The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) is an Act of the

Parliament of the United Kingdom The Parliament of the United Kingdom is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories. It meets at the Palace of Westminster, London. It alone possesses legislative suprema ...

, concerning licensing of vehicles, insurance and road regulation.

Part I contains a number of traffic offences including

causing death by dangerous driving Causing death by dangerous driving is a statutory offence in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is an aggravated form of dangerous driving. It is currently created by section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as substituted by the ...

, 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 helmet A motorcycle helmet is a type of helmet used by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle helmets contribute to motorcycle safety by protecting the rider's head in the event of an impact. They reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42% ...

s. 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 test A driving test (also known as a driving exam, driver's test, or road test) is a procedure designed to test a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle. It exists in various forms worldwide, and is often a requirement to obtain a driver's lic ...

s, the requirements for issuing

driving licences A driver's license is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public r ...

, 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.

External links

Full text of legislation on legislation.gov.uk
United Kingdom Acts of Parliament 1988 History of transport in the United Kingdom Transport legislation 1988 in transport English tort law

Contents

See also

External links