UK Act of Parliament 1984 United Kingdom

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

An Act to consolidate the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 and certain related enactments, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.

Enforced by
National Highways
Status
Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling
Imprisonment 12 of 37 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 15 carry different penalties and 10 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person26 Employer1

Plus 10 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Employer — also bound by 682 other Acts

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

General Provisions for Traffic Regulation

2 of 14 sections shown
Part 2

Licensing of providers of micromobility vehicles in England

0 of 9 sections shown
9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.022 Provision of micromobility vehicles must be licensed
s.022 Micromobility vehicles
s.022 Exemptions
s.022 Regulations about licences under this Part
s.022 Licensing authorities
s.022 Information
s.022 Proceedings in respect of offences by bodies corporate and partnerships etc
s.022 Regulations
s.022 Interpretation
Part 2

Traffic Regulation in Special Cases

5 of 20 sections shown
s.016 Supplementary provisions as to orders and notices under s. 14. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Breach temporary road traffic restrictionsAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.016 Supplementary provisions as to orders under s. 16A. Prosecution
  • Use a vehicle in breach of a traffic restriction orderAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.017 Traffic regulation on special roads. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Unauthorized use of a special road or motorwayAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.018 One-way traffic on trunk roads. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Drive or permit a vehicle to drive the wrong way on a trunk roadAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.020 Prohibition or restriction of use of vehicles on roads of certain classes. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Drive a vehicle in breach of a road restriction orderAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

15 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.016 Prohibition or restriction on roads in connection with certain events.
s.016 Restrictions on orders under s. 16A.
s.017 Further provisions as to special roads.
s.022 Traffic regulation on certain roads for purpose of conserving natural beauty.
s.022 Traffic regulation on long distance routes
s.022 Traffic regulation on byways etc. in National Parks in England and Wales
s.022 Section 22BB: supplementary
s.022 Terrorism
s.022 Section 22C: power to impose charges
s.022 Section 22C: supplemental
Part 3

Crossings and Playgrounds

6 of 9 sections shown
s.023 Powers of strategic highways companies and local traffic authorities with respect to pedestrian crossings (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • National Highways or local authorities must consult on pedestrian crossingsLocal authority
s.024 Pedestrian crossings on other roads. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • National authority must establish and maintain pedestrian crossingsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.025 Pedestrian crossing regulations. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to comply with pedestrian crossing regulationsAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.028 Stopping of vehicles at school crossings. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to stop at a school crossingAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.029 Power to prohibit traffic on roads to be used as playgrounds. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Driving on a road designated as a children's playgroundAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.030 Similar power for local authorities in Greater London. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Do not drive on roads designated as children's playgroundsAny Person

Unlimited fine

3 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Part 4

Parking Places

8 of 37 sections shown
s.035 Offences and proceedings in connection with parking places provided under s. 32 or 33. Prosecution
  • Breach of parking place order or tamper with parking metersAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.043 Control of off-street parking in Greater London. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Operate a London parking lot without a licenceAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.046 Charges at, and regulation of, designated parking places. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Local authorities must inspect and test parking metersLocal authority
s.047 Offences relating to designated parking places. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Breach parking place regulations or defraud parking metersAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.052 Offences and proceedings in connection with parking devices and associated apparatus. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Fraudulent use or interference with parking meters and devicesAny Person
s.053 Designation orders outside Greater London. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Breach of parking or traffic designation orders outside LondonAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.055 Financial provisions relating to designation orders. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Local authorities must maintain and report on parking accountsLocal authority
s.061 Loading areas. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Park an unauthorized vehicle in a designated loading areaAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

29 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.035 Display of information.
s.035 Variation of charges at off-street parking places.
s.046 Variation of charges at designated parking places.
s.063 Parking attendants.
Part 5

Traffic Signs

1 of 20 sections shown
s.073 Powers and duties of local traffic authorities in Greater London in respect of traffic signs. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • London traffic authorities must maintain and remove traffic signsLocal authority
19 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.074 London borough councils and the London traffic control system.
s.074 Transfer of traffic control systems between Secretary of State or a strategic highways company and Transport for London.
s.074 The traffic authority for traffic signs.
Part 6

Speed Limits

3 of 11 sections shown
Part 7

Bollards and Other Obstructions

0 of 4 sections shown
Part 8

Control and Enforcement

11 of 20 sections shown
s.100 Interim disposal of vehicles removed under s. 99. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Authorities must ensure the safe custody of removed vehiclesLocal authority

amended 11 times (opens in a new tab)

s.101 Right of owner to recover vehicle or proceeds of sale

amended 21 times

s.101 Representations and appeals Prosecution
  • Fail to comply with adjudicator's request for evidence or attendanceAny Person

