Section 163

Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a constable in uniform or a traffic officer to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle being driven, or a cycle being ridden, on a road.

163(1) Duty for a vehicle to stop

A person driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform or a traffic officer.

163(2) Duty for a cycle to stop

A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform or a traffic officer.

163(3) Offence of failing to stop

If a person fails to comply with this section, they are guilty of an offence.

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Notes

Title	Description
Stationary Motor Vehicle	This section does not confer a statutory power to detain a stationary motor vehicle.
Power of entry	There is a power of entry under section 17(1)(c) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Traffic Warden	A traffic warden also has the same powers as a constable to stop a vehicle under section 163, by virtue of article 3(2)(i) of the Functions of Traffic Wardens Order 1970, but only in order for them to carry out the functions set out in the Schedule to the above mentioned Order.
Traffic Officer	A traffic officer has a power to stop a vehicle under this section by virtue of section 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

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Penalty

Section 163(1) (Mechanically propelled vehicle)

Summary: A fine not exceeding £2,500

Section 163(2) (Cycle)

Summary: A fine not exceeding £2,500