Home Highway Code Annex 4. The road user and the law

Annex 4. The road user and the law

Information about the road user and the law, including acts and regulations.

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.

The reference to ‘emergency area’ in the Code is an ‘emergency refuge area’ as defined in the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 as amended by the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales)(Amendment)(England) Regulations 2015.

Acts and regulations are available as enacted or as amended at www.legislation.gov.uk and are available in their original print format from The Stationery Office.

Acts and regulations prior to 1988

Act or regulation Abbreviation
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
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982 MT(E&W)R
Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 PCUR
Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 PPVA
Road Traffic Act 1984 RTA
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 RTRA
Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 CUR
Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 R(S)A

Acts and regulations from 1988 onwards

Act or regulation Abbreviation
Environmental Protection Act 1990 EPA
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 1998 MC(PH)R
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 or 2018 (as indicated) MT(E&W)(A)R
Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2015 MT(E&W)(A)(E)R
Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 MT(S)R
Motorways Traffic (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 or 2018 (as indicated) MT(S)(A)R
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 MV(DL)R
Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limits) (England & Wales) Regulations 2014 MV(VSL)(E&W)
Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993 MV(WSB)R
Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 or 2006 (as applicable) 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
Police Reform Act 2002 PRA
Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations PC(SB)R
Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Scottish SI 2006/No 90 TPSCP(S)R*
Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) Order 2022 (SI 2022/800) RR(20)O
Road Safety Act 2006 RSA
Road Traffic Act 1984, 1988 or 1991 as indicated RTA
Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit)(Scotland) Regulations 2014 PLSR
Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 RT(ND)A
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 RTOA
Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)(Amendment)(No 4) Regulations 2003 CUR(A)(No4)R
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
Sentencing Act 2020 SA
Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/765 TSf(EV)*
Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/W787 TSfP(W)R*
Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015 S-f(PV)R
Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 S-f(W)R
Smoking Prohibition (Children in Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Act 2016 SP(CIMV)(S)A
Traffic Management Act 2004 TMA
Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002 TSRGD
Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2016 TSRGD 2016
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

*Specific legislation applies to smoking in vehicles which constitute workplaces.

For information, visit:

The Faster Way to Pass Your DVSA Theory Test

Our AI-powered theory test app helps you get test ready fast and pass first time

Industry leading reviews from 1872 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/BY3hKZOqy9
2 days ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? 🛣️ Here's everything you need to know about contraflow systems to help you pass your DVSA theory test 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #roadsafety #dvsatheorytest #theorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/Cdce9jPImF
4 days ago
✨ The latest 2025 Highway Code ✨ Here you'll find the most up-to-date Highway Code revision, including the new Highway Code rules, organised by sections so you can easily move through the content 👇 https://t.co/cw9v6M6xwS #highwaycode #theorytest https://t.co/Tk38KeypEq
4 days ago
Want to PASS the 2025 DVSA theory test? 🎓✨ Get started with our FREE AI-powered theory test practice trial. Access our theory test app and online theory test tools for FREE now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/ips7cZ6aI1
4 days ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/AGm6QiBxX9
6 days ago
What is the 2025 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/ADOg5Az38W
1 week ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/VQIuClu5zu
1 week ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/GUQ1hplOOU
1 week ago
What is the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway? As a learner driver in the UK preparing for your DVSA theory test, it's essential to understand the differences between various types of roads. Here's everything you need to know 👇 https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq https://t.co/JoffBWjbhD
1 week ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a pedestrian crossing that prioritises the safety of pedestrians. Find out everything you need to know here 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #booktheorytest #highwaycode #roadsafety https://t.co/UDFWaPqLgQ
1 week ago
AI-Powered Car Theory Test Practice and Hazard Perception Test Practice App ✨🚗 PASS your DVSA Car theory test first time with our AI-powered Car theory test practice app and online theory test training tools 👇 https://t.co/V7UF8izlqq #cartheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/swI5sikJRf
2 weeks ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? 🚗🛣️ This article explains what a contraflow system is, where you might see one, and how to navigate it safely 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #theorytest https://t.co/MRzc0pviFu
2 weeks ago
Looking for the best AI-powered theory test app? ✨📱 PASS your DVSA theory test first time using Driving Theory 4 All's AI-powered theory test practice app 👇 https://t.co/pf8Nhn0Z52 #theorytestapp #theorytestpractice https://t.co/PAQDtyVQBu
2 weeks ago
Our smart theory test practice app uses AI to help you get test-ready faster and pass your UK driving theory test first time in 2025 ✨ Get started for FREE now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytestpracticefree #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/6YjO3z7Aij
2 weeks ago
How to drive on dual carriageways and motorways? 🛣️ Find out the differences and similarities between a dual carriageway and a motorway 👇 https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #drivingtheorytest #uktheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/pxlCHIOf0u
2 weeks ago
How long is the DVSA theory test valid? 🗓️ The theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass 👉 https://t.co/A9ix1I8SNf Start your driving theory test practice FREE trial now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytestpractice #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/sDWauQbOfQ
2 weeks ago
When can you take your DVSA UK theory test? 🎓 Here's everything you need to know about when you can book and take your theory test 👉 https://t.co/uCYuknKBql Try our AI-powered theory test practice FREE trial now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/7UtTY4noCj
2 weeks ago
What is a yellow box junction? 🚗🟨 The primary rule for yellow box junctions in the UK is that you must not enter a box junction unless your exit is clear ✔️ Find out everything you need to know about yellow box junction rules 👇 https://t.co/RJT5r0lTeR #theorytest https://t.co/biOd2Sjcw5
2 weeks ago
✨ Prepare to ace your DVSA theory test with Driving Theory 4 All's new AI-powered theory test app ✨ Find out more now 👇 https://t.co/emXAKxOHAH #aitheorytestapp #theorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/x7Agjk3C6d
3 weeks ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a pedestrian crossing that prioritises the safety of pedestrians. Find our how puffin crossings work and why they're beneficial 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #booktheorytest https://t.co/aih2yECZjm
3 weeks ago