Road Traffic Act 1972
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Long titleAn Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to road traffic with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.
Territorial extent[b]
Royal assent30 March 1972
| Act of Parliament | |
.svg) | |
| Long title | An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to road traffic with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1972 c. 20 |
| Territorial extent | [b] |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 30 March 1972 |
| Commencement | 1 July 1972[c] |
| Other legislation | |
| Amends | |
| Repeals/revokes | |
Status: Amended | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
| Text of the Road Traffic Act 1972 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Road Traffic Act 1972 (c. 20) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It consolidates earlier road-traffic legislation and introduces provisions governing driving offences, licensing, insurance, vehicle use, and road-safety powers.[1]
The act was passed to consolidate existing road-traffic laws and implement recommendations from the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.[2]
Provisions
| Category | Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous and reckless driving | Creates offences for dangerous driving, reckless, and negligent driving, including causing death by dangerous driving. | [3] |
| Drink- and drug-driving | Makes it an offence to drive or be in charge of a vehicle while under the influence or alcohol or drugs. | |
| Motor racing and motoring events | Regulates motor racing and other motoring events held on public highways. | |
| Driver licensing | Establishes the framework for issuing and regulating driving licences. | [1] |
| Driving instruction | Regulates paid driving instruction and instructor registration. | [1] |
| Third-party liability and insurance | Requires third-party risk insurance for vehicles used on public roads. | [1] |
| Road-safety funding | Permits funding of road-safety training and information programmes. | [1] |
| Foreign vehicles | Regulates the operation of foreign public service and goods vehicles in the UK. | [4] |
Amendments and later impact
- Transport Act 1980, which amended parts of the 1972 Act.
- Road Traffic Act 1988, which replaced or repealed several provisions.
- Section 36B (pavement-parking ban) originated in this Act (via amendment in 1974).[5]
Reception and legal commentary
- Academic commentary has analysed how the Act defined "reckless" and "dangerous" driving.[6]
- The Act supports the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) Regulations 1972.[7]
