Motorists who cruise in the middle lane of a motorway when the left lane is clear could be breaking the law and risk an unlimited fine, according to experts.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, said a widespread belief among UK drivers is that lane one is essentially the lorry lane and that lane two is where most drivers should stay for the majority of their journey.
Highway Code guidance
Walker said: "One of the biggest misconceptions among British drivers is that lane one on a motorway is essentially 'the lorry lane', and that lane two is where most drivers should stay for the majority of their journey."
He added: "This is simply not the case, but it is a belief that has become so widespread that it has almost become motorway folklore."
The Highway Code sets out the rules in Rule 264, which states: "Keep in the left lane unless overtaking." The instruction also says drivers who move into another lane to overtake should move back into the left lane "when it is safe to do so".
Penalties and habits
The official guidance also suggests one other scenario where drivers may move out from the left lane briefly, noting: "Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area." It adds: "If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles."
Walker warned of severe consequences for those who linger in the middle lane. He said: "So if you are cruising along in the middle lane when the left lane is clear, you could actually be breaking the law without realising it. This is more than just bad lane discipline."
He added: "Failing to keep left when appropriate can be classed as careless or inconsiderate driving, which can result in an unlimited fine, a discretionary driving disqualification and three to nine penalty points on your licence."
Walker said there is a danger that people unthinkingly follow what they see other drivers doing. He said: "It is a particularly good example of how driving habits can be passed down from one generation to the next."
He added: "If drivers have grown up seeing parents, friends and other motorists routinely sitting in the middle lane, they can easily assume that is the correct way to drive."
Walker reminded motorists of how they should treat the different lanes, saying: "In reality, the left lane is the normal driving lane. The other lanes are there primarily for overtaking."