Fine up to £500 · amended 21 times

s.104 Immobilisation of vehicles illegally parked. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Unauthorised removal of a wheel clamp or warning noticeAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.108 Notice in respect of excess parking charge. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to provide vehicle owner details or providing false informationAny Person

Unlimited fine

9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.106 Immobilisation of vehicles in London
Part 9

Further Provisions as to Enforcement

4 of 8 sections shown
s.112 Information as to identity of driver or rider. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to identify the driver of a vehicleAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.115 Mishandling of parking documents and related offences. (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Fraudulent use or falsification of parking documents and devicesAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.117 Wrongful use of disabled person’s badge. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Misuse a Blue Badge or disabled parking permitAny Person

Fine up to £1,000 · amended 7 times (opens in a new tab)

s.119 Aiding and abetting. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Help or encourage another person to break road traffic lawsAny Person

Unlimited fine

4 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Part 10

General and Supplementary Provisions

17 of 36 sections shown
s.122 Exercise of functions by strategic highways companies or local authorities. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Local authorities and National Highways must manage traffic and parking safelyLocal authority

amended 18 times (opens in a new tab)

s.122 Prospective exercise of powers.

amended 18 times

s.124 GLA side roads.

amended 5 times

s.124 Orders of the Authority changing what are GLA side roads.

amended 5 times

s.124 Certification and records of GLA side roads. Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • TfL must maintain and publish records of GLA side roadsStatutory regulator

amended 5 times

19 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.121 Traffic authorities.
s.121 London borough council exercising powers so as to affect another traffic authority’s roads.
s.121 Functions of GLA under this Act to be exercisable by the Mayor.
s.132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
s.132 Royal Parks or highways in London affected by proposals relating to the other.
s.141 Tramcars and trolley vehicles: regulations.
Schedules

