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Difficulty: MediumLane Discipline

On a three-lane motorway, a driver travelling at the national speed limit of 70 mph is permitted to remain continuously in the middle lane when the left-hand lane is clear of other traffic.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Drivers must always use the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear and only use middle or right-hand lanes for overtaking.
The correct answer is False because under UK Highway Code Rule 264, you must always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. Middle and right-hand lanes are designated exclusively for overtaking. Cruising in the middle lane when the left lane is empty is considered careless driving.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the fundamental motorway lane discipline rule under the UK Highway Code.
Rule 264 specifies that all drivers should keep to the left-hand lane (Lane 1) unless overtaking.
The default driving position on any UK motorway is the left-hand lane, irrespective of road type or vehicle speed.
2
Evaluate the condition regarding travelling at the 70 mph speed limit in an overtaking lane.
Driving at the maximum speed limit does not exempt a driver from the requirement to keep left.
Middle and right-hand lanes are strictly overtaking lanes, not fast lanes or cruising lanes.
3
Determine the legal status of staying in the middle lane when the left lane is unoccupied.
Remaining in the middle lane under these conditions constitutes 'middle-lane hogging' (careless driving).
It disrupts traffic flow, causes congestion, and leads to unsafe lane changes by other road users.

Key Concept

Motorway lane discipline and the requirement to keep left unless actively overtaking
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Lane Discipline

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