Van drivers, did you know that......

[H2O]

There is a definition in law, as stated in my quote from the DfT man, for a van to be "car derived" it needs to share its structure/chassis etc with an existing car as far back as the 'B' post (essentially the rearmost part of the front doors) and retain the track and wheelbase of the car.

The only ambiguity is where the "car" version is based on the van (as in the examples given previously) and not the other way round.

Which means there is an ambiguity.

One which would completely disappear if they just used the max laden weight that is listed every vehicles owner manual.

The change over limit seems to be 2 tonnes so there should be no need for 'car derived' to be writen anywhere. What difference does 'car derived' make if the vehicle is under 2 tonnes MAM?

 

[Steep]

Surely a vehicle designed to carry larger volume/ heavier items would have it's suspension/ brakes upgraded (compared to other vehicles) to suit though.

You might think so but models at the cheaper end often don't, you can see that in the rated carrying capacity.

 

[nilagin]

The only ambiguity is where the "car" version is based on the van (as in the examples given previously) and not the other way round.

The Transit Connect was first introduced into America a few years ago. Because of an old import law, if they were imported as a van they incurred more tax and would have had to be sold at a higher price. Ford got round this by importing them as cars with side windows and rear seats fitted. Once on US soil, some of the cars were driven to a warehouse, the seats and windows removed, window blanks fitted along with a bulkhead and sold as vans, the stuff removed I believe was shipped back to plant to be refitted in more new "cars". Other Connects are left as cars and used as taxis. So it could be argued that the Connect is a car derived van especially as it is built on the Focus platform, the fact about wheelbase could also be argued as many cars share the same platform, just that some are shortened for smaller cars and wear a different body.

 

[nilagin]

When you applied for your driving licence you signed an undertaking to keep up to date with changes to the Highway Code and all relevant legislation.

How you do it is up to you, but do it you must as it's your responsibility.

Did I? It was never pointed out to me, nor was I reminded of the fact on passing my test or when my licence was issued.
I suppose since appling for your licence, you've got up every morning checked by whatever means that there haven't been any relative updates.
Not everyone has internet access, and for everyone to be responsible, they'd have to go out and buy a new copy of the Highway Code everyday before driving your car.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

The Transit Connect was first introduced into America a few years ago. Because of an old import law, if they were imported as a van they incurred more tax and would have had to be sold at a higher price. Ford got round this by importing them as cars with side windows and rear seats fitted. Once on US soil, some of the cars were driven to a warehouse, the seats and windows removed, window blanks fitted along with a bulkhead and sold as vans, the stuff removed I believe was shipped back to plant to be refitted in more new "cars". Other Connects are left as cars and used as taxis. So it could be argued that the Connect is a car derived van especially as it is built on the Focus platform, the fact about wheelbase could also be argued as many cars share the same platform, just that some are shortened for smaller cars and wear a different body.

Yeah, I've read Wikipedia too

The trouble with that argument is the vehicle was initially produced as a van, for the European markets, prior to either the Tourneo version being produced or its export to the US.

It also doesn't qualify because of its Focus underpinnings because it doesn't share any sheet metal with that car....

 

[nilagin]

Very true... I'm very tempted to say ~ if in doubt drive at the lower limit! I guess we're (generally speaking and all exceptions accepted) dealing with a whole, select breed of driver who would not be aware of this concept of law-keeping!

(Is there a 'tongue-in-cheek' emoticon?)

That's ok if you know about this law and that there is a lower limit. It's not just a case of not knowing what classification the vehicle falls into, it's also not having been made aware of the rule in the first place.

 

[nilagin]

Yeah, I've read Wikipedia too

But I didn't, You forget where I work.

 

[nilagin]

The trouble with that argument is the vehicle was initially produced as a van, for the European markets, prior to either the Tourneo version being produced or its export to the US.

It also doesn't qualify because of its Focus underpinnings because it doesn't share any sheet metal with that car....

It may have been produced as a van first but it was really just a replacement for the Escort van, a bit bigger and using a different body. The Mk1 KA has a shortened floorpan of a Mk4/5 Fiesta just a different body. If it's down to interpretation and upto the courts to decide, I'd certainly be interested to see what they made of the argument that if the underpinnings are the same, the bodywork is therefore irrespective.

