The Official Highway Code

View complete annex

Annexes

4. The road user and the law

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 on the following page.

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' (RTA 1988 sect 192(1)). In Scotland, there is a similar definition which is extended to include any way over which the public have a right of passage (R(S)A 1984 sect 151(1)).

It is important to note that references to 'road' therefore generally include footpaths, bridleways 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
Environmental Protection Act 1990
EPA
Functions of Traffic Wardens Order 1970
FTWO
Greater London (General Powers) Act 1974
GL(GP)A
Highway Act 1835 or 1980 (as indicated)
HA
Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990
H(PHYR)A
Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Regulations 1992
H(PHYR)R
Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999
MC(EP)R
Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998
MC(PH)R
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982
MT(E&W)R
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
MT(E&W)(A)R
Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995
MT(S)R
Motorways Traffic (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
MT(S)(A)R
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999
MV(DL)R
Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limits) (England & Wales) Regulations 2014
MV(VSL)(E&W)
Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993
MV(WSB)R
Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006
MV(WSB)(A)R
Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993
MV(WSBCFS)R
New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991
NRSWA
Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983
PCUR
Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000
PCC(S)A
Police Reform Act 2002
PRA
Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 Scottish SI 2006/No 90
TPSCP(S)R*
Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981
PPVA
Road Safety Act 2006
RSA
Road Traffic Act 1984, 1988 or 1991 (as indicated)
RTA
Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 2014
PLSR
Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995
RT(ND)A
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
RTOA
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
RTRA
Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986
CUR
Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001
RV(DRM)R
Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
RVLR
Road Vehicles (Registration & Licensing) Regulations 2002
RV(R&L)R
Roads (Scotland) Act 1984
R(S)A
Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/765
TSf(EV)*
Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/W787
TSfP(W)R*
Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2015
S-f(W)R
Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015
S-f(PV)R
Traffic Management Act 2004
TMA
Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002
TSRGD
Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988
UICHR
Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994
VERA
Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997
ZPPPCRGD

Acts and regulations are available as enacted or as amended at www.legislation.gov.uk and are available in their original print format from The Stationery Office.

* Specific legislation applies to smoking in vehicles which constitute workplaces.

For information visit:
www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
www.clearingtheairscotland.com
www.smokingbanwales.co.uk