Code 38 Moving traffic Not applicable Active

Contravention code 38: Pass-side traffic sign

Failing to comply with a sign indicating that vehicular traffic must pass to the specified side of the sign

Code facts

Jurisdiction
London, England outside London, Wales
Location
Moving traffic
Enforcement
Camera, Postal
Last reviewed
2026-08-03

Plain-English explanation

The authority is alleging that the vehicle did not comply with a moving traffic restriction: failing to comply with a sign indicating that vehicular traffic must pass to the specified side of the sign. Review the complete CCTV evidence, the approach signage and the route taken.

This guide provides general information about civil traffic contraventions. It is not a substitute for advice based on the facts and documents in an individual case.

Suffix decoder

Verified suffixes for this code: J: Camera enforcementL: Must pass to the leftR: Must pass to the right

Received a PCN for this contravention?

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What the issuing authority is alleging

  • The vehicle, location, date and time alleged on the PCN
  • That the relevant restriction was in force at that location
  • That the evidence supports the contravention described by the code
  • That the CCTV or approved-device record shows the alleged movement or stopping event

Evidence to review

  • All pages of the PCN and any later notice
  • Date, time, location and vehicle-registration details
  • Council photographs or video stills
  • Relevant signs, road markings and bay or zone layout
  • Complete CCTV footage, not only still images
  • Approach signs and road markings
  • Route notes showing the vehicle path and lane position

Points requiring investigation

  • Check whether the PCN description matches the code and any suffix actually printed on the notice.
  • Review whether the signs, lines or scheme terms at the location support the alleged restriction.
  • Check whether the authority evidence covers the full period or manoeuvre that matters for this code.
  • Review whether the video shows the approach signage and the full vehicle movement, not just the final position.

Common misunderstandings

  • A suffix is contextual and does not always mean the same thing for every base code.
  • A short stop can still be alleged if the restriction prohibits stopping rather than parking.
  • A belief that the restriction was unfair is different from evidence that the alleged contravention did not occur.
  • For moving traffic PCNs, the registered keeper may be liable even if they were not driving.

Related codes

Sources