 

[nilagin]

They have made it available to you, it is clearly stated on their website, will be printed in the highway code etc.

It is also YOUR responsibility to make sure you know the limits when driving.

There are a hell of a lot of vehicles (vans/lorries) you see on the road with signs saying something along the lines of 'this vehicle is restricted to xx mph'. Why do you think they do that, just to annoy you??

What do you want the lawmakers to do? Write to everyone in the land whenever a law is changed etc.

I've seen vans bearing such signs are on Motorways, where they can quite legally do 70mph. They are not official signs and without clarification for anyone else, I always assumed it was a measure of the owning company to reduce fuel costs. Probably much the same reason articulated lorries are restricted to 60mph yet Tesco delivery lorries as well as some other supermarkets delivery lorries, travel at around 50mph.

 

[B1ts]

Did I? It was never pointed out to me, nor was I reminded of the fact on passing my test or when my licence was issued.
I suppose since appling for your licence, you've got up every morning checked by whatever means that there haven't been any relative updates.
Not everyone has internet access, and for everyone to be responsible, they'd have to go out and buy a new copy of the Highway Code everyday before driving your car.

Yes you did.
We all did.
It is in the wording of the form you signed when you passed your test, a contract that you agreed to, you do read contracts before signing them?
It is why ignorance is no defence.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

It may have been produced as a van first but it was really just a replacement for the Escort van, a bit bigger and using a different body. The Mk1 KA has a shortened floorpan of a Mk4/5 Fiesta just a different body. If it's down to interpretation and upto the courts to decide, I'd certainly be interested to see what they made of the argument that if the underpinnings are the same, the bodywork is therefore irrespective.

Again, here's what the Dept for Transport had to say on the matter-

vans comprising a car chassis throughout and the car body-shell from front bumper to “B” post (the door-post behind the front-doors ;with, say, a box body behind), appear to satisfy the definition of car-derived van.

An Escort van would obviously fit the criteria as it shares it's chassis and b-post forward sheet metal, the Connect, as far as I am aware, doesn't share any bodywork with a Ford car, past or present, ergo it isn't car-derived.

 

[nilagin]

Yes you did.
We all did.
It is in the wording of the form you signed when you passed your test, a contract that you agreed to, you do read contracts before signing them?
It is why ignorance is no defence.

I passed my test in 1980, no internet then, so what would be a reasonable method of keeping myself informed other than having to buy a copy of the HIghway Code every day, hoping the stockist has the latest copy printed freshly overnight and sittin gon their shelf to replace the possibly now out of date copy from the day before.
If it was indeed on the form it must have been in very small writing and probably written in Government gobbledegook.
I bet if you were to hold a nationwide pole on how many motorists know they are supposed to keep themselves upto date, you'd end up with a tiny percentage.

 

[Ploddles]

I passed my test in 1980, no internet then, so what would be a reasonable method of keeping myself informed other than having to buy a copy of the HIghway Code every day, hoping the stockist has the latest copy printed freshly overnight and sittin gon their shelf to replace the possibly now out of date copy from the day before.
If it was indeed on the form it must have been in very small writing and probably written in Government gobbledegook.
I bet if you were to hold a nationwide pole on how many motorists know they are supposed to keep themselves upto date, you'd end up with a tiny percentage.

But the laws don't change every day and there isn't a new version of the highway code printed every day.

If you can't be bothered to keep up to date then that is your own fault if you get done.

 

[B1ts]

I passed my test in 1980, no internet then, so what would be a reasonable method of keeping myself informed other than having to buy a copy of the HIghway Code every day, hoping the stockist has the latest copy printed freshly overnight and sittin gon their shelf to replace the possibly now out of date copy from the day before.
If it was indeed on the form it must have been in very small writing and probably written in Government gobbledegook.
I bet if you were to hold a nationwide pole on how many motorists know they are supposed to keep themselves upto date, you'd end up with a tiny percentage.

