FOR most drivers, middle-lane hogging is one of the most frustrating driving habits on the motorway.

       And as many as 50 per cent of us are guilty of the ultimate motoring sin. But is it illegal to middle lane hog?

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       Middle lane hogging is when drivers stay too long in the middle lane Credit: Credit: Matthew Chattle / Alamy Stock Photo What is middle lane hogging?

       Middle lane hogging happens when a driver stays in the middle lane on a motorway for longer than they need to.

       This includes driving in the middle lane when there are no cars to overtake on the left.

       There’s no clear reason why people hog the middle lane.

       However, many believe it's because practical motorway training isn’t part of the UK driving test.

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       It could also be down to laziness as it’s easier to sit in the middle lane than to move in and out of lanes.

       How long can I stay in the middle lane?

       The middle should be used for overtaking slower vehicles in the left lane.

       The Highway Code explains you should keep in the left lane unless overtaking on a motorway.

       Once you have overtaken in the middle lane, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.

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       However middle-lane driving might be justified during periods of heavy traffic.

       It can also be acceptable when approaching a slip road joining the motorway, although technically traffic joining the motorway has to give way to vehicles already on the motorway.

       It might still be wise to move into the middle lane to give cars room to join.

       If you’ve overtaken a car in the inside lane and are approaching a junction, in some circumstances it might be worth remaining in the middle lane until you’re past the slip road and it’s safe to move over.

       In the event you approach a stranded vehicle on the hard shoulder, it might be worth moving into the middle lane in case any passengers step into the carriageway, or the car pulls out suddenly.

       What are the fines for hogging the middle lane?

       Since 2013, police have had the power to hand out on-the-spot fines for drivers cruising along in the middle lane.

       If cops see you travelling in the middle lane when not overtaking another vehicle, they can hand you a ￡100 fine and three penalty points.

       It's important motorists are aware the offence could be considered "careless driving" - but just 50 per cent of Brits know it's illegal.

       What should I do if I see a middle lane hogger?

       If you encounter a middle lane hogger, resist the urge to flash or beep them.

       Then carefully overtake them on the right-hand side.

       Rule 268 of the Highway Code states: "Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake.

       "In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right.

       "In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right.

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       "Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake."