Drivers could be fined £300 for breaking motorway right lane rule

Some motorists could also be given penalty points

14:19, 07 Jul 2026Updated 14:51, 07 Jul 2026

Here's what UK drivers need to know(Image: BrianAJackson via Getty Images)

The right-hand lane of the motorway, commonly, though incorrectly, dubbed 'the fast lane', is designated solely for overtaking vehicles travelling more slowly in the lanes to your left.

According to The Highway Code, drivers should keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking, before safely returning to it once the manoeuvre is complete. Motorists are also urged to remain alert for emergency services and stationary vehicles pulled over on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. Should you find yourself in the left lane, and conditions permit, you are advised to move into the adjacent lane to allow greater space between yourself and any people or stopped vehicles in such a situation.

With countless drivers gearing up for summer road trips, it is crucial to note that towing a trailer - a particularly common occurrence during the warmer months - strictly prohibits use of the right-hand lane.

Those found flouting this rule face a fine of up to GBP300, along with three penalty points on their licence.

Beyond those towing trailers, several other categories of vehicle are also barred from using the right-hand lane on the motorway. This rule comes into effect when travelling on a motorway comprising three or more lanes open to traffic heading in the same direction.

Full list of vehicles prohibited from using the right (offside) motorway lane

• a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight over 7.5 tonnes.
• a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight over 3.5 tonnes but under 7.5 tonnes, which must be equipped with a speed limiter.
• a passenger vehicle designed or modified to accommodate more than eight seated passengers besides the driver with a maximum laden weight over 7.5 tonnes.
• a passenger vehicle designed or modified to accommodate more than eight seated passengers besides the driver with a maximum laden weight under 7.5 tonnes, which must be equipped with a speed limiter.
• a vehicle pulling a trailer.
• a vehicle classified as a motor tractor, light locomotive or heavy locomotive.

There are exemptions to this regulation, including:

• when the vehicle needs to be driven in that lane to overtake another vehicle transporting or towing a load of exceptional width.
• when a vehicle must change lanes during circumstances where it wouldn't be reasonably practical to do so without risking injury to anyone or causing disruption to other road users.

The Highway Code further specifies that motorists must not overtake unless it's safe and lawful to do so, and that overtaking should only occur on the right.

Drivers should:

• "check your mirrors
• take time to judge the speeds correctly
• make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
• take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
• remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully.

  Look out for motorcyclists.

  When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out

• ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
• be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance."