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?

Hogging the middle lane can cause problems for other driversCredit: Alarmy

What is middle lane hogging?

Hogging the middle lane sounds exactly like what it is.

It's when a driver stays in the middle lane for a longer time than they need to.

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

There’s no clear reason why people hog the middle lane.

It could also be down to laziness since it’s easier to sit in the middle lane than to move in and out of lanes.

But many believe it's because practical motorway training isn’t part of the UK driving test.

How long can you stay in the middle lane?

The middle lane has a purpose: overtaking traffic in the middle and slow lanes.

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

Sometimes, the middle lane can be used during periods of heavy traffic or when you approach a slip road joining the morotrway,

Technically, in that second scenario, traffic joining the motorway has to give way to cars already on the motorway.

Everyone can see the trees but you have 20/20 vision if you can spot the three hazardous cars

It might still be wise to move into the middle lane to give cars room to join.

If you’ve overtaken a car in the inside 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 license.

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.