Drivers across the UK are being warned about a commonly overlooked road rule that could land them with penalty points and a hefty fine. Ignoring this regulation may result in three points on your licence and a £100 penalty.
What's the Offence?
The rule in question relates to proper lane discipline when approaching roadworks or temporary traffic controls. Many motorists fail to merge correctly when lanes narrow, instead pushing ahead and cutting in at the last moment.
Why It Matters
This behaviour, known as 'lane hogging' or 'late merging', isn't just inconsiderate - it's actually against the Highway Code. Rule 134 specifically states drivers should merge in turn when lanes reduce, rather than queuing in one lane until forced to switch.
The Consequences
Police officers have discretion to issue:
- 3 penalty points on your licence
- A £100 fixed penalty notice
- In severe cases, potential prosecution for careless driving
With 12 points leading to a driving ban, repeated offences could see motorists lose their licence.
Expert Advice
Motoring organisations recommend:
- Looking well ahead for lane closure signs
- Merging smoothly when safe to do so
- Allowing other vehicles to merge in turn
- Maintaining steady speeds through roadworks
With roadworks increasing across Britain's road network, drivers would do well to brush up on this often-ignored rule before facing unexpected penalties.
