Is it illegal to hog the middle lane on the motorway?

HOGGING the middle lane can be extremely frustrating for other drivers.

But as many as 50 per cent of us are guilty of the ultimate motoring sin. So is it actually illegal to hog the middle lane?

What is middle lane hogging?

Hogging the middle lane is when a driver stays in the middle lane for a longer time than they need to.

This includes driving in the central lane when there are no cars to overtake on the left.

For many it may come down to laziness so that they are less likely to need to change lanes.

It has also been attributed to the lack of experience.

However, since June 4, 2018, learner drivers have been able to have lessons on the motorway.

The law was changed to give inexperienced drivers the ability to get used to driving with multiple lanes.

Lessons enable instructors to teach learners about how to join and leave motorways, how to overtake and when to switch lanes.

The learner must be accompanied by a DVSA approved instructor and the car must have dual controls.

How long can you stay in the middle lane?

The middle lane has the same purpose as the outer lane – it’s for overtaking traffic.

You should stay in the left lane unless overtaking on a motorway.

During periods of heavy traffic drivers will need to use it.

Usually during these times, vehicles are driving at a similar speed to all lanes.

Plus it can be advisable to move to the central lane when there is traffic joining the motorway from a slip road to allow them access.

If you’ve overtaken a car in the left hand lane and are approaching a junction, it might be worth remaining in the middle lane until you’re past the slip road and it’s safe to move over.

If you spot a car on the hard shoulder, switching to the middle lane is allowed in order to give those people more space and to avoid hitting them.

Can you be fined for hogging the middle lane?

Yes, the police can fine you if they spot you hogging the middle lane.

Since 2013, they have the power to hand you a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

Despite this, only 50 per cent of Brits know that hogging the middle lane is illegal.

What should you do if you spot a middle lane hogger?

If you come across the dreaded middle lane hogger, don’t flash or beep them.

Just carefully overtake them on the right-hand side.

Although it can be complicated at times, it’s best to stick by the Highway Code.

Rule 268 of the Code states: “Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake.

“In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right.

“In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right.

“Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.”