Road traffic law
The following list can be found abbreviated throughout the Code. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide, but a guide to some of the important points of law. For the precise wording of the law, please refer to the various Acts and Regulations (as amended) indicated in the Code. Abbreviations are listed below.
Most of the provisions apply on all roads throughout Great Britain, although there are some exceptions. The definition of a road in England and Wales is 'any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges over which a road passes'. In Scotland, there is a similar definition which is extended to include any way over which the public have a right of passage. It is important to note that references to 'road' therefore generally include footpaths, bridle-ways and cycle tracks and many roadways and driveways on private land (including many car parks). In most cases, the law will apply to them and there may be additional rules for particular paths or ways. Some serious driving offences, including drink-driving offences, also apply to all public places, for example public car parks.
| Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 | CSDPA | |||
| Functions of Traffic Wardens Order 1970 | FTWO | |||
| Highway Act 1835 or 1980 (as indicated) | HA | |||
| Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Regulations 1992 | H(PHYR)R | |||
| Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1980 | MC(PH)R | |||
| Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982 | MT(E&W)R | |||
| Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 | MT(S)R | |||
| Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 | MV(DL)R | |||
| Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993 | MV(WSB)R | |||
| Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993 | MV(WSBCFS)R | |||
| Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 | PCUR | |||
| Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 | PPVA | |||
| Road Traffic Act 1988 or 1991 (as indicated) | RTA | |||
| Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 | RT(ND)A | |||
| Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 | RTRA | |||
| Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 | CUR | |||
| Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 | RVLR | |||
| Road Vehicles (Registration & Licensing) Regulations 1971 | RV(R&L)R | |||
| Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 | R(S)A | |||
| Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002 | TSRGD | |||
| Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 | VERA | |||
| Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997 | ZPPPCRGD | |||