The Highway Code has clarified whether drivers are allowed to ‘undertake’ a vehicle in the middle or outside lanes of a motorway.

‘Lane hogging’ is illegal in the UK and is classified as a careless or inconsiderate driving offence under the Road Traffic Act, but in a new information update National Highways has outlined the two occasions when a driver is permitted to undertake another vehicle. reports Essex Live.

The update reads:

”Overtaking on the nearside (left) is legally acceptable if you are driving on a multi-lane carriageway in congested conditions, and the lane to the left is moving at a faster speed than lanes to the right. In these circumstances overtaking on the left is permissible although extra caution is needed for an awareness of other vehicles moving to the faster lane on the left.

“It is also permissible to overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right. Overtaking on the left in these circumstances although permissible is subject to road markings and signs that may suggest otherwise.”

However, the update has caused some confusion:

“A topic that is never ever clearly explained,” commented one driver. “If I am driving in the left-hand lane, and catching up with a solitary slower vehicle in the middle lane. I have not changed lanes, but gone past him since it is slower. Does that qualify as overtaking/undertaking, or not? Is this discouraged by the Highway Code? There is no traffic congestion, just a slower vehicle, and the HC completely fails to clarify what to do here.”

The RAC says the Highway Code advises drivers not to undertake – although it is not a punishable offence in itself. The motoring body said undertaking may be permissable if:

• During average speed checks
• It’s acceptable to undertake on motorways where average speed limits are in operation.
• Along these stretches of motorways overhead gantries will often advise vehicles to ‘stay in lane’. Therefore, it may be safer to pass a car travelling below the average speed limit on your right if your lane is moving faster. Again, this is safer than weaving in and out of the traffic.
• If a car is turning right or U-turning
• If a vehicle is in the right-hand land and turning right or performing a U-turn, it is permissible to undertake in the left-hand lane. Caution should be taken not to undertake too soon. It’s safer to wait until the vehicle has indicated and started to turn before passing it on the inside.

However, it warns that people can receive a fine and points. The RAC said:

“Some drivers may find it tempting to undertake, especially if they’re faced with a middle-lane hogger, but be aware that it can be dangerous and you can be fined for doing so. Undertaking recklessly could see you receive a fixed penalty notice (FPN) for careless driving or driving without due care and attention.”

(Picture: Highways News)