Locomotives and Highways Act

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The Locomotives and Highways Act was an infamous motor vehicle law enacted by the United Kingdom on July 5, 1865. Commonly known as the red flag act, it required at least three people to operate any "locomotive" on public roads including one walking 55 m (180 ft) in front with a red flag or lantern. Additionally, the act limited speeds to 4 mph (6.4 km/h) in open areas and 2 mph (3.2 km/h) in towns.

In 1878, the Act was revised to allow the flagger to walk just 18 m (60 ft) in front of the vehicle, but it was widely ignored as automobiles became more popular.

The Act was repealed in 1896, replaced by a 14 mph (23 km/h) speed limit. In celebration, 30 motorists drove from London to Brighton on November 14. This trip became the "Old Crocks Race", an official event of the Royal Automobile Club, and would later be known as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

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