Schedules

2 of 202 shown
s.012 Introductory (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Interfere with a fixed penalty notice on a vehicleAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch004 Control of Off-Street Parking (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Local authorities must follow a 12-week consultation process for parking rulesLocal authority
200 other schedules
s.sch001 For prescribing the routes to be followed by all classes...
s.sch001 For prescribing rules as to precedence to be observed as...
s.sch001 For prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times...
s.sch001 For requiring the erection, exhibition or removal of traffic notices,...
s.sch001 Broken down vehicles.
s.sch001 Vehicles, or vehicles of any class, when unattended.
s.sch001 Places in streets where vehicles, or vehicles of any class,...
s.sch001 Cabs and hackney carriages not hired and being in a...
s.sch001 For restricting the use of vehicles and animals, and sandwichmen...
s.sch001 The lighting and guarding of street works.
s.sch001 The erection or placing or the removal of any works...
s.sch001 For prescribing streets which are not to be used for...
s.sch001 Queues of persons waiting in streets.
s.sch001 Priority of entry to public vehicles.
s.sch001 For enabling any police, local or other public authority to...
s.sch001 For regulating the relative position in the roadway of traffic...
s.sch001 For prescribing the places where vehicles, or vehicles of any...
s.sch001 For prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times...
s.sch001 For prescribing the number and maximum size and weight of...
s.sch001 For prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times...
s.sch001 For prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times...
s.sch001 For prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times...
s.sch002 Prescribing the routes to be followed by traffic from one...
s.sch002 Making provision as to cab ranks, and as to ranks...
s.sch002 Prescribing streets which are not to be used for traffic....
s.sch002 Regulating the relative position in the roadway of traffic of...
s.sch002 Prescribing the places where vehicles may not turn so as...
s.sch002 Prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times at...
s.sch002 Prescribing the conditions subject to which, and the times at...
s.sch002 Prescribing rules as to precedence to be observed as between...
s.sch002 Making provision as to vehicles when unattended.
s.sch002 Making provision as to places in streets where vehicles may,...
s.sch003a Introduction
s.sch003a Fees
s.sch003a Offences
s.sch003a Licence conditions
s.sch003a Duration, renewal, suspension and revocation of licence
s.sch003a Variation and transfer of licence
s.sch003a Licence applications etc: process
s.sch003a (1) Regulations may make provision about the process for suspending...
s.sch003a Monitoring
s.sch003a Financial penalties
s.sch003a Decisions: reconsideration and appeals
s.sch004 Before deciding to propose the making of regulations under section...
s.sch004 If at any time it appears to the local authority...
s.sch004 If in the case of a licensed parking place which...
s.sch004 (1) Where at the date when the licence was granted...
s.sch004 Where notice under paragraph 9, 10, 11 or 12(1) above...
s.sch004 (1) If a person who is, or who proposes to...
s.sch004 The Secretary of State shall not be required to entertain...
s.sch004 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, before determining an appeal...
s.sch004 (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provisions...
s.sch004 (1) On an appeal being brought under this Part of...
s.sch004 Where a person who, at the date when the area...
s.sch004 As soon as may be after the date specified by...
s.sch004 Where— (a) at the date when notice of a proposal...
s.sch004 Paragraph 22 below shall apply to any decision of the...
s.sch004 (1) If, on a claim made to the local authority...
s.sch004 Where notice of appeal from any such decision of the...
s.sch004 Where, in the case of a decision of the local...
s.sch004 Where, at the date when any area first becomes a...
s.sch004 Where in pursuance of the application referred to in sub-paragraph...
s.sch004 Where the operator of a public off-street parking place who...
s.sch004 In the case of any proposal, the Secretary of State...
s.sch004 (1) Where in the case of any proposal the Secretary...
s.sch004 (1) In the case of any proposal, the local authority...
s.sch004 In deciding in the case of any proposal whether or...
s.sch004 Subject to the provisions of Parts III and IV of...
s.sch004 If at any time it appears to the local authority...
s.sch004 If at any time it appears to the local authority...
s.sch006 This Schedule does not apply to a vehicle which is...
s.sch006 In this Schedule— “agricultural motor vehicle” “articulated vehicle”, “dual-purpose vehicle”,...
s.sch006 The specification as regards springs and wings mentioned in item...
s.sch006 (1) A vehicle falling in two or more classes specified...
s.sch008 For the purposes of the specified sections, a statutory statement...
s.sch008 For the purposes of the specified sections, a statutory statement...
s.sch008 For the purposes of the specified sections, a statutory statement...
s.sch008 In this Schedule “the specified sections” has the meaning assigned...
s.sch008 Subsections (2) to (4) of that section shall have effect...
s.sch008 In paragraph 2 above “statement of liability”, “hiring agreement” and...
s.sch009 Subject to paragraphs 8 and 26 of this Schedule, the...
s.sch009 Where the Secretary of State— (a) gives a direction under...
s.sch009 Reserve Powers of Secretary of State
s.sch009 Where the Secretary of State— (a) gives a direction under...
s.sch009 A power conferred upon the Scottish Ministers by this Schedule,...
s.sch009 A power conferred upon the Secretary of State by this...
s.sch009 (1) Where in the case of any order proposed to...
s.sch009 (1) Where in the case of any order proposed to...
s.sch009 (1) This paragraph applies where a strategic highways company proposes,...
s.sch009 (1) The Secretary of State may by order add to...
s.sch009 (1) The Scottish Ministers may by order add to or...
s.sch009 (1) In consenting to any order submitted for consent under...
s.sch009 (1) The Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers may...
s.sch009 The power of the Secretary of State to make an...
s.sch009 In this Part of this Schedule “principal road” means a...
s.sch009 A direction under this paragraph is a direction either—
s.sch009 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, before making make an...
