Road traffic
Pelican / zebra crossing contravention
Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations / RTA 1988 (as charged)
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Summary only
- Maximum penalty
- Level 3 fine
Actus reus
- Contravention of the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations 1997 (or the successor instrument), typically charged via RTA 1988, s.25 or as a s.36 sign offence — read the information.
- Usual facts: failing to accord precedence on a zebra, or failing to stop at a red/amber pelican or puffin signal. Do not assume every crossing is the same regulation paragraph.
Mens rea
- Failure to comply with the crossing regulation or sign. This is not a dangerous-driving charge.
Defences
Crossing not of the type alleged / signals not in the charged state · Did accord precedence / did stop · Not the driver
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 04 August 2008. Offence range: Discharge to Band A fine Starting point: Band A fine Must endorse and impose 3 points Fines Starting point Range.
At the police station
Camera stills and whether it was zebra, pelican or puffin decide the paragraph. Endorsement follows the charged provision.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.