Complete guide to highway works compliance
- 2 steps
UK Act of Parliament
1984
United Kingdom
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
37 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides · 2 journeys
Penalty landscape
12 of 37 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 14 carry different penalties and 11 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 26
- Employer 1
Plus 10 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Highway works quick compliance check
- 2 steps
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
1 guidesMentioned in related content
1 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 749 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 110 duties
- Licensing Act 2003 2003 105 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 97 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 86 duties
Employers also bound by 171 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 1998 204 duties
- The Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003 2003 201 duties
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 1989 55 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 51 duties
- TULRCA 1992 1992 47 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — General Provisions for Traffic Regulation
Contravention of traffic regulation order.
Fine up to £1,000- Violate a traffic regulation order Any Person
Contravention of experimental traffic order.
Fine up to £1,000- Contravention of an experimental traffic order Any Person
Browse 12 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Traffic regulation orders outside Greater London.
What a traffic regulation order may provide.
Restrictions on traffic regulation orders.
Provisions supplementary to ss. 2 and 3.
Orders similar to traffic regulation orders.
Supplementary provisions as to orders under s. 6.
Contravention of order under s. 6.
Experimental traffic orders.
Supplementary provisions as to experimental traffic orders.
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Temporary suspension of provisions under s. 6 or 9 orders.
Part 2A — Licensing of providers of micromobility vehicles in England
No sections of this Part have been ingested yet.
Part II — Traffic Regulation in Special Cases
Supplementary provisions as to orders and notices under s. 14.
Fine up to £1,000- Breach temporary road traffic restrictions Any Person
Supplementary provisions as to orders under s. 16A.
- Use a vehicle in breach of a traffic restriction order Any Person
Traffic regulation on special roads.
Fine up to £2,500- Unauthorized use of a special road or motorway Any Person
One-way traffic on trunk roads.
Fine up to £1,000- Drive or permit a vehicle to drive the wrong way on a trunk road Any Person
Prohibition or restriction of use of vehicles on roads of certain classes.
Fine up to £1,000- Drive a vehicle in breach of a road restriction order Any Person
Browse 15 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Temporary prohibition or restriction on roads.
Duration of orders and notices under s.14.
Prohibition or restriction on roads in connection with certain events.
Restrictions on orders under s. 16A.
Further provisions as to special roads.
Regulation of use of highways by public service vehicles.
Permit for trailer to carry excess weight.
Traffic regulation for special areas in the countryside.
Traffic regulation on certain roads for purpose of conserving natural beauty.
Traffic regulation on long distance routes
Traffic regulation on byways etc. in National Parks in England and Wales
Section 22BB: supplementary
Terrorism
Section 22C: power to impose charges
Section 22C: supplemental
Part III — Crossings and Playgrounds
Powers of strategic highways companies and local traffic authorities with respect to pedestrian crossings
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways or local authorities must consult on pedestrian crossings Local authority
Pedestrian crossings on other roads.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National authority must establish and maintain pedestrian crossings Crown / Minister / Government department
Pedestrian crossing regulations.
Unlimited fine- Fail to comply with pedestrian crossing regulations Any Person
Stopping of vehicles at school crossings.
Fine up to £1,000- Fail to stop at a school crossing Any Person
Power to prohibit traffic on roads to be used as playgrounds.
Fine up to £1,000- Driving on a road designated as a children's playground Any Person
Similar power for local authorities in Greater London.
Unlimited fine- Do not drive on roads designated as children's playgrounds Any Person
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part IV — Parking Places
Offences and proceedings in connection with parking places provided under s. 32 or 33.
Unlimited fine- Breach of parking place order or tamper with parking meters Any Person
Control of off-street parking in Greater London.
Unlimited fine- Operate a London parking lot without a licence Any Person
Charges at, and regulation of, designated parking places.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must inspect and test parking meters Local authority
Offences relating to designated parking places.
Unlimited fine- Breach parking place regulations or defraud parking meters Any Person
Offences and proceedings in connection with parking devices and associated apparatus.
