S. 78, Sch. 10, para.29 (with ss. 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

746

Words in s. 144(2)(a)(ii) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 159(8); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4

747

Words in s. 144(2)(b) repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 325, 423, Sch. 27 para. 61, Sch. 34 Pt. VII (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/1648,art. 2, Sch.

749

Words in s. 144(2)(c) substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2) Sch. 13 para. 85 (with s. 312(1))

759

S. 145 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

760

Words in s. 145(3)(a) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 2(3)

761

S. 145(3)(aa) inserted (31.12.1992) by S.I. 1992/3036, reg. 2(1).

762

Words in s. 145(3)(b) inserted (31.12.1992) by S.I. 1992/3036, reg. 2(2)

763

Words in s. 145(3)(b) substituted (31.12.1992) by S.I. 1992/3036, reg. 2(2).

764

S. 145(4A) inserted (31.12.1992) by S.I. 1992/3036, reg. 2(3).

766

S. 145(5) substituted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 313

768

S. 147 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

770

S. 148 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

771

Words in 148(2)(h) substituted (1.9.1994) by 1994 C. 22, ss. 63, 66, Sch. 3 para. 24(1) (with s. 57(4))

772

S. 149 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

773

S. 150 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

775

S. 151 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

776

S. 151(9)(b) 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.

777

S. 152 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

780
781

S. 153 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

782

S. 154 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

783

S. 156 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

784

Words in s. 156 substituted (1.9.1994) by S.I. 1994 c. 22, ss. 63, 66(2), Sch. 3 para. 24(5) (with s. 57(4))

785

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

786

S. 157 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

787

Words in s. 157(1)(a) substituted (S.) (13.5.2002) by 2002 asp 5, s. 20(1); S.S.I. 2002/170, art. 2(2)

788

Sum in s. 157(2) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 2

789

Sum in s. 157(2) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 2

790

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

791

S. 157 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

792

Sum in s. 157(2) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 2

793

Sum in s. 157(2) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 2

794

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version extends to England and Wales only

795

S. 158 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

796

Words in s. 158(1)(a) inserted (13.5.2002) by 2002 asp 5, s. 20(2); S.S.I. 2002/170, art. 2(2)

797

Words in s. 158(2)(a) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 3

798

Words in s. 158(2)(b) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 3

799

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

800

S. 158 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

801

Words in s. 158(2)(a) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 3

802

Words in s. 158(2)(b) substituted (17.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/889, art. 3

803

S. 159: transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1 S. 159 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

804

Words in s. 159(1) substituted (5.4.1999) for s. 159(1)(a)-(c) by 1999 c. 3, s. 18(2)(a); S.I. 1999/1075, art. 2

805

It is provided that words in s. 159(3)(a) substituted (5.4.1999) by 1999 c. 3, s. 18(2)(b); S.I. 1999/1075, art. 2

806

S. 160 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

810

S. 161 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

811

Definition of “hospital" in s. 161(1) substituted (5.4.1999) by 1999 c. 3, s. 18(3); S.I. 1999/1075, art. 2

812

S. 161(1): in definition of "hospital" words in para. (a) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 2, 5, 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 123 (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

814

S. 161(1): in the definition of "hospital" para. (b) repealed (29.1.2007) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 169(2), 196, 199, Sch. 14 Pt. 3 (with s. 166); S.I. 2006/3397, art. 3 (subject to art. 4); S.S.I. 2007/10, art. 2(2)(d)(e)(g)

815

S. 162 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

816

Entry in s. 162 substituted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 314

821
822

Words in s. 163(1) inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(4), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2(a)

823

Words in s. 163(2) inserted (E.W.) (4.10.2004 for E. and 1.5.2009 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 6(4), 99 (with s. 38); S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(a); S.I. 2009/1095, art. 2(a)

825

S. 164(1)(6)(8) applied (with modifications) (12.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/2864, reg. 80(5)(e)

827

S. 164(1) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1987/1378, reg. 25(3) (as amended by S.I. 1990/842, reg. 9).

830
832

Words in s. 164(3)(a) inserted (28.1.2010) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91(1), 94, Sch. 5 para. 27(a)(i); S.I. 2008/3009, art. 2; London Gazette issue no. 59317 dated 26.1.2010, p. 1229; Edinburgh Gazette issue no. 26739 dated 26.1.2010, p. 244; Belfast Gazette issue no. 7156 dated 22.1.2010, p. 33

833

Words in s. 164(3) inserted (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, reg. 14

834

S. 164(3)(a)(iii) and preceding word “or" inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 30(2)(a)

838

Words in s. 164(3)(b) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 30(2)(b)

840

Words in s. 164(3)(b) inserted (28.1.2010) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91(1), 94, Sch. 5 para. 27(a)(iii); S.I. 2008/3009, art. 2; London Gazette issue no. 59317 dated 26.1.2010, p. 1229; Edinburgh Gazette issue no. 26739 dated 26.1.2010, p. 244; Belfast Gazette issue no. 7156 dated 22.1.2010, p. 33

843

S. 164(5) extended (E.W.) (1.1.1998) by 1997 C. 43, s. 39(5)(a), 40(6); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 3(b)(c)

844
845

Words in s. 164(5) inserted (10.11.2000 for specified purposes and otherwise 2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 19, s. 16(4) (with s. 83(6)); S.I. 2000/2994, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I; S.I. 2000/3554, art. 2(3)

846

Words in s. 164(5) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 117

848

S. 164(6) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1987/1378, reg. 25(3) (as amended by S.I. 1990/842, reg. 9).

850
851

S. 164(8) applied with modifications by S.I. 1987/1378, reg. 25(3) (as amended by S.I. 1990/842, reg. 9)

854

S. 164(11) substituted (27.3.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 30(3)

855

S. 164(11): words in definition of "licence" inserted (11.10.2004) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91(1), 94, Sch. 5 para. 27(b)(i); S.I. 2004/2624, art. 2(2)(b)

860

S. 165 applied (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(6)

861

S. 165 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

862

S. 165(1) extended (S.) (21.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/854, art. 3(3) S. 165(1) applied (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(7)

864

Words in s. 165(1) and (5) inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 69(2)(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

865

Words in s. 165(1)(b) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 2(5)

868

Words in s. 165(4) 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.

872

Words in s. 166(d) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 70; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

878

Words in s. 170(1)-(3) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 72(2); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

879

Words in s. 170(1) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 6(a)

880

Words in s. 170(1)(b)(ii) inserted (3.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/726, art. 6(b)

881

S. 170(5)-(7) excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

882

Words in s. 170(5) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 72(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

Reading this document does not replace reading the official text published on legislation.gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies arising from the conversion of the original CLML XML to this format.

This text is published under legislation.gov.uk's own terms of reuse, not a Legalize or public-domain licence. legislation.gov.uk
Open Government Licence v3.0 (attribution required)
© Crown and database right. Derived from content available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from legislation.gov.uk.