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Road Traffic Act 1988

Type Public General Act
Publication 1988-11-15
Last updated 2026-10-05
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
Source legislation.gov.uk
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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
883

Word in s. 170(7) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 72(4); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.

884

S. 171 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(b)

886

Words in s. 172(1)(c) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 14

887

Words in s. 172(10) substituted (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 22, ss. 63, 66(1), Sch. 3 para. 24(1) (with s. 57(4))

888

S. 173 applied with modifications by S.I. 1987/1378, reg. 25(3) (as amended by S.I. 1990/842, reg. 9)

889

S. 173 applied (with modifications) (12.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/2864, reg. 80(5)(f)

891

Words in s. 173(2)(d) substituted (1.4.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, 84, Sch. 4 para. 73(3); S.I. 1992/421, art. 2, Sch.

894

S. 173(2)(ff) substituted (24.9.2007) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 41(4), 61; S.I. 2007/2472, art. 2(l)

895

Words in s. 173(2)(g) inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 6, Sch. para. 9; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

897

Word in s. 173(2)(k) repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch 8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

898

S. 173(2)(m) and preceding word added (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 73(6); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

899

S. 174(1)(ca) inserted (24.9.2007) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 41(5), 61; S.I. 2007/2472, art. 2(l)

900

S. 174(1)(dd) inserted (9.9.1996) by 1993 c. 31, s. 6, Sch. para. 10; S.I. 1996/1980, art. 2

902

Words in s. 176(4) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 74(2); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

903

Words in s. 176(5)(a) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 74(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

904

S. 177 substituted (11.4.2003) by 1999 c. 12, ss. 7(1), 9(2), Sch. para. 3; S.I. 2003/1095, art. 2

906

For the application of s. 180 to Northern Ireland see s. 197(3) and S.I. 1992/3107, reg. 13(4).

907

S. 180 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3107, regs. 1(2), 13(4)(5) S. 180 applied (10.7.1995) by S.I. 1995/1513, reg. 12(4) S. 180 applied (1.7.2005) by The Tractor etc (EC Type-Approval) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/390), reg. 12(3)

908

S. 180 modified (10.7.1995) by S.I. 1995/1513, reg. 12(5)

910

Words in s. 183(1)(c) repealed (E.W.) (1.10.2002) by 2002 c. 30, s. 107, Sch. 7 para. 12, Sch. 8; S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(g)(i)-(iii)(a)

911

Words in s. 183(2)(a) substituted (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 22 ss. 63, 66(1), Sch. 3 para. 24(1) (with s. 57(4))

912

Words in s. 183(3) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), ss. 48, Sch. 4 para. 77; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

913

S. 183(3)(b) and the word "and" preceding it repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), ss. 83, Sch. 8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

914

Words in s. 183(4) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 34

915

Words in s. 183(4) inserted (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, reg. 15

917

Words in s. 183(6) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 116; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in {S.I. 2009/1059})

918

S. 184(1) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(3), 205, Sch. 1 para. 30

919

Words in s. 184(1) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(a); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

920

Words in s. 184(1)(a) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(b); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

921

Word in s. 184(1)(b) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes 31.10,2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(c); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

922

Words in s. 184(1)(e) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(d)(i); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

923

Word in s. 184(1)(e) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(d)(ii), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

924

Words in s. 184(1)(f) substituted (30.3.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 107, 121, Sch. 7 para. 6; S.I. 2004/827, art. 3

925

Words in s. 184(1)(f) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(e); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

926

S. 184(1)(g) added (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(2)(f); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 ; S.I. 2009/1167, {art. 4 }(with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

927

S. 184(2)(2A) substituted (1.1.2006) for s. 184(2) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 178, Sch. 7 para. 59; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(1)(m) (subject to art. 2(2))

928

Words in s. 184(2) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(3); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

929

S. 184(3) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as it is not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 117(4) S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

