The law states that barbed wire should not be used on land adjoining a public highway (which includes public rights of way) where it may cause injury to people or livestock legally using the highway. However, there is no rule on the minimum distance of the barbed wire from the edge of the highway, and each situation must be judged for itself. Barbed wire on fences immediately adjacent to narrow footpaths or bridleways would be likely to be considered dangerous, whereas barbed wire at a few metres distance from the edge of the path would probably not.
- Under BS 5709:2006 there must be no barbed wire within 1m of a gap, gate or stile.
- Barbed wire must not be electrified, nor be included in any fence of which part is electrified.
- A top line of barbed wire can be a danger to deer.
