The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, concerning licensing of vehicles, insurance and road regulation.
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | 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. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1988 c. 52 |
| Territorial extent | England, Wales and Scotland[a] |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 15 November 1988 |
| Commencement | 15 May 1989 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
Contents
editPart I contains a number of traffic offences including causing death by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including police powers to arrest, administer tests, etc.), as well as requirements to wear seat belts and motorcycle helmets.
Part II is concerned with regulating the construction and use of motor vehicles, and includes powers to test, inspect and prohibit vehicles that do not meet standards.
Part III sets out the law on driving tests, the requirements for issuing driving licences, and the process for disqualifying drivers.
Part IV deals with the licences required for driving large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles (buses and coaches).
Part V concerns the registration, licensing and examination of driving instructors.
Part VI contains provisions concerning compulsory vehicle insurance against third-party risks.
Part VII contains miscellaneous provisions.
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ While the majority of the Act extends only to Great Britain, the provisions of the Act concerning driving under the influence, insofar as they apply to 'persons subject to service discipline' (members of the armed forces and civilians subject to service discipline) and section 80, concerning type approval marks, also extend to Northern Ireland.[1]
References
edit- ^ "Road Traffic Act 1988: Section 197", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, 15 November 1988, 1988 c. 52 (s. 197), retrieved 13 March 2024