Locomotives Act 1865 (Red Flag Act)

Legal state as of: Not recorded
Last source check: 2026-08-25
Verification scope: Verification scope is not recorded. A catalogue check date does not establish a complete review of the legal position.

Record provenance: Published source library
Organisation: UK Parliament
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Publication date: 1865-07-05
Legal status: Repealed
Summary: The Locomotives Act 1865 tightened restrictions on road locomotives, including lower speed limits and the well-known requirement for a person to precede certain locomotives carrying a red flag. It illustrates a precautionary regulatory response to perceived safety and nuisance risks from emerging road technology.
Význam: The Act is a classic example of restrictive technology regulation and helps frame debates about proportionality, safety evidence and the risk of over-regulating automated vehicles.
Citation: UK Parliament, Locomotives Act 1865, 28 & 29 Vict. c. 83.
Recorded review date: 2026-08-25
Official source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/28-29/83/pdfs/ukpga_18650083_en.pdf

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