Internet has nothing to do with it, I passed my test before you did, it was in the contract that we signed upon passing, don't shoot the messenger because you did not bother to read before signing.
ALWAYS read a contract before signing, otherwise expect to be surprised at a later date.
Laws are not changed daily and yes you are expected to occasionally buy the highway code ( or relevant modern equivalent e.g. smartphone app), you signed to say you would keep yourself up to date with current regulations so either do so or don't complain when things are not as you remembered.
Simples

 

[neil_g]

But the laws don't change every day and there isn't a new version of the highway code printed every day.

If you can't be bothered to keep up to date then that is your own fault if you get done.

But how would you know about any changes if you didn't check every day?

 

[srichards]

The category of vehicle should be on the V5 reg document shouldn't it?

I still think a reminder leaflet sent out with road tax is a viable and easy way of making sure people are up to date.

 

[munch]

No reason not to keep up to date:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069869

I also have a hard copy of the current highway code (as I have had since I passed my test) which as a matter of interest has not been updated since 2007.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

The category of vehicle should be on the V5 reg document shouldn't it?

.

Yes, but that's only compiled from information provided by the supplying dealer, not the DfT...

 

[Bernie174]

H20

That's fine when you first start but as a car driver how often do you check for revisions if no one makes any effort to notify you of them?

I suspect you don't check every time you get in the car?

No, I don't check everyday, because it's not every day that the various road traffic laws are update.However, the highway code is amended reasonably regularly, and certainly has been in the last few years. The days before the internet aren't relevent now, as it does exist, and the updated law is on the DfT site. I'm afraid your excuse doesn't hold water therefore.

I mentioned the state not being responsible for wiping peoples backside, simply because while thats not what you said in words, but it's what's coming over from what you are saying. It's not a state responsibility for you to know what you can and cannot do in respect of legislation, it's yours.

As has been pointed out, you signed a bit of paper when you passed your driving test saying not only had you read and understood the highway code, but you would keep current with it.

I accept you, and some others don't like it, but that's the way it is.

 

[nilagin]

Internet has nothing to do with it, I passed my test before you did, it was in the contract that we signed upon passing, don't shoot the messenger because you did not bother to read before signing.
ALWAYS read a contract before signing, otherwise expect to be surprised at a later date.
Laws are not changed daily and yes you are expected to occasionally buy the highway code ( or relevant modern equivalent e.g. smartphone app), you signed to say you would keep yourself up to date with current regulations so either do so or don't complain when things are not as you remembered.
Simples

So I go out and buy a new one tomorrow. It takes me several days to work my way through it all, but unbeknown to me the DFT decideds to update it next week. My laptop breaks and I can't afford a new one and have no other means of internet access. I don't have a smart phone. So how am I going to be aware there has been an update.
If the DFT was governed by the HSE, the HSE would be ripping them a new one for leaving potentially millions of UK motorists as well as visiting motorists unaware of changes, because they've left it for them to find out for themselves.
I signed for a driving licence, not a contract, if it was as such, driving instructors and examiners would have been obliged to make everyone aware as they start lessons and again when they pass their test. How for example would someone who is dyslexic have known?

 

[nilagin]

H20



No, I don't check everyday, because it's not every day that the various road traffic laws are update.

How would you know unless you checked everyday? What if somethings changed today, yet you last updated yourself yesterday and thought you'll be ok for a week, a month, or whatever time period you update yourself. You could get caught breaking the law on the way to work tomorrow, the copper is in a bad mood, in no mood to let you off with a caution and your knicked. You find yourself with a £60 fine, points on your licence and raised insurance premiums for the next 4 years until the points are gone, hell you may already have 9 points already and guess what, you've just earnt yorself a ban.
I'm sorry but there is more than enough ways for the DFT to make everyone aware without leaving people to find out for themselves or be unaware because the failed to update in time.

 

[munch]

But as already pointed out the highway code has not been updated since 2007, although several laws relating to it have been.

At the end of the day in any situation ignorance of a law is not deemed an excuse as to why you broke it.

 

[nilagin]

But as already pointed out the highway code has not been updated since 2007, although several laws relating to it have been.

At the end of the day in any situation ignorance of a law is not deemed an excuse as to why you broke it.

So you buy a new copy, how are you supposed to know those laws have been updated and out of interset what were they?

