Why hogging the middle lane of motorways is dangerous
Published 2 June 2025
Last updated 4 June 2025
In this blog we explain why you should avoid driving in the middle lane of a motorway unless you’re overtaking.
Picture, if you will, a busy motorway with three lanes and a hard shoulder. Now imagine yourself driving in the left lane until you see a car move into the middle lane – initially to overtake a vehicle in front – then fail to move back into your lane. Instead, the driver just sits there, cruising contentedly for mile after mile.
What happens when drivers hog the middle lane
So, what’s the problem? Most motorways have at least three lanes and if they’re open then they’re available to use, right? The problem is that sitting in the middle lane causes congestion and creates potentially dangerous situations for other road users. For example, drivers from the left lane who plan to overtake slower vehicles ahead, may find themselves ‘stuck’ – particularly if the car in the middle lane is travelling at a similar speed to the vehicles in the left lane. They may also decide to move to the right lane, to avoid the risk of undertaking. Similarly, drivers in the right lane who want to move back across to the left lane can find their progress blocked. Then there’s the risk that long tails of traffic build up behind a vehicle blocking the middle lane or that drivers of other vehicles take risky decisions as they change lanes on either side.
The hog of the matter
It’s fair to say that, often, it’s bad driving rather than ‘bad’ drivers that are to blame for these problems. In many cases it may be simple ignorance of the rules or inattention to the road signs that display ‘don’t hog the middle lane’ messages. However, The Highway Code is very clear about how to approach the middle lane. Rule 264 states that you should ‘keep in the left lane unless overtaking.’ The Highway Code also says: ‘If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.’
So, there you have it. The middle and right lanes of a motorway are for overtaking only, not for setting cruise control and staying put until your junction rolls into view.
One fine day
While we’re discussing this, it’s worth noting that staying out of the middle lane will also keep you on the right side of the law. If the police spot you’re trundling along with no intention to switch back to the left lane, they have the power to hand out an on the spot fine of £100 and three penalty points. Nobody wants that and it’s easily avoided; all that’s required is a bit of awareness of the rules and a commitment to driving safely.
Where to find out more
For more information about the rules of the road – including driving on motorways – head over to the Safe Driving for Life shop and pick up a copy of The Official Highway Code.