- Fraudulent use or interference with parking meters and devices Any Person
Designation orders outside Greater London.
Unlimited fine- Breach of parking or traffic designation orders outside London Any Person
Financial provisions relating to designation orders.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must maintain and report on parking accounts Local authority
Loading areas.
Fine up to £1,000- Park an unauthorized vehicle in a designated loading area Any Person
Browse 29 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Power of local authorities to provide parking places.
Additional powers of local authorities in connection with off-street parking places.
Provision of access to premises through off-street parking place.
Provisions as to use of parking places provided under s. 32 or 33.
Display of information.
Variation of charges at off-street parking places.
Provisions as to authorising use of roads for parking.
Extension of powers for purposes of general scheme of traffic control.
Parking place to be used as bus or coach station.
Supplementary provisions as to exercise of powers under ss. 32–35 in England or Wales.
Acquisition of land: provisions as to parking places.
Financial provisions relating to parking places.
Provisions as to foreshore in Scotland.
Control of off-street parking outside Greater London.
Designation of paying parking places on highways.
Variation of charges at designated parking places.
Acceptance of payment as bar to proceedings under s. 47.
Supplementary provisions as to designation orders and designated parking places.
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Parking devices for designated parking places.
s.54
Grants where parking place designated by Secretary of State.
General powers of parish or community councils for provision of parking places.
Consents for purposes of s. 57(1).
Consents for, and provisions as to use of, parking places under s. 57(1)(b).
Supplementary provisions relating to ss. 57–59.
Parking in Royal Parks.
Stands and racks for bicycles.
Parking attendants.
Part V — Traffic Signs
Powers and duties of local traffic authorities in Greater London in respect of traffic signs.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- London traffic authorities must maintain and remove traffic signs Local authority
Browse 19 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
General provisions as to traffic signs.
Powers and duties of traffic authorities as to placing of traffic signs.
Traffic signs for giving effect to local traffic regulations.
Emergencies and temporary obstructions.
Placing of traffic signs in connection with exercise of other powers.
General provisions as to removal of signs.
Default powers of Secretary of State as to traffic signs.
Power to enter land in connection with traffic signs.
Powers exercisable by parish or community councils.
Affixing of traffic signs to walls.
London borough councils and the London traffic control system.
Transfer of traffic control systems between Secretary of State or a strategic highways company and Transport for London.
The traffic authority for traffic signs.
Similar provisions applicable in City of London.
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Traffic signs: modifications as respects trunk roads.
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Advances by Secretary of State towards expenses of traffic signs.
References to highway authorities in Part V.
Part VI — Speed Limits
Traffic signs for indicating speed restrictions.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways and local authorities must provide adequate speed limit signs Statutory regulator
Speed limits for particular classes of vehicles.
Unlimited fine- Adhere to vehicle-specific speed limits Any Person
Speeding offences generally.
Unlimited fine- Drive above the speed limit or set impossible schedules for drivers Employer
Browse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
General speed limit for restricted roads.
What roads are restricted roads.
Provisions as to directions under s. 82(2)
Speed limits on roads other than restricted roads.
Exemption of fire brigade, ambulance and police vehicles from speed limits.
Temporary speed limits.
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Part VII — Bollards and Other Obstructions
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Bollards and other obstructions outside Greater London.
Powers of Secretary of State in relation to functions under s. 92.
Bollards and other obstructions in Greater London.
Bollards and other obstructions: terrorism
Part VIII — Control and Enforcement
Interim disposal of vehicles removed under s. 99.
Amended 11 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Authorities must ensure the safe custody of removed vehicles Local authority
Ultimate disposal of vehicles abandoned and removeable under this Act.
Amended 21 timesRight of owner to recover vehicle or proceeds of sale
Amended 21 timesRepresentations and appeals
Fine up to £500 Amended 21 times- Fail to comply with adjudicator's request for evidence or attendance Any Person
Charges for removal, storage and disposal of vehicles.