 

[Flash In The Pan]

It may have been produced as a van first but it was really just a replacement for the Escort van, a bit bigger and using a different body. The Mk1 KA has a shortened floorpan of a Mk4/5 Fiesta just a different body. If it's down to interpretation and upto the courts to decide, I'd certainly be interested to see what they made of the argument that if the underpinnings are the same, the bodywork is therefore irrespective.

From Bedfordshire Police

As a "rule of thumb" any van larger than a Vauxhall Astravan will have a gross weight in excess of 2 tonnes and is therefore subject to the reduced "class of vehicle" speed limits. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert and Ford Connect, for example, are restricted vans.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

How would you know unless you checked everyday? What if somethings changed today, yet you last updated yourself yesterday and thought you'll be ok for a week, a month, or whatever time period you update yourself. You could get caught breaking the law on the way to work tomorrow, the copper is in a bad mood, in no mood to let you off with a caution and your knicked. You find yourself with a £60 fine, points on your licence and raised insurance premiums for the next 4 years until the points are gone, hell you may already have 9 points already and guess what, you've just earnt yorself a ban.
I'm sorry but there is more than enough ways for the DFT to make everyone aware without leaving people to find out for themselves or be unaware because the failed to update in time.

Honestly, the DfT publicise any changes to the law well in advance by various means, notably through the direct.gov website.

Short of sending a wee man on a bike round to chap on everybody's door every time there is a change it's probably fair to expect that if you are intent on using the public highway that you take reasonable steps to ensure you are conversant with the applicable rules and regulations.

As has been said many, many times before on this thread ignorance of the law is no excuse....

 

[munch]

Laws are constantly updated and nobody knows them all. (just look at all the threads on here about police stopping togs for various reasons they consider legal) But as I spend a lot of my time "on the road" and have responsibility for others who also drive as part of their job. Then it is in my interest to try and keep up with the law(s) as they affect me.

As most of us drive I would have thought the same would apply.

 

[Ploddles]

So I go out and buy a new one tomorrow. It takes me several days to work my way through it all, but unbeknown to me the DFT decideds to update it next week. My laptop breaks and I can't afford a new one and have no other means of internet access. I don't have a smart phone. So how am I going to be aware there has been an update.
If the DFT was governed by the HSE, the HSE would be ripping them a new one for leaving potentially millions of UK motorists as well as visiting motorists unaware of changes, because they've left it for them to find out for themselves.
I signed for a driving licence, not a contract, if it was as such, driving instructors and examiners would have been obliged to make everyone aware as they start lessons and again when they pass their test. How for example would someone who is dyslexic have known?

Ever heard of the library, most nowadays have free Internet access and copies of the highway code.

So many people nowadays want to blame someone else for their own inactions.

They don't just introduce new laws overnight coming into force the next morning, it is usually months or years. Usually something in the newspapers and on TV for speed limit changes and the like.

 

[joebh123]

Ever heard of the library, most nowadays have free Internet access and copies of the highway code.

So many people nowadays want to blame someone else for their own inactions.

They don't just introduce new laws overnight coming into force the next morning, it is usually months or years. Usually something in the newspapers and on TV for speed limit changes and the like.

So you have so little on your mind, that you wake up every day and think, "I'll just go and check for new laws at the library".

Get real, no one does that.

 

[Steep]

So you have so little on your mind, that you wake up every day and think, "I'll just go and check for new laws at the library".

Get real, no one does that.

Wether you check or not is your choice but it doesn't take away your responsibility to know. Far too many people these days expect to be nannied by the state (and complain like buggery when they are). It's been said a few times in this thread that ignorance is no excuse if you break the law and that's regardless of how easy or difficult it is to find out.

 

[Ploddles]

So you have so little on your mind, that you wake up every day and think, "I'll just go and check for new laws at the library".

Get real, no one does that.

I never said any such thing.

All I said was that you don't need your own computer with internet access, or a smart phone. There are other ways of looking things up if you need to.

Millions of people don't have their own computer or a smart phone, doesn't mean that the government has to write to everyone telling them. Mind you, there are 100,000s of people who can't read, so should they send someone round in person to explain all the new laws to each and every one of them?

