The UK's worst driving habits and what you can do about them

The UK's worst driving habits in 2026

We asked 2,000 UK drivers which bad and dangerous driving habits wind them up the most, and here's what they told us:

Let's take a closer look at each one and how to handle them if you're on the receiving end.

A quick note: whenever we suggest calling the police, only do so when you're safely stopped and not driving.

What can you do about tailgating?

4 in 10 UK drivers* (41%) named tailgating as the worst driving habit on the road, and it's not hard to see why. Driving too close at speed gives you almost no time to brake if the car in front stops suddenly, and it's one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions.

The best thing to do is let them past. Indicate, move left when it's safe to do so, and let them go. The temptation to tap your brakes is real, but resist it. It's dangerous and won't deter them.

Is tailgating illegal?

Yes. Tailgating is classed as careless driving in the UK, which carries a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points on your licence. If it goes to court, for example because it contributed to a serious accident, the fine can rise to £2,500.

The Highway Code (Rule 126) is clear: you should always leave enough space to stop safely. On a motorway at 70mph, that means at least 70 metres between you and the car in front.

If you think the driver was driving aggressively, make a note of the number plate and report it to the police on 101 when you're safely stopped. If you have dashcam footage, you can submit it through the Nextbase National Dash Cam Safety Portal.

Read our full guide on how to deal with a tailgater.

What can you do about drivers who use their phone while driving?

37% of drivers* said using their mobile phone while driving is one of the worst bad driving habits they come across, and it's easy to see why. It only takes a second of distraction to cause a serious accident.

If you see someone on their phone, you can report it to the police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If they cause an accident, call 999.

Is using a phone while driving illegal?

Yes, and the penalties are no joke. Using a handheld phone while driving (including when you're sitting at traffic lights) carries a £200 fine and 6 penalty points.

If you passed your test in the last two years, it's even more serious. 2 years of points and your licence is gone. The law covers everything too: calls, texts, browsing, and even using your phone as a sat nav if you're holding it.

You can read the full rules on GOV.UK.

What can you do about drivers who cut you up?

29% of drivers* find being cut up one of the most infuriating things on the road, and it's the second biggest trigger for road rage, with 45% of drivers* saying it sets them off.

In the moment, the best thing you can do is stay calm and keep your distance. If you think the driver was driving dangerously, note the number plate and report it to 101 when you're safely stopped.

Is cutting someone up illegal?

It can be. There's no specific offence called "cutting someone up", but if it forces another driver to brake hard or swerve, it can be classed as careless or dangerous driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Careless driving carries a £100 fine and 3 points. Dangerous driving can result in an unlimited fine, up to 11 points, and a driving ban, and in serious cases, a custodial sentence.

What can you do about bad parking?

28% of drivers* are wound up by poor parking, whether that's straddling two bays, blocking a driveway, or parking in a disabled space without a badge.

Is bad parking illegal?

It depends. Parking dangerously, such as on zig-zag lines or blocking emergency access, can be reported to the police on 101.

Parking illegally on public roads (yellow lines, outside school gates, etc.) is a matter for your local council, which you can find using the 'find your council' tool on GOV.UK. You can also find out more about parking on the pavement in our guide.

In a supermarket car park? It's private land, so the rules are different. You can ask a member of staff or a parking attendant to speak to the driver.

What can you do about drivers who throw litter out of their window?

27% of drivers* can't stand it when other road users use the road as a bin.

If you see someone littering, note the location and report it through your local council's website. For large-scale fly-tipping, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Don't pick up the litter yourself, as there could be sharp or dangerous objects in it.

Is littering from a car illegal?

Yes. Littering from a vehicle is an offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £150. You can still be fined as the driver even if it was a passenger who threw something out.

What can you do about road rage?

42% of UK drivers* say they experience road rage at least sometimes.

The top triggers are dangerous overtaking (48%), being cut up (45%), and drivers merging without indicating (36%)*.

If someone is driving aggressively towards you, don't engage. Don't make eye contact, don't gesture, and don't follow them.

If you feel unsafe, drive to a busy public place, call 999, and stay in your car with the doors locked.

Is road rage illegal?

It can be. Aggressive and dangerous driving habits such as swerving or deliberate tailgating can be classed as dangerous driving.

Threatening behaviour or physical confrontation can lead to public order offences or assault charges.

What can you do about middle lane hogging?

23% of drivers* named middle lane hogging as one of the worst bad driving habits on a motorway.

Don't undertake. That's also an offence. Stay patient, overtake on the right when it's safe, and move back to the left lane. If you genuinely believe the driver is causing danger, report it to 101.

Is middle lane hogging illegal?

Yes. Like tailgating, it falls under careless driving. The fixed penalty is £100 and 3 points. The Highway Code (Rule 264) puts it plainly: keep in the left lane unless overtaking.

What can you do about speeding drivers?

1 in 5 drivers* say speeding is one of their biggest gripes. It is also one of the bad driving habits most likely to damage your car in a collision, given that impact force increases significantly with speed.

If you witness someone speeding dangerously, report it to 101. If it's a genuine emergency, call 999.

Is speeding illegal?

Yes. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence, but fines can be much higher depending on how fast the driver was going and whether the case goes to court.

What can you do about drivers going too slowly?

19% of drivers* are just as frustrated by drivers going well below the limit as they are by those going over it. Slow driving might feel safe, but it can cause frustration, tailgating, and dangerous overtaking behind you.

Is driving too slowly illegal?

It can be. Driving significantly below the speed limit without good reason can be classed as inconsiderate driving. There's no fixed penalty for it, but police can issue a fixed penalty or refer the driver to court if it's causing danger.

What can you do about drivers running red lights?

19% of drivers* say they're bothered by red light runners.

If a driver runs a red light near you and it results in a near-miss or collision, call 999 or 101 depending on the severity. If you have dashcam footage, report it to the police.

Is running a red light illegal?

Yes. Running a red light can result in a £100 fine and 3 points.

How can bad driving habits affect your car insurance?

Some of the bad driving habits we've covered can do more than put other road users at risk - they can also have a serious impact on your car insurance.

Tailgating makes a rear-end collision more likely, while speeding makes any impact more severe. Even without a crash, driving over potholes too quickly, harsh braking and taking corners aggressively puts extra wear on your tyres, brakes and suspension.

If another driver damages your car, it can still affect your policy even if the accident wasn't your fault. In fact, only 38% of drivers* are aware of this, which makes it worth taking a moment to compare car insurance at your next renewal.

A non-fault claim can still go on your record, and some insurers may increase your premium at renewal. That's why it's worth gathering as much evidence as you can at the scene - photos, witness details, and dashcam footage if you have it - and reporting it to your insurer as soon as possible.

 

Checking your policy carefully so you know exactly where you stand is a good habit to get into too.

Frequently asked questions