s.sch009 As respects orders of a strategic highways company or a...
s.sch009 (1) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 21 above,...
s.sch009 (1) The Secretary of State, after consultation with the council...
s.sch009 The national authority may make regulations with respect to the...
s.sch009 Any regulations under this Part of this Schedule may make...
s.sch009 (1) Before giving any authority a direction under paragraph 2...
s.sch009 (1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) , (2A), (3) and (4)...
s.sch009 For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that,...
s.sch009 Nothing in paragraph 8 of this Schedule shall prevent the...
s.sch009 (1) Any power to make an order conferred on ....
s.sch009 This Part of this Schedule applies to any order made...
s.sch009 Before making an order to which this Part of this...
s.sch009 If the order is required to be submitted for consent...
s.sch009 Paragraphs 31 and 32 above shall have effect without prejudice...
s.sch009 (1) This Part of this Schedule applies—
s.sch009 If any person desires to question the validity of, or...
s.sch009 (1) On any application under this Part of this Schedule...
s.sch009 Except as provided by this Part of this Schedule, an...
s.sch009 Where the national authority has made an order by virtue...
s.sch009 (1) Paragraphs 1 to 4 above shall have effect in...
s.sch009 (1) Where by virtue of paragraph 3 above a parking...
s.sch009 (1) Subject to paragraph 8 below, the national authority ,...
s.sch009 The national authority shall not give any direction under paragraph...
s.sch009 The national authority may make an order under paragraph 7...
s.sch010 (1) In this Schedule “the 1967 Act” means the Road...
s.sch010 (1) The power conferred on a local authority by section...
s.sch010 (1) The repeal by this Act of Schedule 8 to...
s.sch010 Transitional Provisions and Savings
s.sch010 Nothing in subsections (1) to (3B) of section 35 or...
s.sch010 (1) A direction in an order made under section 1...
s.sch010 Any limit of speed which was in force on 1st...
s.sch010 (1) This paragraph applies to any road which—
s.sch010 (1) The repeal of this Act by any enactment shall...
s.sch010 Transitional Provisions and Savings
s.sch010 For the purposes of the application of any provisions of...
s.sch010 Where any enactment or document refers, whether specifically or by...
s.sch010 Transitional Provisions and Savings
s.sch010 Any reference in this Act (whether express or implied) to...
s.sch010 (1) Without prejudice to paragraph 3 above, any reference in...
s.sch010 Without prejudice to paragraphs 3 and 4 above, any power...
s.sch010 Where a period of time specified in an enactment repealed...
s.sch010 Any byelaw made under section 104 of the Roads and...
s.sch010 Transitional Provisions and Savings
s.sch010 (1) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 23 of this...
s.sch012 In this Schedule (which is a re-enactment of section 80...
s.sch012 (1) A notice under paragraph 5(6) of this Schedule may...
s.sch012 (1) In this Schedule— “appropriate period”, in relation to a...
s.sch012 For the purposes of the provisions of the Interpretation Act...
s.sch012 (1) This Schedule shall extend only to such areas as...
s.sch012 (1) Where at any time within the interim period a...
s.sch012 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, the fixed penalty for...
s.sch012 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a notice under paragraph...
s.sch012 (1) The provisions of sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below shall...
s.sch012 (1) This paragraph shall apply where— (a) a notice under...
s.sch012 (1) Proceedings in England or Wales for an offence under...
s.sch012 (1) A statutory statement of ownership under this Schedule is...
s.sch013 In section 253(11), for “section 78 of the Road Traffic...
s.sch013 In section 20(1)(b), for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”.
s.sch013 In section 21— (a) in subsection (1), for the words...
s.sch013 In paragraph 51(b) of Schedule 2, after “1967” insert “...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 20— (a) in subsection (6), after “1967” insert...
s.sch013 In section 51— (a) in subsection (1), for the words...
s.sch013 In section 23— (a) in subsection (2A), for “1967” substitute...
s.sch013 In section 17— (a) in subsection (6)(a), for “the 1967...
s.sch013 In section 15— (a) in subsection (2)(a), for “section 80(1)(b)...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 7(3), for “Section 84C(1) to (5) and (6)...
s.sch013 In section 44— (a) in subsection (1), in the definition...
s.sch013 In section 64(2), for “section 54 of the Road Traffic...
s.sch013 At the end of Schedule 1 the following entry shall...
s.sch013 In Schedule 7— (a) in paragraph 14(3) and (4), for...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 3(2), for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”.
s.sch013 In section 42(2)(c), for “section 71 of the Road Traffic...
s.sch013 In section 60(1), for “section 12 of the Road Traffic...
s.sch013 In section 90F(2), for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”.
s.sch013 In section 115(6)— (a) for “Section 31 of the Road...
s.sch013 In section 115A(2), for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”.
s.sch013 In section 265(10), for “21 and 75 of the Road...
s.sch013 In section 285(3), for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”, and...
s.sch013 In section 329(1), in the definition of “traffic sign”, for...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In Schedule 10, in Part II, in paragraph 9(1), for...
s.sch013 In section 54, for “1967” substitute “ 1984 ”.
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 1(11), in the definition of “traffic sign”, for...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 117(5), for the words from “12” to the...
s.sch013 Consequential Amendments
s.sch013 In section 42, the reference to any of the provisions...
5 other provisions
s.para.263 For a vehicle falling within class 5(2)(b) above, the maximum...
s.para.264 This Part applies only to motor vehicles, not being track-laying...
s.para.265 This Part does not apply to— (a) a motor vehicle...
s.para.266 This Part applies to— (a) a motor vehicle which is...
s.para.389 The Table does not take account of successive transfers of...

Help complying

Guvnor’s practical routes through this instrument.

1 more guide that reference this instrument

Duty extraction and severity labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the instrument, not the instrument itself. Always verify against the linked source text.