Little-known motoring law involving driveways could see Brits hit with £5k fines

15 February 2024 , 09:29

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A little know motoring law could land people with £5,000 fines (Image: Getty Images)

A UK motor law you may not know about that involves driveways could land Brits with hefty fines of £5,000.

Motoring experts have cautioned against the common act of using someone else's driveway which can lead to prosecution and a fine. Though it can be tempting to use the nearby driveway for a three-point turn, especially if there is a blockage on the road, it is prohibited.

Select Van Leasing has dubbed this as "trespassing", which could leave to being prosecuted either civilly or criminally, and hitting anything could result in a criminal damage charge. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "Those 'No Turning' signs you often see at the entrance to homes are there for a reason.

"Ignore them and you could find yourself being hauled before the courts, particularly if you're found to be a repeat offender. With the rise in popularity of doorbell cameras, your trespass is highly likely to be caught on camera, making it easier for a prosecution to be secured."

Causing serious damage while turning could earn you a £5,000 fine or even a community order, and in severe cases, prosecution could ensue. Select Van Leasing warns "No Turning" signs are often in place to safeguard the trespassers themselves.

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Graham warned: "We've seen cases where delivery drivers have tried to turn around in someone's driveway, only to find themselves stuck in large trenches dug for building work, and which the motorist has been oblivious to. My advice to all motorists, whether you're in a car or van, is to be considerate of homeowners and find another way to turn around, even if you need to make multiple manoeuvres in the road to get to where you need to be."

Generally, it's trespassing and seen as nuisance behaviour to turn your vehicle around in someone's driveway without permission. Police usually intervene after a homeowner has repeatedly tried in a peaceful manner to stop a driver from turning in their driveway. But, if caught by the police, there could be on-the-spot consequences.

Christine Younan