Drivers risk £100 fine for little-known motorway lane rule

Motorists could be slapped with a £100 fine and penalty points on their driving licence for making a simple mistake when travelling this summer. Back in 2013, a new crackdown first classified middle-lane hogging as "careless driving" meaning road users could be penalised for cruising in the wrong lane.

Middle-lane hogging is when road users are simply travelling in the centre lane when they are not overtaking another vehicle. Once a motorist has passed a car, road users should return to the left lane, keeping routes free for faster cars to get past. According to experts at car insurance specialists Bumper, middle-lane hogging is against the Highway Code and can have "real consequences" which could put people at risk.

A spokesperson for the car repair experts stressed that these trends "disrupt the natural flow," and penalties arelikely to follow.

Bumper said: "Middle lane hogging might seem harmless to some, but it can have real consequences.

"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.

"Staying in the left-hand lane when not overtaking is a simple rule that makes a big difference to everyone's journey.

"With more drivers heading out for summer road trips, it's vital to brush up on motorway etiquette to avoid unnecessary penalties that could impact your insurance premiums."

The introduction of fixed penalties for careless driving offences such as tailgating and middle-lane hogging was introduced to free individuals from "resource-intensive court processes."

When the rule was announced, officials stressed that the "most serious examples will continue to go through court".

However, a poll from National Highways suggested road users were not following the rule, with many still admitting to sitting in the wrong lanes while travelling.

A dramatic 32% of respondents said they drive in the middle lane at least "occasionally".

Meanwhile, 5% of those who took part in the survey admitted they were "always" using it.

Motoring experts at the RAC have urged other road users to never overly react to middle-lane hoggers even if they are getting frustrated behind the wheel.

The RAC explained: "Despite widespread publicity around the fines for careless driving since their introduction in 2013, middle-lane hoggers are still a common sight on UK motorways.

"While annoying, you should resist the urge to react because being overcome with road rage is more dangerous than lane hogging. Avoid undertaking as it is an offence in itself: try to move to the outer lane when safe to overtake."