Drivers who hog the middle lane on motorways are increasingly being targeted by police, with many offenders unaware they are breaking the law. The offence, which involves remaining in the middle lane when the inside lane is clear, can result in fines and penalty points for careless driving.
Widespread Confusion Over Motorway Rules
Research indicates that approximately 25% of British motorists do not understand the rules regarding middle-lane driving or realise that staying in the central lane unnecessarily is an offence. This behaviour forces other drivers to overtake on the outside lane or, in some cases, dangerously undertake, increasing the risk of collisions.
Police forces across the country have been sharing examples on social media of drivers being pulled over for lane hogging. In many instances, offenders are issued fines and penalty points, with the offence classified as careless driving.
Risks of Undertaking
However, experts warn that drivers who undertake to pass lane hoggers also face legal consequences. According to motoring experts at Cazoo, over a quarter (26%) of drivers admit to illegally undertaking lane hoggers, while the same proportion confess to speeding to get around them.
A Cazoo spokesperson said: "Over a quarter (26%) admit to illegally undertaking lane hoggers, while the same proportion (26%) admits to driving above the speed limit to get around them. The scourge of lane hoggers is serious, with their actions having the potential to cause accidents."
Public Frustration and Legal Penalties
Lane hogging is the highway offence that UK motorists tolerate least, according to the research. The Cazoo spokesperson added: "Lane hogging is the highway offence UK motorists tolerate least: 93% regularly encounter it, and 72% say it sparks anger or frustration. Rage-fuelled retaliation carries the potential for significant legal and financial fallout."
Undertaking to escape a lane hogger can lead to a charge of careless driving, with fines of up to £5,000 and three to nine penalty points on a driving licence. Motorists are advised to remain patient and follow the rules to avoid both causing congestion and facing penalties themselves.
