Drivers now face an automatic £100 fine for driving in the wrong lane on all UK motorways

A new system implemented across all UK motorways means drivers now face an automatic £100 fine when driving in the wrong lane.

Thanks to newly installed cameras, motorists will be issued with an automatic £100 fine and the risk of three points on their license if they’re seen driving in the wrong lane.

This applies to anyone who drives in a shut lane, which will usually be marked with a red ‘X’ on the overhead signs. 

Rept0n1x / Wikimedia Commons

The National Highways recently Tweeted: “There’s no eXcuse – don’t ignore the red X. It’s illegal to drive in a red X lane and motorway cameras can now automatically detect drivers who flout the law.

“You could receive a £100 fine and get three points on your licence.”

Last month, smart motorway drivers were hit with unlimited fines for dangerous driving in an overhaul of the Highway Code, which included a number of new rules for dangerous driving.

A statement from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency said: “The changes made refer to guidance on smart motorways. A total of thirty-three existing rules will be amended and two new rules introduced.”

Department for Transport / Flickr

This comes just months after a ‘serial middle lane-hogger‘ had her car confiscated by the Greater Manchester Police Traffic unit when caught driving in, you guessed it, the middle lane of the M60.

Greater Manchester Police traffic officers spotted the red Toyota Yaris ignoring matrix board signs instructing drivers to use the left lane. Upon being pulled over, officers quickly discovered that the woman hadn’t insured her car, resulting in the vehicle being seized. 

GMP Traffic tweeted: “#ME14 saw this Yaris hogging the middle lane of the M60. Ignored the matrix board to ‘use left lane’ followed by Instruction to ‘follow me’ off the motorway.

“Driver then stopped live lane! When stopped checks found the driver to have no insurance! Seized & reported.”