One expert warned that as well as of any fines and points on your licence you could face, driving in this manner ‘disrupts the flow of motorway traffic’ and causes ‘potentially dangerous overtaking’
Motorists across the UK are being warned that an everyday driving habit could slap them with a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
Experts have reminded drivers that hogging the middle lane — remaining in the central lane of a motorway without overtaking — breaks a crucial rule in the Highway Code. Despite how common the occurrence may be, Rule 264 of the Code explicitly states drivers must keep to the left-hand lane unless they are overtaking.
“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear,” it reads. “If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
The Highway Code adds: “Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers, and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles”.
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Despite these clear guidelines, middle lane hogging remains a widespread issue on British motorways. Many drivers either forget or ignore the rule, with some mistakenly believing that staying in the middle lane is harmless.
However, experts warn that this behaviour can have real consequences. A spokesperson for car repair experts Bumper explained: “Not only can it earn you a £100 fine and three penalty points, but it also disrupts the natural flow of motorway traffic, causing frustration and potentially dangerous overtaking.” They added that staying in the left-hand lane when not overtaking is a ‘simple rule that makes a big difference to everyone’s journey’.
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Director of camper van conversion company Wessex Vans, Damian Maginn, also warned lingering too long in the middle lane can lead to legal complications. He said: “A law introduced in 2013 means that hogging the middle lane is now considered careless driving and can even land you in trouble with the police… While the middle lane exists for overtaking slower vehicles, it’s not meant to be a permanent residence, and people should get back to the left-hand side when they’re no longer overtaking.”
The issue is particularly relevant as more drivers take to the roads during the scorching summer months for holidays and long trips. As middle lane hogging is classified as an offence, police have the authority to issue on-the-spot penalties. In more serious cases, offenders can be taken to court, where higher fines and more penalty points may be imposed.
Police forces across the country have increased efforts to tackle inconsiderate driving on motorways, including tailgating, undertaking and the misuse of lanes. Careless driving is defined as when ‘driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver and includes driving without reasonable consideration for other road users’. Examples of careless or inconsiderate driving include overtaking on the inside, driving too close to another vehicle, running a red light by mistake, turning into the path of another vehicle and misusing lanes to gain an advantage over other road users.
Experts also highlight that middle lane hogging can increase the risk of accidents by forcing other drivers to weave between lanes more frequently, which can lead to dangerous situations and road rage incidents, especially during busier periods. To avoid heated situations and being issued a fine, drivers are advised to use the left-hand lane unless overtaking and to return to it as soon as it is safe.
As the expert from Bumper advised: “After overtaking, move back into the left lane when it’s safe to do so, stay alert and considerate of other drivers, especially on long journeys.” Ultimately, adhering to proper lane discipline not only helps drivers avoid fines and penalty points, but also contributes to a safer and more efficient driving environment for everyone on the motorway.
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