Can I pass a car on the inside lane on a motorway?

Last week I was on the M25 at the M3 section. I was driving in the inside lane, the next two lanes were empty and there was a car in lane four. The only way to pass was to "under pass", for which I believe I could be prosecuted, or go out to lane five and then go back to lane one. Does this make sense?

Asked on 1 July 2012 by JA, Peacehaven

Answered by Honest John
It’s perfectly fine and not illegal to pass a slower car in the manner you describe. There is no law against it and never was. In fact, on the M25 when the variable limits are in force, you are ordered to stay in lane so “under passing” will be inevitable.
Similar questions
I noted your reply to JA, Peacehaven and was a bit concerned that your readers may not have understood your point. The Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act are quite clear and that is that passing on...
I was recently making my way out of London on a Sunday evening (just after 5pm) and entered a yellow box at a set of traffic lights in good faith, as the traffic seemed to be moving in a way that I could...
I have just bought an automatic Lexus RX 300 (2003, facelift, 5-speed auto). In many ways a silly concept, I am delighted with it, because the large number of speedbumps on our road (I live opposite a...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer