LegalizeReform history
Road Traffic Act 1988
100 versions
· 1988-11-15
2026-01-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2025-11-27
Road Traffic Act 1988
2025-06-10
Road Traffic Act 1988
2024-05-07
Road Traffic Act 1988
2024-03-21
Road Traffic Act 1988
2024-01-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2023-12-26
Road Traffic Act 1988
2023-12-20
Road Traffic Act 1988
2023-12-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2023-05-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2022-12-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2022-07-20
Road Traffic Act 1988
2022-06-28
Road Traffic Act 1988
2021-08-09
Road Traffic Act 1988
2021-05-10
Road Traffic Act 1988
2020-12-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2020-11-02
Road Traffic Act 1988
2020-09-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2020-07-22
Road Traffic Act 1988
2019-11-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2019-04-17
Road Traffic Act 1988
2018-05-20
Road Traffic Act 1988
2018-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2018-01-25
Road Traffic Act 1988
2017-05-08
Road Traffic Act 1988
2017-01-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-12-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-12-23
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-12-09
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-08-12
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-05-23
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-03-02
Road Traffic Act 1988
2016-01-04
Road Traffic Act 1988
2015-06-08
Road Traffic Act 1988
2015-05-26
Road Traffic Act 1988
2015-04-12
Road Traffic Act 1988
2015-03-26
Road Traffic Act 1988
2014-12-29
Road Traffic Act 1988
2014-12-05
Road Traffic Act 1988
2013-07-03
Road Traffic Act 1988
2013-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2013-01-19
Road Traffic Act 1988
2012-07-06
Road Traffic Act 1988
2012-06-08
Road Traffic Act 1988
2012-04-20
Road Traffic Act 1988
2012-01-16
Road Traffic Act 1988
2011-08-05
Road Traffic Act 1988
2011-04-22
Road Traffic Act 1988
2011-03-30
Road Traffic Act 1988
2011-02-04
Road Traffic Act 1988
2010-04-30
Road Traffic Act 1988
2010-04-23
Road Traffic Act 1988
2010-01-28
Road Traffic Act 1988
2010-01-12
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-12-17
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-11-12
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-10-31
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-10-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-09-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-04-29
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-04-24
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-03-28
Road Traffic Act 1988
2009-01-05
Road Traffic Act 1988
2008-08-18
Road Traffic Act 1988
2008-05-26
Road Traffic Act 1988
2008-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-09-24
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-06-11
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-03-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-02-27
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-01-29
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-01-08
Road Traffic Act 1988
2007-01-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-11-16
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-11-08
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-09-18
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-08-16
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-07-12
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-07-03
Road Traffic Act 1988
2006-05-02
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-11-14
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-08-10
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-08-02
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-07-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-06-07
Road Traffic Act 1988
2005-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
Changes on 2005-04-01
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
### Driving offences
#### Power to prohibit driving of overloaded goods vehicles.
#### Prohibitions conditional on inspection etc.
##### 1
@@ -2726,7 +2726,7 @@
- (1) On the application of a person who has submitted himself for a test of competence to drive—
- (a) a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which he resides, or
- (a) a magistrates’ court . . . , or
- (b) in Scotland, the sheriff within whose jurisdiction he resides,
@@ -3228,7 +3228,7 @@
- (c) revocation of a licence in pursuance of section 99(3) or (3A) of this Act,
or by a notice served on him in pursuance of section 92(5) , 99C or 109B of this Act may, after giving to the Secretary of State notice of his intention to do so, appeal to a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which he resides or, in Scotland, to the sheriff within whose jurisdiction he resides.
or by a notice served on him in pursuance of section 92(5) , 99C or 109B of this Act may, after giving to the Secretary of State notice of his intention to do so, appeal to a magistrates’ court . . . or, in Scotland, to the sheriff within whose jurisdiction he resides.
