Quarter of drivers admit flouting hogging rules

By Jennifer Collins 19/06/2026 2 min read 12 views

A quarter of UK drivers have broken the law because of middle-lane hogging, with many resorting to risky or aggressive actions behind the wheel.

A survey by used car marketplace Cazoo revealed that 26% of motorists had illegally passed a vehicle lingering in the middle lane. The same number admitted to exceeding the speed limit to overtake such drivers. Nearly all respondents—98%—said they had seen the practice, with 17% encountering it frequently.

Frustration over lane discipline has led some drivers to extreme behavior. A quarter reported honking at middle-lane hoggers, while 13% admitted to tailgating them. More concerning, 16% said their anger nearly caused a crash, and 6% confirmed an accident resulted from their reaction.

Among those who broke the law, 63% knew their actions could be illegal. Undertaking, for instance, may be considered careless driving, with penalties reaching £5,000 and 3-9 points on a license. Speeding and brake-checking carry fines up to £2,500, while aggressive flashing or honking could result in a £1,000 penalty.

Lane-hogging isn’t the only habit irritating drivers. The survey ranked other common annoyances, with 92% frustrated by drivers failing to signal. Tailgating followed at 89%, and dazzling headlights came third at 88%.

Charlie Harvey, a motoring expert at Cazoo, stated that lane discipline plays a key role in road safety. He noted that some drivers avoid changing lanes due to anxiety but emphasized that staying in the middle lane creates hazards. “One faulty link in the motorway chain leads to chaos, delays, and potentially serious collisions,” he said.

Harvey pointed out that modern vehicles could help ease the problem. Many newer models include driver-assistance features that make lane changes easier and reduce blind-spot concerns. “If motorway driving or blind spots make you nervous, switching to a car with the right technology can improve safety and confidence,” he added.

The Highway Code states drivers should keep left unless overtaking. Middle-lane hogging slows traffic, worsens congestion, and forces others into dangerous maneuvers. Yet enforcement remains uneven, leaving many drivers to act on their own—sometimes with serious outcomes.

In 2023, UK police issued over 10,000 fixed penalty notices for careless driving, though the exact number linked to lane discipline wasn’t specified. The Department for Transport has previously acknowledged that the issue causes unnecessary delays, but awareness campaigns have produced inconsistent results.

Some drivers dismiss the problem. “People overreact,” said one forum user. “If the left lane is open, just go around.” Others argue the issue is worse in areas with heavy lorry traffic, where drivers often use the middle lane to maintain speed on hills.

The survey’s results show many motorists are willing to break the law to express frustration. With penalties ranging from fines to license points, the risks of such reactions can be high.

The solution may require better enforcement, education, and technology. For now, the middle lane remains a source of conflict.