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First and foremost: Greenlanes are NOT a 4x4 Play Site!. They are there to be driven carefully and with consideration. If you want to play about, up to your doors in mud, getting stuck and making loads of noise, then go to your nearest offroad course on one of their pay & play days. These are well worth the small charge because you also know you're allowed to drive there and get as muddy as you like! No need to check definitive maps or plan a day's worth of driving. Green laning is meant to be pleasant and relaxing, not thrill a minute drive.

* Only drive green lanes with known vehicle rights - after studying your OS map, check the definitive map at the local County Council. You must always check a lane's status. Even if it has tyre tracks down it, this could be a landowner or farmer's right of access and does not make it any more legal for you to drive. If a lane has any T.R.O.'s or V.R.O's then obey them.
* Avoid the use of over aggressive tyres. If you are using a lane that requires such then you shouldn't be there. Deep tractor treads may get you through but destroy it for others. Correct use of winches can be acceptable if no damage is caused. But even then if it is that bad you probably shouldn't be there.
* Avoid badly rutted tracks or lanes that risk being damaged beyond a point of natural recovery. You'll only make them worse and provide ammunition for those who would like to see 4x4's banned. If in doubt, don't drive it.
*Don't drive the same lane(s) week in, week out. Much of the lanes that are badly damaged are so because of over use.
* If the lane will not be usable by all other users after you've driven it, again don't drive it. Even if you can get your vehicle down there does not mean it is okay to drive it - think about other users. Could these get peacefully through large, water filled ruts your vehicle could cause on a lane?
* Drive slowly (max 12-15mph). This is to prevent damage to both the ground and to you and your vehicle - on off road terrain, things can get out of hand very quickly. Travel "as slow as possible, but as fast as necessary."
* Travel in groups of four or five vehicles or less. Pull over and stop if you encounter walkers or horses (and switch off your engine for the latter).
* Avoid confrontation with other greenlane users. Treat other users with respect, even if they do not extend the same courtesy to you. Although you have as much right to be there as they do, remember that you are in a much-maligned minority and impressions count! Don't argue the point but explain politely that you are legally allowed to be there. "Greet everyone you meet with a smile. There is nothing that stumps an aggressive person more than pleasantries in the face of abuse."
* Don't damage trees or hedgerows, except for cutting back overhanging branches
* Take a mobile phone. CB's are useful for local and inter-group communications but trying to raise any form of assistance on the CB is usually not much better than useless.
* Don't travel alone - you might get stranded. If you do drive lanes as a lone vehicle then drive the easy ones that you know. Be prepared. Ensure your vehicle is in good order. A spare fan belt and a gallon of water is most useful if you need them when stranded miles from the nearest road. Better still - drive accompanied.
* Open gates should be left open - and closed ones shut after you've gone through.
* Take your litter home - helping to clear other rubbish from lanes always goes down well with other users.
* Supervise dogs and children at all times, especially when you're near livestock.
* Avoid waterways unless you're certain there is a public right of way.

Driving tips.

* Keep your thumbs on top of the steering wheel, to prevent a sprained or broken thumb if the wheel suddenly snaps.
* Lower the tyre pressure to where you see a bulge in your tire to give you better traction and provide for a smoother ride
* Avoid riding the brakes and clutch, which can lead to break failure.
*Negotiating terrain :-

+ Travel straight up or down a hill or grade.
+ Cross obstacles at an angle, one wheel at a time.
+ Don't straddle large rocks.
+ Avoid mud if you can while remaining on the road or trail.
+ Turn into ravines or large depressions at about a 45-degree angle.
+ Straddle ruts, even if they are wider than your vehicle. This will keep your vehicle level.
+ Cross streams slowly, at a 90-degree angle to the stream.
+ Take recovery gear in case you get stuck. Only use winches when unavoidable. Take care not to damage trees or fences. Always use protective straps on trees or other objects.

Standard Recovery Gear.

* Good quality tow rope or strap
* A few shackles for ease of attaching rope or strap
* Spade to help dig out grounded vehicles
* Good first Aid kit just in case

Winches.

* For small vehicles, a 6,000 lb. rated winch is generally adequate
* For larger vehicles, an 8,000 or 9,000 lb. rated winch is recommended.