- (2) On any such appeal the court or sheriff may make such order as it or he thinks fit and the order shall be binding on the Secretary of State.
@@ -3692,7 +3692,7 @@
- (c) ordering of disqualification under section 117(2) or 117A(2) of this Act,
or by a notice served on him in pursuance of section 115A(1) or 116(4) of this Act may, after giving to the Secretary of State and any traffic commissioner to whom the matter was referred notice of his intention to do so, appeal to a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which the holder of or applicant for the licence resides or, in Scotland, to the sheriff within whose jurisdiction he resides.
or by a notice served on him in pursuance of section 115A(1) or 116(4) of this Act may, after giving to the Secretary of State and any traffic commissioner to whom the matter was referred notice of his intention to do so, appeal to a magistrates’ court . . . or, in Scotland, to the sheriff within whose jurisdiction the holder of or applicant for the licence resides.
- (2) On any appeal under subsection (1) above (except under paragraph (c) of that subsection) the Secretary of State and, if the matter was referred to a traffic commissioner, the commissioner shall be respondent.
@@ -4252,7 +4252,7 @@
- (1) On the application of a person who has undergone a relevant examination, or a part of such an examination—
- (a) the magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which he resides, or
- (a) a magistrates' court, or
- (b) in Scotland, the sheriff within whose jurisdiction he resides,
@@ -6142,13 +6142,13 @@
- (4) In determining for the purposes of subsection (2) above the state of a vehicle, regard may be had to anything attached to or carried on or in it and to the manner in which it is attached or carried.
#### Careless, and inconsiderate, driving.
#### Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving
##### 2B
A person who causes the death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, is guilty of an offence.
#### Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers
#### Meaning of careless, or inconsiderate, driving
##### 3ZA
@@ -6186,7 +6186,7 @@
- (3) Subsection (1)(b) and (c) above shall not apply in relation to a person driving a mechanically propelled vehicle other than a motor vehicle.
#### Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit.
#### Driving, or being in charge, when under influence of drink or drugs.
##### 6A
@@ -6338,7 +6338,7 @@
- (e) make different provisions for different cases.
#### Restriction on carrying children not wearing seat belts in motor vehicles.
#### Seat belts: adults.
##### 15A
@@ -6422,7 +6422,7 @@
- “*restricted road*” means a road that is restricted for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (ignoring any direction under section 82(2)(b) of that Act) or would be so restricted but for a direction under section 82(2)(a) or an order under section 84(1) of that Act.
#### Protective helmets for motor cyclists.
#### Wearing of protective headgear.
##### 19A
@@ -6458,11 +6458,11 @@
- (6) This section does not extend to Scotland.
#### Cycling when under influence of drink or drugs.
#### Careless, and inconsiderate, cycling.
### Using vehicle in dangerous condition
#### Regulation of construction, weight, equipment and use of vehicles.
#### Using vehicle in dangerous condition etc.
##### 40A
@@ -6518,7 +6518,7 @@
- (ii) that since that time no person has made any addition to the load.
#### Breach of requirements as to control of vehicle, mobile telephones etc.
#### Breach of requirement as to speed assessment equipment detection devices
##### 41C
@@ -6590,9 +6590,9 @@
- (5) Nothing in subsection (4) above limits to civil proceedings the reference to proceedings in subsection (1) above.
#### Supplementary provisions about test certificates.
#### Use of records of goods vehicle examinations, etc.
#### Obligatory test certificates.
#### Tests of satisfactory condition of goods vehicles and determination of plated weights, etc.
##### 49A
@@ -6772,7 +6772,7 @@
#### Removal of prohibitions.
#### Provisions supplementary to sections 69 to 72.
#### Official testing stations.
##### 72A
@@ -6850,7 +6850,7 @@
- (2) Section 88 of this Act shall apply in relation to subsection (1) above as it applies in relation to section 87.