Some of them don't speak English, better send an interpretor around as well.

Of course not, for anything you do you should do everything within your power to know what is or isn't allowed.

As this is a photographic forum, let's say someone copies one of your photos and puts it on their Facebook page or blog. You would probably be up in arms saying that you own the copyright and they should have known this and sought your permission and bought a licence from you. The chances are they didn't know it was illegal. Should the government have written to them explaining the copyright laws. Of course not. You have to take responsibility for your own actions or inactions.

 

[AllyB999]

Glad my white van has blue lights on it and never gets stopped, yet we too are restricted to 50 mph and have been for several years now. ( exemptions claimed when on 999 calls )

 

[nilagin]

Ever heard of the library, most nowadays have free Internet access and copies of the highway code.

So many people nowadays want to blame someone else for their own inactions.

They don't just introduce new laws overnight coming into force the next morning, it is usually months or years. Usually something in the newspapers and on TV for speed limit changes and the like.

Can't remember the last time I actually had time on my hands and the library would have been open. So was the reduced speed limit for vans announced in newspapers or on the news.
How hard would it be to put up a road sign, that's what they are there for, right?

Of course not, for anything you do you should do everything within your power to know what is or isn't allowed.

As this is a photographic forum, let's say someone copies one of your photos and puts it on their Facebook page or blog. You would probably be up in arms saying that you own the copyright and they should have known this and sought your permission and bought a licence from you. The chances are they didn't know it was illegal. Should the government have written to them explaining the copyright laws. Of course not. You have to take responsibility for your own actions or inactions.

Some of my photos were copied from this forum onto various websites. I was quite chuffed they thought them worthy. I sent them an email asking that they credit the photos to me and they did. Did I want paying for them? No. Do I care they illegally copied them for their own use? No.

 

[nilagin]

So come on then how often does everyone check. I can honestly say I've never looked since 1980.
Also while we're at it what is the reason the speed limit was reduced? Braking technology, tyres, and vehicle construction is moving forward not backward. Why is it ok for a van to travel at 70 on a 2 lane motorway, but is only allowed to travel at 60 on a 3 lane dual carriageway?

 

[Bernie174]

nilagin

Whether you have time or not, it is your responsibility. Are you seriously expecting sympathy because you haven't or can't be bothered to check something you undertook to do?
I'm sorry, but you're an adult, stop expecting people to hold your hand, it's not going to happen.
Lastly, when law is changed, especially traffic law, it's unusual to go in the book for the first few week, and sometimes months. It gives people who can be bothered the chance to update themselves. That's why I don't need to check every day for changes that in general only happen once or twice a year.

 

[u8myufo]

Its simple, you get caught for speeding go to the school for a brief and they hand you a little book. It tells you all you need to know

 

[nilagin]

nilagin

Whether you have time or not, it is your responsibility. Are you seriously expecting sympathy because you haven't or can't be bothered to check something you undertook to do?
I'm sorry, but you're an adult, stop expecting people to hold your hand, it's not going to happen.
Lastly, when law is changed, especially traffic law, it's unusual to go in the book for the first few week, and sometimes months. It gives people who can be bothered the chance to update themselves. That's why I don't need to check every day for changes that in general only happen once or twice a year.

Let's put it simple for you shall we, some of us are at work during the day, as I am now, the library will be shut by the time I leave as it will also be when I leave work tomorrow. Do they open Sundays? I think not. (Up until now I was unaware that I had to keep checking up for changes to motoring law, but I'll be able to during my break at work). If, as you say, a law can change but doesn't go into print for weeks or months, what will be your defense when you yourself get pulled over for an offense you are unaware of and they fine you, ban you or whatever. If they don't forwarn people how are they supposed to know when they are likely to need to check. Again in this instance it is a speed limit. All roads have road signs advising motorists of the limit, why not advise all motorists. It has sweet FA to do with whether You feel I need someone to hold my hand. It's basic common sense.
How many times have you checked for changes since you passed your test. I'm sorry but unless you are a professional driver, I find it hard to believe you've even checked once a year, if you have you and anyone else who has are in the minority regardless of whether you are right and I am wrong not to do so.
When the DVLA send out Vehicle Tax reminders, they include a leaflet for SORN as well yet I doubt that there is any motorists in this country unaware of their liability to make sure their car if taxable or not is SORN if not on the road. Post Offices have posters with the same advice as do the Tax forms. Surely it would make sense that if a change was planned then all motorists could be given anything from 2 months to a years notice of a change.

