We’ve all been there, driving on a busy stretch of motorway only to find someone stubbornly sitting in the middle lane, seemingly oblivious to everyone around them! For us in the UK, it’s all too common!
While some drivers mistakenly believe the middle lane is the safest spot to be, it can actually cause congestion and force unnecessary overtaking. Worse still, persistent middle lane hogging can actually land you with a fine and penalty points!
Sometimes we don’t even know we’re middle lane hogging, and there’s no denying that we’ve all done it in our new cars at some point!
In this blog, we’ll explain what middle lane hogging is, why it’s a problem, and how to avoid falling into the habit yourself. We discuss:
Middle lane hogging is when a driver remains in the middle lane of a motorway when the left lane is clear.
While this may seem innocuous, it can cause a lot of trouble and pain for other drivers, forcing them to overtake using the outside lane when they shouldn’t need to. It’s also infuriating and is one of the main causes of road rage!
In short, yes. Middle lane hogging is dangerous. While the person hogging is safe, drivers behind have to act to get around their car.
If they want to overtake and are in the near lane, they’ll have to go from lane one to three, then back to lane one again! As you can expect, this poses genuine safety risks, including:
- Unnecessary overtaking - When a driver plods along in the middle lane, it forces other drivers to overtake in the outside lane. This creates congestion in the near and middle lanes and increases the chance of accidents, especially when traffic is heavy. It may also lead to undertaking, which, while it's not illegal, may take a lot of drivers by surprise (which nobody wants).
- Disrupts traffic flow - This goes hand in hand with unnecessary overtaking. If someone is hogging the middle lane and driving slowly, those in the near lane get stuck. To avoid this, they’ll need to slow down and go all the way over to the right lane, which disrupts flow.
- Increases accident risk - What does unnecessary overtaking and poor traffic flow lead to? You’ve guessed it, increased accident risk. Add on top people in a rush or a bit of road rage, and you could claim it’s a recipe for disaster.
The Highway Code is pretty clear about lane discipline when driving on motorways. Rule 264 states:
“Keep in the left lane unless overtaking. If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.”
If you are middle lane hogging (and not overtaking), you are in clear breach of this rule.
So, why do people still hog the middle lane?
The main reason is pure convenience. Driving in the middle lane is easier as you don’t have to change lanes as much, and therefore, you can cruise along at a speed of your liking.
People may also hog the middle lane because they’re not sure what else to do. In the UK, motorway driving isn’t part of our driving test therefore drivers may be unaware of the rules!
Middle lane hogging has been classified as a ‘careless driving offence’ under law since 2013.
If deemed to be middle lane hogging, you could find yourself looking at a fixed penalty notice (up to £100), three points on your license, or educational training.
Middle lane hogging also increases the risk of an accident occurring, which nobody wants.
Avoiding middle lane hogging starts with understanding good motorway driving habits, but as this is 2025, technology can also play a key role.
Best practices for motorway driving:
- Stay in the left lane - Always abide by the Highway Code and return to the left lane once you’ve done overtaking. The left lane is the standard lane you should be using.
- Use mirrors regularly - When you’re on the motorway, mirror use is essential. Ensure you check your mirrors frequently to spot gaps in the traffic, which will reduce the temptation to stay in the middle lane.
- Stay alert for road signs - Motorway signs often indicate when to merge, split, or when slower moving traffic is present, so keep an eye out for them. Even better if your car has road sign recognition, which will display the sign on your dashboard.
- Be patient - Patience can get you a long way when behind the wheel (literally). If you encounter a middle lane hogger, resist the urge to tailgate or undertake. Everyone understands it can be frustrating, but stay calm and wait for a safe opportunity to pass them correctly.
Pretty much all instances of middle lane hogging can be traced back to the driver. If you’re struggling with the above (or you’re an anxious driver), technology is here to help.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to improve lane discipline and motorway driving. Some of these can be used to reduce middle lane hogging:
- Adaptive cruise control - Adaptive cruise control is THE assistance tech for those who do a lot of motorway driving. It maintains a steady speed that you set and matches the speed of the car in front. Turn it on when driving in the left lane, and you can cruise along (and keep up with other cars) without a care in the world.
- Lane-keeping assist - This gently steers your car back into the correct lane if you start to drift, helping to maintain your position on the road.
- Road sign recognition - If you’re not great at picking up road signs, RSR displays the sign on your dashboard. This is handy on the motorway for making you aware of merger and exit signs, which goes a long way in preventing middle lane hogging.
If you’re interested in leasing a vehicle equipped with these advanced safety features, check out our range of new car leasing deals and prestige cars that offer the latest ADAS technology.
Although this article may make it sound like middle lane hogging is a serious criminal offence, there are a few instances where you simply cannot avoid using the middle lane.
The first reason is changing lanes. Overtaking is a risky move when driving, but it’s a necessary skill. If everyone is using the motorway correctly, you’ll need to use the middle lane to overtake. Just make sure you don’t dawdle.
But isn’t it easier to remain in the middle lane? It may seem logical to stay in the middle lane to avoid the faff of changing lanes, but lane discipline is important to encourage traffic flow. Just apply some common sense. If there are a lot of cars in the near lane you want to overtake, use the middle lane until the lane has cleared.
What other situations can I drive in the middle lane?
- During heavy traffic - In congested areas, all lanes are occupied to maintain traffic flow.
- In preparation for an exit - If your motorway exit is approaching, using the middle lane is appropriate to ensure you can leave the motorway safely.
- Vehicle on the hard shoulder - If you’re approaching a car on the hard shoulder, it’s worth moving into the middle lane in case the car pulls out, or any passengers step onto the road.
Middle lane hogging may seem harmless, but it’s a driving habit that can cause congestion, frustration, and even accidents.
By following simple rules, such as returning to the left lane when safe, you can improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of dangerous situations.
Technology is also playing a role in tackling middle lane hogging. Modern features like lane-keeping assist and advanced cruise control can help provide better lane discipline, giving us an extra layer of awareness.
If you’re considering an upgrade to a vehicle with the latest advanced features, take a look at our latest prestige leasing deals.
We are one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, call us at 0345 811 9595.
