There are quite a few reasons why you can be penalised, while driving on the motorway. Of course some of the most common offences that people are caught doing are speeding, and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
Believe it or not, there are still some lesser know motorway offences out there, which if you’re not careful could land you in some trouble; with either some penalty points or a hefty fine.
Note that some of these offences are not so strictly enforced as others, but you could still end up getting penalised, or even risk a far harsher punishment by committing them. So, let’s take a look at some…
Middle Lane Hogging
Essentially if you keep sticking to the central lane on the motorway instead of remaining in the left hand lane, then you’ll be guilty of this offence.
According to the Highway Code: “You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear… If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
So, if you consistently hog the middle lane and don’t return to the left hand lane when you need to, you could risk getting slapped with a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence.
Tailgating
This can be quite a dangerous habit for many motorists on the roads. If you end up following the car in front of you too closely, then this will certainly increase the risk of a collision occurring; this is classed as tailgating.
Much like taking up the middle lane too long, getting caught tailgating can cause you to incur a £100 fine and three penalty points. In more serious circumstances, committing this offence can actually result in you getting a ban from driving, and could even see you handed a prison sentence.
Warning Other Drivers of Speed Traps
If you decide to flash your lights, in order to warn other motorway motorists of a speeding trap set up by the police, you may simply think that you’re doing a good deed for your fellow road users. However, by doing this you’ll be running the risk of incurring a huge £1,000 fine if you’re caught.
The Highway Code does state that motorists should: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there… Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”
Essentially this offence counts as obstructing a police officer, so it’s no surprise that there’s a harsh penalty.
Stopping or Driving On The Hard Shoulder
When stop unnecessarily on the hard shoulder, for example when you haven’t broken down, then you’ll likely land yourself a fine of £50.
Similarly, if you decide to drive on the hard shoulder and you’re caught doing so, then the penalty doubles to a £100 fine.
There are certain circumstances when driving on the hard shoulder will be permitted. Such as on certain smart motorways, as long as it is marked on the board and not showing a red X.