 

[B1ts]

Why is it ok for a van to travel at 70 on a 2 lane motorway, but is only allowed to travel at 60 on a 3 lane dual carriageway?

As you say let's make it simple for you..
How about you won't (hopefully lol) come across an hgv in the outside lane of a motorway, some other vehicle types have lower dual carriageway limits than motorway so either can cause your van to need to adjust speed on a dual more than a motorway.
You don't get roundabouts directly on a motorway again reducing risk associated to the nature of a van.
That was straight off the top of my head, did you actually try to think of possible reasons or assume there were none since noone notified you *sigh*

Giving up wasting time on this tbh, you do not appear to want to listen to any reason and are just here for the monty python "ten minute argument".

Be interesting to see you try your line of reasoning out on either a traffic cop or magistrate, hope you never do, for your sake. .

 

[nilagin]

The Highway Code IntroductionThis Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.
The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.
Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. An explanation of the abbreviations can be found in 'The road user and the law'.


Failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted. The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see 'The road user and the law') to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility. Further information on driving/riding techniques can be found in ‘The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills’ and ‘The Official DSA Guide to Riding - the essential skills’.

The Road User and the Law
This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.
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.

Acts and regulations [abbreviations in brackets]
Acts and regulations from 1988 can be viewed on the UK legislation website. Acts and regulations prior to 1988 are only available in their original print format which may be obtained from The Stationery Office. For further information visit the Stationery Office website (TSO).

UK legislation Opens new windowThe Stationery Office website Opens new windowActs and regulations prior to 1988
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]

Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1980 [MC(PH)R]

Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982 [MT(E&W)R]

Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Amended Regulations [MT(E&W)(A)R]


Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 [PCUR]

Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 [PPVA]

Road Traffic Act 1984, 1988 or 1991 (as indicated) [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
Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990 [H(PHYR)A] Opens new windowHorses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Regulations 1992 [H(PHYR)R] Opens new windowMotor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999 [MC(EP)R] (PDF, 40K) Opens new windowMotorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 [MT(S)R] Opens new windowMotor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 [MV(DL)R] (PDF, 353K) Opens new windowMotor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993 [MV(WSB)R] Opens new windowMotor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 [MV(WSB)(A)R] Opens new windowMotor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993 [MV(WSBCFS)R] Opens new windowNew Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 [NRSWA] Opens new windowPowers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 [PCC(S)A] Opens new windowPolice Reform Act 2002 [PRA] Opens new windowProhibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SI no 90) [PSCP(S)R]* (PDF, 63K) Opens new windowRoad Safety Act 2006 [RSA] (PDF, 547K) Opens new windowRoad Traffic Act 1988 [RTA] Opens new windowRoad Traffic Act 1991 [RTA] Opens new windowRoad Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 [RT(ND)A] Opens new windowRoad Traffic Offenders Act 1988 [RTOA] Opens new windowRoad Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 [RV(DRM)R] (PDF, 146K) Opens new windowRoad Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 [RVLR] Opens new windowRoad Vehicles (Registration & Licensing) Regulations 2002 [RV(R&L)R] (PDF, 45K) Opens new windowTraffic Management Act 2004 [TMA] Opens new windowTraffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002 [TSRGD] Opens new windowUse of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 [UICHR] Opens new windowVehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 [VERA] Opens new windowZebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997 [ZPPPCRGD] Opens new windowHelp with PDF files
Help with PDF files*Specific legislation applies to smoking in vehicles which constitute workplaces. For information, visit the links below:

Smokefree England Opens new windowClearing the Air Scotland Opens new windowSmoking Ban Wales Opens new window

Driver licensing
Driving licence rules are changing
From 19 January 2013, there will be many new driving licence rules that could affect you. To find out more about these changes, follow the link below

