Drivers can be fined up to £100 for hogging the middle lane of a motorway. Lane hogging is an example of 'careless driving', according to the RAC.
The website explains: "Yes, it is an offence, although it comes under ‘careless driving’, along with tailgating, accidentally running a red light and even being distracted by eating or drinking. New laws introduced in 2013 give police officers the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points, meaning failing to keep left on the motorway could hit you in the pocket."
Earlier this week a picture of a BMW in the middle lane of a motorway sparked a debate between motorists. The picture, taken by Dave Harford, shows a car in the middle lane on the M5 seemingly completely alone, with no other vehicles anywhere to be seen.
Read more: BMW in middle lane of M5 at 5am sparks online row
Critics of the vehicle were quick to jump on the driver with one poster saying: "The lanes to the right are overtaking lanes. If you're not overtaking, you shouldn't be in it. The clue is in the name..."
Another critic added: "Middle Lane hoggers are just poor drivers with no confidence to change lanes confidently, shouldn’t be on the motorway." One person explained their frustration, adding: "As someone who drives a vehicle that can't go into lane three, I find middle lane hoggers really annoying.
"Especially when they then sit at 55-60 and won't pull over so you have to hang back since I can't undertake or undertake since both are illegal." There were some who defended the driver though, with one user posting: "This is not an example of hogging as there are no other vehicles wanting/needing to occupy that lane."
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