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Middle lane hogging is an age-old motoring frustration that shows no sign of going away yet.
It's a particular issue on UK roads, with a recent survey of National Highways reveals that one in three drivers surveyed admit to middle-lane hogging.
There is even a national campaign broadcasting radio, TV adverts and social media posts targeting lane hoggers and attempting to change their ways.
Here we take a closer look at middle lane hoggers, answering the questions: is it illegal, why do people do it and is it ever justified?
Firstly, what is “middle-lane hogging”?
When driving along a three-lane highway the highway code states:
“You should always drive in the right hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the right hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
Middle-lane hogging is when vehicles remain in the middle lane longer than necessary, even when there aren’t any vehicles in the inside lane to overtake.
Why is middle-lane hogging bad?
During busy periods, middle-lane hogging can cause congestion as traffic funnels through the outside lane to pass a lane hogger.
If the driver in the middle lane moved over, the same traffic could be split over two lanes, spreading the flow of traffic to prevent it bunching up in the other lanes.
Many also see staying in the middle lane as selfish, because if a person needs to pass the middle lane hogger, they may have to go into the left lane to pass. Which is a no no for trucks.
While aggressive driving and undertaking cannot be justified under any circumstances, middle lane hogging is said to be a primary cause of frustration among motorists, and the resulting actions some drivers take to get around lane hoggers causes danger to all road users.
Why do people middle-lane hog?
There’s no clear reason why people hog the middle lane.
It could be because practical highway training isn’t part of the driving test – meaning drivers haven’t been taught how to drive on the highway. This needs to be taught as does merging onto the interstate, passing an oversized load, and common courtesy to other drivers.
It could also be down to laziness – it’s easier to sit in the middle lane rather than move in and out of the right lane.
Some drivers will try to justify it by saying they don't want to end up getting caught behind a slow moving truck or car or even that the road surface is worse in the right lane.
Isn’t it safer sometimes to sit in the middle lane, instead of weaving in and out of traffic?
Changing lanes is one of the riskiest maneuvers carried out on highways, but it is a necessary skill.
It’s when you’re most likely to get slowed by, or hit by other vehicles – either by missing them in your blind spot, misjudging another car’s speed or moving into a space at the same time as another vehicle.
It might seem logical, then, to remain in one lane on the highway rather than ‘weaving’ between lanes when overtaking.
It’s true that drivers should avoid excessive weaving. But correct lane discipline is important to encourage the flow of traffic and reduce traffic congestion.
Use common sense – if you’ve overtaken a vehicle in the middle lane and you’re approaching another, you’d normally be right to remain in the middle lane. But move over as soon as it is clear to do so.
Speed is a factor, though: how long will it take for you to catch up with the next vehicle? And are there vehicles behind you waiting to get past? If so, move over and let traffic pass.
Excessive weaving should definitely be avoided during periods of heavy traffic.
Often, during times of congestion, it is best to stay in the right lane.
While it might be tempting to switch lanes if others seem to be moving quicker than you, doing so can cause extra congestion if other drivers have to brake to let you in.
If everyone stays in their lanes, congestion will usually ease quicker than if people keep trying to move into the fastest lane. It’s more relaxing for the driver, too.
Is middle-lane hogging ever justified?
We’ve mentioned that middle-lane hogging might be justified during periods of heavy traffic (although in these instances, the right lanes is usually full so it’s not really classed as lane hogging), but there are other times when it’s OK to sit in the middle lane.
One time is when approaching a busy on ramp on the highway.
Although technically traffic joining the highway has to give way to vehicles already on the highway, it might be wise to move into the middle lane to give cars room to join.
Similarly, if you are passed by a car in the right lane and are approaching a junction, in some circumstances it might be worth remaining in the middle lane until you’re past the on ramp and it’s safe to move over.
If you’re approaching a stranded vehicle on the shoulder, it might be worth moving into the middle lane in case any passengers step into the roadway, or the car pulls out suddenly.
Is middle-lane hogging illegal?
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.
Police officers have the power to hand out fines and points, meaning failing to keep right on the highway could hit you in the pocket.
What should you do if you see a middle-lane hogger?
Despite widespread publicity around the fines for careless driving since their introduction, middle-lane hoggers are still a common sight across the US.
While annoying, you should resist the urge to react because being overcome with road rage is more dangerous than lane hogging.
Avoid reacting because you may get more than you bargained for. Try to move to the left lane when safe to do so.
How can middle-lane hogging be stopped?
There are laws in place to stop middle lane hogging but police officers have so much more to deal with and generally let it slide.
Education, rather than punishment, is a more viable way of reducing the number of lane hoggers in the long term.
Highway lessons are not a part of learning to drive and they are not part of the driving test.
If student drivers were given practical lessons in lane discipline, this would help reduce the number of lane hoggers.