#### Exceptions.
#### Drivers of motor vehicles to have driving licences.
##### 98A
@@ -7080,7 +7080,7 @@
- (14) In this section “relevant date" has the meaning given by section 99A(8) of this Act.
#### Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight.
#### Notification of refusal of insurance on grounds of health.
##### 99C
@@ -7228,7 +7228,7 @@
- (5) Subsections (6) to (9), (11) (with the omission of paragraph (a)) and (12) of section 99B of this Act apply for the purposes of this section as if the references to a Community licence were references to a Northern Ireland licence.
#### Disqualification to prevent duplication of licences.
#### Disqualification of persons under age.
##### 109B
@@ -7999,7 +7999,7 @@
- (4) In this section “*special Act*” means a local Act of Parliament passed before the commencement of this section which authorises or regulates the use of tramcars or trolley vehicles.
#### Power of police to stop vehicles.
#### Approved test assistants
## SCHEDULE 2A
@@ -8869,6 +8869,8 @@
[^c13980511]: [1981 c.14](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14) (**107:1**).
[^c19133151]: Words in s. 90(1)(a) repealed (1.4.2005) by [Courts Act 2003 (c. 39)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39), [ss. 109(1)(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/109/1/3), [110](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/110), [Sch. 8 para. 306](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/8/paragraph/306), [Sch. 10](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/10); [S.I. 2005/910](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910), [art. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910/article/3)
[^c13980951]: Words in the definition of “disability" in s. 92(2) inserted (23.7.1996) by [S.I. 1996/1974](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974), [reg. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/regulation/2), [Sch. 1 para. 3(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/schedule/1/paragraph/3/2)
[^c13980961]: S. 92(4)(a) modified by [Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/54), [s. 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/54/section/5), [Sch. 4 para. 7(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/54/schedule/4/paragraph/7/1)
@@ -9127,6 +9129,8 @@
[^c19154121]: Words in s. 100(1) substituted (11.10.2004) by [Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/32), [ss. 91(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/32/section/91/1), [94](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/32/section/94), [Sch. 5 para. 22(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/32/schedule/5/paragraph/22/b); [S.I. 2004/2624](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/2624), [art. 2(2)(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/2624/article/2/2/b)
[^c19154271]: Words in s. 100(1) repealed (1.4.2005) by [Courts Act 2003 (c. 39)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39), [ss. 109(1)(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/109/1/3), [110](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/110), [Sch. 8 para. 307](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/8/paragraph/307), [Sch. 10](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/10); [S.I. 2005/910](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910), [art. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910/article/3)
[^c13984951]: S. 101 excluded (23.6.1999) by [S.I. 1999/1736](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1736), [art. 8(5)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1736/article/8/5)
[^c13984961]: Table in s. 101(1) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by [S.I. 1996/1974](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974), [reg. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/regulation/2), [Sch. 1 para. 15](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/schedule/1/paragraph/15)
@@ -9347,6 +9351,10 @@
[^c13987851]: Words in s. 119(1) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by [S.I. 1996/1974](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974), [reg. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/regulation/2), [Sch. I para. 27(2)(c)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/schedule/I/paragraph/27/2/c)
[^c19176231]: Words in s. 119(1) repealed (1.4.2005) by [Courts Act 2003 (c. 39)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39), [ss. 109(1)(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/109/1/3), [110](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/110), [Sch. 8 para. 308(a)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/8/paragraph/308/a), [Sch. 10](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/10); [S.I. 2005/910](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910), [art. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910/article/3)
[^c19176381]: Words in s. 119(1) substituted (1.4.2005) by [Courts Act 2003 (c. 39)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39), [ss. 109(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/109/1), [110](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/110), [Sch. 8 para. 308(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/8/paragraph/308/b); [S.I. 2005/910](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910), [art. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910/article/3)
[^c13987861]: Words in s. 119(2) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes amnd otherwise 1.1.1997) by [S.I. 1996/1974](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974), [reg. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/regulation/2), [Sch. I para. 27(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1974/schedule/I/paragraph/27/3)
