Green Laning - The popular driving activity that could lead to a £1,000 fine

With summer on its way, the interest in green laning is continuing to grow across the UK, as shown by a 22% increase in Google searches for green laning in the past month. Below, we reveal key details on green laning, and what drivers should consider to avoid being lumped with hefty fines.

What is green laning?

Green laning involves driving along often unsurfaced roads or paths. Green Lanes are legally classified as roads and usually pass through remote countryside, offering a unique way to explore the lesser seen parts of the UK that may not be possible in a regular car.

Green lanes are commonly shared by pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and drivers. Due to their often-difficult terrain and winding nature, they usually require a 4×4 vehicle to navigate them.

How can green laning lead to fines?

Green laning is legal as long as your vehicle is road legal, taxed, and holds a valid MOT.

As green lanes are classified as roads, your vehicle does not need any specialist insurance to drive on them, unless your policy specifically excludes driving on green lanes.

However, green lanes are not to be confused with footpaths or bridleways, which motorists are not permitted to drive on.

In fact, according to rule 145 of the Highway Code, driving on or over a pavement, footpath, or bridleway is prohibited - except for gaining lawful access to property or in the case of emergencies.

If you do drive along a footpath or bridleway, you could be fined £503. And, if you are caught driving or riding on any road, including green lanes, with a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) prohibiting motor traffic from using it, you could be fined up to £1,000. Signs will usually be in place to detail TROs, so it’s important to abide by them.

What rules should you follow for responsible green laning?

• Always check the legal status of a route before setting off and abide by any signs.
• Ensure your insurance policy doesn’t specifically exclude green lane cover.
• Never drive on footpaths or bridleways.
• Ensure your car is road-legal, taxed, and insured.
• Avoid green lanes in poor weather.
• Be courteous to other users including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

“Green laning is a great way to explore the great outdoors, especially with summer and warmer weather on its way, but green laning must be done legally and responsibly, or else you could risk being fined.” Explains our Operations Director, Rich Morley.

“You should also consider breakdown cover. At Lancaster, we exclusively partner with the RAC, who are happy to assist any breakdowns on green lanes, so long as they can lawfully gain access to the vehicle. Other providers may require you to tow your vehicle to a main road, which can add to an already frustrating situation.”

“If you follow the correct rules and regulations, green laning can be a fun activity for many enthusiasts across the UK.”

Lancaster is proud to be an official insurance partner of the Green Lane Association. For more information on adding green lane cover to your 4x4 policy, please visit: 4x4 Insurance