Road Traffic Law - An Overview

Road traffic law covers the responsibilities of drivers and pedestrians. The main areas of road traffic law include theft, cycling, insurance, points, drink driving, parking tickets and seat belts. Thes areas are only a small cross section of road traffic law.

To start with, road traffic law deals with theft. If you find that your vehicle has been stolen, it is very important that you inform the police as soon as possible. When you contact the police, you should ensure that you are able to detail your cars registration, model and colour so they know what to look for. If you had any valuables in the car, you should also make sure you inform the police about them. Your next step will be to contact your insurer and let them know about the theft.

This brings us to insurance. It is illegal to drive a car without insurance in the UK, but yet many drivers still do. If you drive without insurance you can face a hefty fine and even losing your license. You may can also be charged if you let an uninsured driver drive your vehicle.

If you break road traffic legislation, you could get points on your license. If you get 12 or more points you will be disqualified from driving altogether. In road traffic law, you will get points on your license if you drive over the speed limit, drive carelessly, use a mobile phone whilst driving, fail to stop after an accident, drive while intoxicated on drink or drugs, drive without a license or without insurance, fail to stop at traffic lights and many more offences.

Cyclists are also governed by road this law. It is highly illegal to cycle dangerously in a way that may cause harm to others. You can face a fine of up to £2,500 if you are found guilty of dangerous cycling. It is also illegal to cycle on the pavement. If you are caught doing so, you will get an on the spot £30 fine and for repeat offenders this can be increased to £500. It is also illegal to cycle without lights at night, this can also result in a fine.

Parking tickets are another large area of road traffic law. You can get a parking ticket for parking in an illegal spot, for failing to pay and display and for overstaying the time you have paid for. It is illegal to park on double yellow lines, loading bays, bus stops and many other places. Usually if you pay your fine within 14 days, you get a reduction in the amount that you have to pay.

It is illegal to drink and drink in the UK. There are very strict laws about the amount of alcohol you can consume before driving a car. It is always advisable to not drink at all if you are planning to drive afterward to ensure that you don't get stopped. If you are found to be above the legal limit, you may have to go to court and have your license revoked.

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