The right-hand lane of the motorway, frequently and incorrectly referred to as 'the fast lane', is designated solely for overtaking slower-moving vehicles in the lanes to your left. The Highway Code states that drivers should keep to the left lane unless overtaking. It further advises that you should return to the left lane once it is safe to do so, while remaining alert for emergency services and other vehicles that have pulled over on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area.
Should you be travelling in the left lane, and conditions permit, you ought to move into the next lane to create additional space between your vehicle and any people or stationary vehicles in this situation.
Summer Road Trips and Trailer Towing
With many of us mapping out road trips this summer, it is vital that drivers are aware that towing a trailer — a particularly common occurrence during the warmer months — strictly prohibits travel in the right-hand lane. Those caught flouting this rule face a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points on their licence.
Vehicles Banned from the Right-Hand Lane
This ruling applies when travelling on a motorway with three or more lanes open to traffic heading in the same direction. Beyond those towing trailers, several other categories of vehicle are also banned from using the right-hand lane on a motorway.
Full List of Banned Vehicles
- A goods vehicle having a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
- A goods vehicle having a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
- A passenger vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, the maximum laden weight of which exceeds 7.5 tonnes.
- A passenger vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, the maximum laden weight of which does not exceed 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
- A vehicle towing a trailer.
- A vehicle which is a motor tractor, a light locomotive or a heavy locomotive.
Exceptions to the Rule
- When it is necessary for the vehicle to be driven to enable it to pass another vehicle which is carrying or drawing a load of exceptional width.
- For a vehicle to change lane during a period when it would not be reasonably practicable for it to do so without involving danger of injury to any person or inconvenience to other traffic.
Safe Overtaking Guidelines
The Highway Code also states drivers must not overtake unless it is safe and legal to do so, and that they should only overtake on the right. You should:
- Check your mirrors.
- Take time to judge the speeds correctly.
- Make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind.
- Take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror.
- Remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully. Look out for motorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out.
- Ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken.
- Be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.
