Police have made clear that overtaking a middle lane hogger on the left, known as undertaking, can lead to prosecution for careless driving, carrying a £100 fixed penalty and three points on a driver's licence. The warning comes as many motorists feel justified in passing lane-hoggers on the left, but the Highway Code explicitly prohibits the manoeuvre except in limited circumstances.
Highway Code rule against undertaking
Rule 268 of the Highway Code states: "Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake." The rule applies even when a driver in the middle or outside lane is obstructing traffic, a situation many find frustrating.
There are two specific exceptions: if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the queue on the right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left, but without weaving in and out of lanes. You may also overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right.
Police view and penalties
The Ask The Police website, an official police resource, states: "Overtaking on the left is lawful if done in accordance with the above guidance." It adds: "Whilst there is no specific offence of overtaking on the left, if a driver undertook another vehicle, other than in the circumstances described above, eg in the case of someone hogging lane two on a motorway, they may be prosecuted for careless driving."
The fixed penalty for careless driving is £100 with three points. Where the offence is deemed serious, the matter may be referred to courts, where offenders could face harsher penalties. Drivers do not need to be caught in the act by police; footage from a dashcam can be submitted to Operation Snap, a police initiative across numerous UK forces that allows the public to report driving offences with digital evidence.
Why overtaking on the left is dangerous
Police highlight the main reason: "Other drivers may not see you and suddenly move back to the left." They advise: "Always take extreme care when overtaking on the left."
TikTok account Big Jobber, which provides guidance on motoring regulations, says: "There is a very good reason why this is a 'two wrongs don't make a right' situation. How often do you see a middle lane hogger moving dangerously from the middle lane to the slip road without checking that it's clear and safe to do so?" The account notes that in the UK, right-hand side safety checks are emphasised more than left-hand side checks, because the default driving position is to the left, so vehicles are expected to return to the left. Passing on the left is therefore a hazard and will be prosecuted as an offence if executed outside the few parameters the Highway Code allows.
The account adds: "Two wrongs don't make a right. Passing on the left creates a hazard, it increases the risk of a collision and can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal."
