Road Traffic Act 1972
The Road Traffic Act 1972 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It consolidates earlier road-traffic legislation and introduces provisions governing driving offenses, licensing, insurance, vehicle use, and road-safety powers.
Background
The Act was passed to consolidate existing road-traffic laws and implement recommendations from the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.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- Road Traffic Act 1988 which replaced or repealed several provisions.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 originated in this Act.
Reception and legal commentary
- Academic commentary has analysed how the Act defined "reckless" and "dangerous" driving.
- The Act supports the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) Regulations 1972.