Taxi Driver Online

Legal notes and definitions

C[52.2]

It is not a defence that the sign was not seen.

C[52.3]

The defendant can only be convicted if at the time of the offence he was warned of possible prosecution, or a summons or a notice of intended prosecution was served within 14 days upon the registered owner of the vehicle. It will be presumed that this requirement was complied with unless the contrary is proved by the defendant on the balance of probabilities.

C[52.4]

The offence applies to all vehicles including pedal cycles and is not limited to mechanically propelled vehicles.

C[52.5]

Even wheeling a pedal cycle in contravention of the sign is an offence.

C[52.6]

A traffic sign. This is presumed to be of correct size, colour and type unless proved to the contrary by the defence.

C[52.7]

Automatic traffic lights are presumed to be in proper working order unless the contrary is proved by the defence.

C[52.8]

Traffic lights. It is an offence if any part of the vehicle crosses the 'stop' line when the light is red, for example, if the front part of the vehicle is already over the line and the light turns red an offence is committed if the rear part of the vehicle then crosses the line with the light still at red.

C[52.9]

Double white lines. It is an offence to overtake or park in contravention of double white lines in the middle of the road. There are certain exceptions, however, such as passing a slow moving road sweeper or a taxi stopping to allow a passenger to alight or board. Ask the legal adviser for details.

C[52.10]–C[52.15]

A road. Means any highway (including footpaths and bridleways) and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges.

C[52.16]

Signs to which the offence applies. These include:

Emergency traffic signs placed by a constable on the instructions of a chief officer of police.

1 Stop at major road ahead.

Give way at major road ahead.

Stop one way working.

1 No entry.

Arrow indicating direction to be followed.

Arrow indicating keep left or right.

1 Red light including portable light signals and at automatic level crossings.

1Double white lines.

Keep left dual carriageway.

Turn left at dual carriageway.

1 Drivers of 'abnormal loads' at railway level crossings.

1 Prohibition on vehicles exceeding specified height.

1 Green arrow traffic signals.

No 'U' turn.

Mini roundabout sign.

1 Only these offences qualify for endorsement and disqualification. See reg 10 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.
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