Amended 62 timesSupplementary provisions as to removal of vehicles.
Amended 3 timesImmobilisation of vehicles illegally parked.
Unlimited fine Amended 5 times- Unauthorised removal of a wheel clamp or warning notice Any Person
Exemptions from s. 104.
Amended 5 timesNotice in respect of excess parking charge.
Unlimited fine- Fail to provide vehicle owner details or providing false information Any Person
Time for bringing, and evidence in, proceedings for certain offences.
Amended 1 timeSupplementary provisions as to excess charges.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 9 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Appointment of traffic wardens.
Additional powers of traffic wardens.
Supplementary provisions as to traffic wardens.
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Removal of vehicles illegally, obstructively or dangerously parked, or abandoned or broken down.
Initial experimental period for immobilisation of vehicles.
Immobilisation of vehicles in London
Liability of vehicle owner in respect of excess parking charge.
Modifications of ss. 107 and 108 in relation to hired vehicles.
Part IX — Further Provisions as to Enforcement
Information as to identity of driver or rider.
Unlimited fine- Fail to identify the driver of a vehicle Any Person
Mishandling of parking documents and related offences.
2 years imprisonment Amended 2 times- Fraudulent use or falsification of parking documents and devices Any Person
Wrongful use of disabled person’s badge.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 7 times- Misuse a Blue Badge or disabled parking permit Any Person
Aiding and abetting.
Unlimited fine- Help or encourage another person to break road traffic laws Any Person
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part X — General and Supplementary Provisions
Exercise of functions by strategic highways companies or local authorities.
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities and National Highways must manage traffic and parking safely Local authority
Prospective exercise of powers.
Amended 18 timesProvisions as to certain orders.
Amended 5 timesGLA side roads.
Amended 5 timesOrders of the Authority changing what are GLA side roads.
Amended 5 timesCertification and records of GLA side roads.
Amended 5 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- TfL must maintain and publish records of GLA side roads Statutory regulator
Boundary roads.
Amended 1 timeFootpaths, bridleways , restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.
Amended 4 timesPower to hold inquiries.
Amended 1 timeGeneral provisions as to inquiries.
Amended 1 timeApplication of Act to Crown.
Amended 3 timesApplication of road traffic enactments to Crown roads.
Amended 7 timesVehicles used for marine salvage.
Amended 1 timeProvisions as to regulations.
Amended 12 timesMeaning of “motor vehicle” and other expressions relating to vehicles.
Amended 2 timesGeneral interpretation of Act.
Amended 20 timesCommencement and temporary provisions.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 19 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Traffic authorities.
London borough council exercising powers so as to affect another traffic authority’s roads.
Functions of GLA under this Act to be exercisable by the Mayor.
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Exercise of powers as respects part of width of road.
Special provisions as to certain Crown roads.
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Royal Parks or highways in London affected by proposals relating to the other.
Application of Act to Isles of Scilly.
Supplementary provisions relating to s. 136.
Meaning of “heavy commercial vehicle”.
Hovercraft.
Certain vehicles not to be treated as motor vehicles.
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Tramcars and trolley vehicles: regulations.
Saving for law of nuisance.
Transitional provisions and savings.
Amendments and repeals.
Short title and extent.
Schedules
Introductory
Fine up to £1,000- Interfere with a fixed penalty notice on a vehicle Any Person
Control of Off-Street Parking
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must follow a 12-week consultation process for parking rules Local authority
Browse 9 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Matters as to which Orders can be made under Section 6
Speed Limits for Vehicles of Certain Classes
Statutory Statements (Excess Charges)
Provisions of This Act and Instruments Referred to in Section 144(2)
Consequential Amendments
Buildings in Relation to Which a Secretary of State is the Appropriate Authority for the Purposes of Section 74
Special Provisions as to certain Orders
Transitional Provisions and Savings
Repeals
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Government company responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads). Sets standards for highway design, construction, …
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