All Legislation
Road Traffic
c. 53
England & Wales
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
View on legislation.gov.ukThis page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 provides the procedural and sentencing framework for road traffic offences. It covers the penalty points system, disqualification from driving, fixed penalty procedures, and evidential provisions for speeding and drink-driving offences.
Key Points
- Penalty points system and totting up disqualification (ss.28–35)
- Obligatory and discretionary disqualification (ss.34–36)
- Fixed penalty procedure (Part III)
- Special reasons for not endorsing or disqualifying (s.34(1))
- Drink-drive rehabilitation courses (s.34A)
- Evidence from speed cameras and breath testing devices (ss.15–16, 20)