Drivers face £5,000 fine for breaking major Highway Code motorway rule as 'careless' driving impacts safety

More than a quarter of British drivers have admitted to breaking a major driving law due to frustration with motorway lane hoggers, new research has revealed.

A study by used car marketplace Cazoo found that 26 per cent of motorists have reacted illegally when faced with drivers who stay in the middle lane unnecessarily.

The most common response was undertaking, with 26 per cent admitting they had passed a lane hogger on the inside. Another 26 per cent said they had exceeded the speed limit to get around a slower vehicle occupying the middle lane.

Despite knowing their actions were against the law, many drivers still chose to take matters into their own hands. Two-thirds of those who admitted breaking the rules said they were fully aware they were committing an offence at the time.

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Under Rule 264 of the Highway Code, drivers must keep left unless overtaking. It is illegal and treated as careless driving, carrying, which carries a hefty fine and three penalty points.

The findings highlight growing frustration on Britain's roads, with 98 per cent of drivers saying they have witnessed lane hogging. Almost one in five motorists said they encounter it every time they travel on a motorway or other multi-lane road.

A quarter of drivers also admitted to sounding their horn at lane hoggers, while 13 per cent confessed to driving dangerously close behind them in an attempt to force them to move over.

The consequences of such behaviour can be severe. Undertaking can result in a careless driving charge, carrying fines of up to £5,000 and between three and nine penalty points on a driving licence. The research also found that lane hogging is contributing to dangerous situations on UK roads.

Six per cent of motorists said they had been involved in a collision caused by a lane hogger, while a further 16 per cent reported experiencing a near miss. Tailgating was found to trigger similar reactions from frustrated drivers.

Seven in 10 motorists admitted responding when another vehicle followed them too closely. A quarter said they deliberately slow down when being tailgated, while 14 per cent confessed to brake checking by suddenly applying their brakes.

The same proportion admitted to exceeding the speed limit to get away from a driver who was following too closely.

Drivers who brake check or speed in response to tailgating could face fines of up to £2,500, while aggressive use of horns or flashing lights may result in penalties of up to £1,000.

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In a surprising twist, the study found that one in four motorists admits they are lane hoggers themselves.

While 44 per cent claimed it was accidental, others offered more deliberate reasons for remaining in the middle lane.

Around 14 per cent said changing lanes requires too much effort, while the same number believed they do not need to move over if they are already travelling at the speed limit.

A further 12 per cent said they feel safer driving in the middle lane. Lane hogging itself can be treated as careless driving and remains one of the most unpopular behaviours among UK motorists. Nearly three-quarters of drivers said it leaves them feeling angry or frustrated.

Charlie Harvey, motoring expert at Cazoo, said: "Lane discipline is a crucial part of driving safely and responsibly. While it may feel intimidating to constantly change lanes on a busy motorway, which explains why some drivers stubbornly stick to the middle, causing obstacles for other road users is incredibly dangerous.

"One faulty link in the motorway chain causes chaos, delays, and potentially serious collisions."

Mr Harvey said modern technology, such as blind-spot cameras, automated lane-change assistance and adaptive cruise control, can help less confident drivers change lanes safely and avoid becoming motorway obstacles.

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