The motorway lane most likely to cause you trouble – it's not what you think

Experts have revealed the one motorway lane that is likely the most “dangerous” to use for a major reason. Motorists may believe the right-hand ‘fast’ lane is the most dangerous as this often comes with the highest fees.

However, specialists at Plates Express claim the “middle lane” is one of the most risky with the road open to “misuse” which can raise safety worries. Experts claim that there are concerns around middle-lane hogging which can have a range of serious consequences. They explain middle-lane hogging can disrupt traffic flow, force others into unnecessary overtakes, and often raises the risk of collisions.

According to Plates Express, they said: “The middle lane isn’t dangerous because of speed – it’s dangerous because of misuse. When drivers sit there unnecessarily, they create congestion, confusion, and in some cases, road rage. Misusing the middle lane is not just frustrating—it can also fall under careless driving.”

Despite the concerns, analysis shows that around one in three road users admit to middle-lane hogging, suggesting the issue is widespread. As well as frustrating, middle-lane hugging can also lead to serious penalties with experts at the RAC previously warning road users could be fined.

The RAC explained: “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. 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.”

Middle-lane hogging tends to increase road congestion as left lanes remain under-used while traffic builds up in the middle and right lanes. It’s also likely to lead to frustration and aggression, with drivers forced into overtakes often becoming impatient, raising tensions behind the wheel.

Meanwhile, experts have suggested the move could waste road users fuel tanks in a major blow to petrol and diesel owners. Stop–start driving and extra overtakes burn more fuel, increasing the running costs in a concern for cash-strapped road users.

Plates Express added: “Every unnecessary lane change increases risk. When a middle-lane hog forces multiple cars into overtakes, the collision potential rises sharply. The fast lane isn’t what gets most drivers into trouble—it’s the misuse of the middle. Keep left unless overtaking, respect lane discipline, and you’ll help traffic move more smoothly while reducing danger for everyone.”