Roads Policing, Road Traffic Law and Collision Investigation
This domain tests the road traffic offences you will meet daily, the powers that support enforcement, and the first-response discipline needed at a collision. The principal statutes are the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Road Traffic Act 2010, supplemented by fixed-charge and penalty-point systems.
Core rules
- Dangerous driving is section 53 of the 1961 Act; careless driving is section 52.
- Intoxicated driving is section 4 of the 2010 Act; driving above the prescribed alcohol limit is section 5. Preliminary breath tests may be required at checkpoints and after collisions.
- Fixed Charge Notices allow payment within 28 days; a higher amount applies at 56 days before summons.
- At a collision: preserve life first, then scene and evidence. Identify witnesses, photograph and measure, examine vehicles, secure CCTV and record road, weather and lighting conditions.
- Drivers must stop, exchange details and report where required.
Worked example
You arrive at a two-car collision with one injured driver. Priority is ambulance and scene safety, not apportioning blame. You set a cordon, identify the drivers and witnesses, note skid marks and debris, photograph the junction, and arrange a preliminary breath test. You record the driver's caution and any admissions verbatim. The investigation file must show that the scene was preserved before vehicles were moved.
Traps
Do not move vehicles before casualties are treated and evidence is recorded unless safety demands it. Do not omit weather, road surface or signage. Do not assume insurance or tax status. Do not caution a driver after inviting an explanation; caution first.