POST RTA EXAMINATION POLICY
Last Updated: Thursday, 15 January 2026Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 158
PRACTICE POLICY STATEMENT
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the first qualified medical practitioner providing emergency treatment to the victim of a road traffic accident is entitled to charge a fee. A fee may be levied in respect of each person treated (Section 158(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988).
NHS funding does not cover the emergency treatment of road traffic accident (RTA) victims, and a GP practice can charge a fee of £21.30 for each patient consulted. This fee is payable regardless of whether or not the patient is registered with the practice.
Patients are advised that this fee is payable at the time of the consultation and that they can reclaim the fee from the driver’s insurance company. This is their legal right that is laid down in statute.
This fee is within primary legislation and can only be changed by an act of parliament, unlike other fees which are determined by regulation and negotiation. The fee we charge is not a practice policy, but a nationally agreed policy, which the practice follows and adheres to.