[^c13987871]: [Pt. IV](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/part/IV) (ss. 110–122): by [Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/22), [s. 1(1)(2)(7)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/22/section/1), [16](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/22/section/16), [Sch. 6](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/22/schedule/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)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14) 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
@@ -9525,6 +9533,8 @@
[^c13989671]: Words in s. 133(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by [2000 c. 38](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38), [s. 260](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/section/260), [Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(2)(a)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/schedule/29/paragraph/11/1/2/a); [S.I. 2002/658](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658), [art. 2(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/2/2), [Sch. Pt. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/schedule/part/2) (with [art. 3(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/3/3))
[^c19176401]: Words in s. 133(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2005) by [Courts Act 2003 (c. 39)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39), [ss. 109(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/109/1), [110](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/section/110), [Sch. 8 para. 309](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/schedule/8/paragraph/309); [S.I. 2005/910](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910), [art. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/910/article/3)
[^c13989681]: Words in s. 133(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by [2000 c. 38](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38), [s. 260](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/section/260), [Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(2)(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/schedule/29/paragraph/11/1/2/b); [S.I. 2002/658](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658), [art. 2(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/2/2), [Sch. Pt. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/schedule/part/2) (with [art. 3(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/3/3))
[^c13989691]: Words in s. 133(2) substituted (1.4.2002) by [2000 c. 38](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38), [s. 260](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/section/260), [Sch. 29 para. 11(1)(3)(a)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/schedule/29/paragraph/11/1/3/a); [S.I. 2002/658](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658), [art. 2(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/2/2), [Sch. Pt. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/schedule/part/2) (with [art. 3(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/658/article/3/3))
@@ -10307,7 +10317,7 @@
[^M_C_395744b6-5072-4a6e-b056-77f74d48a23f]: S. 145(2) excluded by virtue of [S.I. 1973/2143](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1973/2143), [reg. 8](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1973/2143/regulation/8) (as amended by [S.I. 1974/791](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1974/791), [reg. 6](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1974/791/regulation/6)); [1988 c. 54](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/54), [s. 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/54/section/2)
#### Conduct of proceedings in certain courts by or against the Secretary of State.
#### Obtaining licence, or driving, while disqualified.
#### Driving instruction for payment to be given only by registered or licensed persons.
@@ -10317,26 +10327,26 @@
#### Exceptions to section 151.
#### Issue of false documents.
#### Duty to give information as to insurance or security where claim made.
#### False statements and withholding material information.
#### Bankruptcy, etc., of insured or secured persons not to affect claims by third parties.
#### General index.
#### Counterparts issued to Northern Ireland licence holders
#### Information relating to disabilities etc
#### Grants of licences: fitness as regards conduct.
#### Exemption of police instructors from prohibition imposed by section 123.
#### Exceptions from requirement of third-party insurance or security.
#### Section 144A offence: supplementary
#### Power to seize vehicles driven without licence or insurance
#### . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
#### Provisions as to regulations.
#### Provisions as to Northern Ireland drivers’ licences.
#### Revocation of authorisation conferred by Northern Ireland licence because of disability or prospective disability
#### Functions of traffic commissioners.
#### Driving instruction for payment to be given only by registered or licensed persons.
#### Users of motor vehicles to be insured or secured against third-party risks.
#### Fixed penalty notices
#### 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.
#### Tramcars and other guided vehicles: drink and drugs.
#### General index.
2005-03-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-11-11
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-11-10
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-10-11
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-10-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-07-22
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-04-01
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-03-30
Road Traffic Act 1988
2004-03-29
Road Traffic Act 1988
2003-12-30
Road Traffic Act 1988
2003-12-29
Road Traffic Act 1988
2003-11-18
Road Traffic Act 1988
2003-11-09
Road Traffic Act 1988
original version
Text at this date