939

S. 190 restricted (1.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1217, reg.7 (with reg. 11).

940

S. 191 restricted (1.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1217, reg.7 (with reg. 11).

941

Definition in s. 192(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 121(4)(with s. 25(2)); S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

942

Definition of “petty sessions area" in s. 192(1) repealed (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 106, 108(3)(f), Sch. 15 Pt. V(1) (with Sch. 14 paras. 7(2), 36(9)); S.I. 1999/2657, art. 2(d)(iii)

943

In s. 192(1) in the definition of "road", "(a)" inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 78(2)(a); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

944

In s. 192(1) in definition of "road" para. (b) and preceding word inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 78(2)(b); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

949

In s. 192(1) in the definition of "trolley vehicle" word substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 78(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

950

In s. 192(1) in the definition of "trolley vehicle" words added (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 78(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

951

S. 192(1A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 22,s. 22(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 40(1); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

952

Word in s. 192(2) repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1) , ss. 48, 83, Sch. 4 para. 78(4), Sch. 8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

959

Words in s. 195(3)(4) inserted (2.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3105, reg.4.

962

S. 162A and cross-heading inserted (24.9.2007) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 43, 61; S.I. 2007/2472, art. 2(m)

973

Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(b) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994, c. 19, s. 22(1), Sch. 40(2) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

974

Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1994, c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 159(9); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3(b)

975

Sch. 3 repealed (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274, Sch. 31 Pt. V(1); S.I. 2002/658, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2 (with transitional provisions in art. 3(2))

990

Pt. 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

991

Pt. 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

992

S. 144(2)(d) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes otherwise prosp.) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(2), 383, Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in {S.I. 2009/1059})

995

Ss. 144A-144D inserted (4.2.2011) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 22(1), 61(1)(10) (with s. 61(3)); S.I. 2011/19, art. 2(a)

997

Ss. 66B, 66C and cross-heading inserted (30.3.2011) by The Road Vehicles (Powers to Stop) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/996), regs. 1, 2(2)

1002

Words in the Table in s. 86 inserted (30.3.2011) by The Road Vehicles (Powers to Stop) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/996), regs. 1, 2(5)

1017

Word in s. 98A(4) omitted by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), s. 39(1) (as amended) (20.4.2012) by virtue of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/977), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(a)

1018

S. 98A(4)(c) and word inserted by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), s. 39(1) (as amended) (20.4.2012) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/977), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(b)

1019

Words in s. 99(7ZZA) omitted by 2006 c. 49, Sch. 3 para. 9(6A) (as inserted) (20.4.2012) by virtue of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/977), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 3(2)

1021

S. 141(1): s. 141 renumbered as s. 141(1) (21.5.2012) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), s. 61(1)(10), Sch. 6 para. 24(1); S.I. 2012/1357, art. 2(c)

1022

Words in s. 141(1) inserted (21.5.2012) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), s. 61(1)(10), Sch. 6 para. 24(2); S.I. 2012/1357, art. 2(c)

1023

S. 11(2ZA) inserted (3.7.2012) by Scotland Act 2012 (c. 11), ss. 20(7), 44(5); S.I. 2012/1710, art. 2(j)

1024

Words in s. 11(2) omitted (3.7.2012) by virtue of Scotland Act 2012 (c. 11), ss. 20(6), 44(5); S.I. 2012/1710, art. 2(j)

1025

S. 195(2A) inserted (3.7.2012) by Scotland Act 2012 (c. 11), ss. 20(9), 44(5); S.I. 2012/1710, art. 2(j)

1026

S. 195(4A) inserted (3.7.2012) by Scotland Act 2012 (c. 11), ss. 20(10), 44(5); S.I. 2012/1710, art. 2(j)

1027

S. 131A and crossheading inserted (8.6.2012 for specified purposes, 6.7.2012 so far as not already in force) by Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Act 2009 (c. 17), s. 7(3), Sch. 1 para. 7; S.I. 2012/1356, arts. 3(b), 4(a)

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