Changes to driving licence rules in Great BritainYour health and drivingHealth conditions that affect your drivingWhat happens after you have told DVLASurrendering your driving licenceRenewing your short period driving licenceMore about medical rules for driversNeed a new or updated licenceApplying for a provisional driving licenceChanging your name or addressReplacing your driving licenceRenewing your driving licence at 70 plusMore about any type of licenceWhat you can drive and your obligationsVehicles you can driveHow to add higher categories to your driving licenceVehicle weights explainedMore about what you can drive and your obligationsEndorsements and disqualificationsPenalty points and disqualificationRemove expired endorsements from your driving licenceRenewing after disqualificationMore about endorsements and disqualificationsDriving in GB on a foreign licenceEuropean Community/European Economic Area countryNorthern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or GibraltarAll other countries, and students on a foreign licenceMore about driving in GB on a foreign licenceCaravans, trailers and commercial vehiclesTowing a caravan or trailerCar and trailer or caravan practical driving testTowing a caravan or trailer - driving tips and adviceMore about caravans, trailers and commercial vehiclesDriving in other countries on a GB licenceTelling DVLA about a bereavement

Feel free to point out where it tells motorists to keep checking for changes in the law, and don't take the cheap shot and say it shouldn't need to.

 

[nilagin]

As you say let's make it simple for you..
How about you won't (hopefully lol) come across an hgv in the outside lane of a motorway, some other vehicle types have lower dual carriageway limits than motorway so either can cause your van to need to adjust speed on a dual more than a motorway.
You don't get roundabouts directly on a motorway again reducing risk associated to the nature of a van.
That was straight off the top of my head, did you actually try to think of possible reasons or assume there were none since noone notified you *sigh*

Giving up wasting time on this tbh, you do not appear to want to listen to any reason and are just here for the monty python "ten minute argument".

Be interesting to see you try your line of reasoning out on either a traffic cop or magistrate, hope you never do, for your sake. .

But you have ignored my statement that vehicle including van technology has moved on. What has happened in all the years they were allowed to travel at 70 when they were less likely to be able to stop or manouvre than now after 7 years ago when they should be able to surpass those stopping and handling capabilities. If a van driver is remaining a safe distance behind the vehicle in front why should it matter that he does 60 or 70 if it didn't matter before.
Again I say why not use road signs? I use country lanes on the way to work, they have a 50mph limit, there are some bends where the limit is 30 due to their sharpness although visibility is clear they are not blind bends where someone, could be in the road unseen until you get there. But they have put a sign there as well as the chevron signs to warn motorists, even though some cars can easily take them at 40 or 50 with little or no body roll or loss of control.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Let's put it simple for you shall we, some of us are at work during the day, as I am now, the library will be shut by the time I leave as it will also be when I leave work tomorrow. Do they open Sundays? I think not. (Up until now I was unaware that I had to keep checking up for changes to motoring law, but I'll be able to during my break at work). If, as you say, a law can change but doesn't go into print for weeks or months, what will be your defense when you yourself get pulled over for an offense you are unaware of and they fine you, ban you or whatever. If they don't forwarn people how are they supposed to know when they are likely to need to check. Again in this instance it is a speed limit. All roads have road signs advising motorists of the limit, why not advise all motorists. It has sweet FA to do with whether You feel I need someone to hold my hand. It's basic common sense.
How many times have you checked for changes since you passed your test. I'm sorry but unless you are a professional driver, I find it hard to believe you've even checked once a year, if you have you and anyone else who has are in the minority regardless of whether you are right and I am wrong not to do so.
When the DVLA send out Vehicle Tax reminders, they include a leaflet for SORN as well yet I doubt that there is any motorists in this country unaware of their liability to make sure their car if taxable or not is SORN if not on the road. Post Offices have posters with the same advice as do the Tax forms. Surely it would make sense that if a change was planned then all motorists could be given anything from 2 months to a years notice of a change.

They do forewarn people, but invariably if you don't read newspapers/watch tv/listen to the radio/go on the internet/talk to other human beings then there is still the chance you won't know about the impending change.

Ignorance still isn't an excuse.


Unless you're a police officer.