This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.
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’ (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.
Acts and regulations [abbreviations in brackets]
Acts and regulations from 1988 can be viewed on the UK legislation website. Acts and regulations prior to 1988 are only available in their original print format which may be obtained from The Stationery Office. For further information visit the Stationery Office website (TSO).
Acts and regulations prior to 1988
Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 [CSDPA]
Functions of Traffic Wardens Order 1970 [FTWO]
Greater London (General Powers) Act 1974 [GL(GP)A]
Highway Act 1835 or 1980 (as indicated) [HA]
Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1980 [MC(PH)R]
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982 [MT(E&W)R]
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Amended Regulations [MT(E&W)(A)R]
Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 [PCUR]
Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 [PPVA]
Road Traffic Act 1984, 1988 or 1991 (as indicated) [RTA]
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 [RTRA]
Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 [CUR]
Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 [R(S)A]