The Highway Code: The road user and the 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

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 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

Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995

MT(S)R

Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999

MV(DL)R

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

(SI no 90)PSCP(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 (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

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 legislation.gov.uk and are available in their original print format from The Stationery Office as detailed inside the back cover.