- Summer driving habit to beware
- Motorists who suddenly speed up when being overtaken
- Goes against Rule 168 of Highway Code
- Can put other road users at serious risk
- Offenders face a heavy fine and points on licence
- Only attempt an overtake when it’s safe to do so
(Adobe stock)
Motorists with a ‘bruised ego’ who indulge in this dangerous driving habit risk a £5,000 fine and nine points on their licence, experts have warned.
A vehicle that suddenly speeds up when someone tries to overtake it creates a potentially lethal road block that puts other road users in harm’s way.
Yet it’s a common phenomenon in the UK, particularly on national speed limit roads thronged with sightseeing summer tourists.
Putting your foot to the floor when someone attempts to overtake you is specifically highlighted as a threat in rule 168 of the Highway Code.
Motorists also run the risk of being prosecuted for careless driving, with fixed penalties of £100 with 3 points. The most serious examples will be sent to court, where offenders may face much higher penalties, including large fines and possible disqualification.
(Adobe stock)
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, says safety, not small-mindedness, is paramount.
He adds: “It goes without saying that you should only overtake when it’s safe and legal to do so, whether you’re on a national speed limit road or motorway.
“If you're sitting behind a driver doing 45mph on a 60mph road, you might feel it’s appropriate to attempt an overtake… only to experience the horror of the vehicle in front suddenly putting their foot to the floor.
“It might be an instinctive reaction from the person being overtaken - a realisation they’re travelling slower than intended while attempting to correct their speed at the wrong moment.
“Or it could be a territorial response from a competitive driver with a bruised ego who is somehow defending their space.
“Either way, the consequences of being trapped in the opposite lane can be catastrophic.
“The overtaking vehicle could be left with no safe space to pull into and the situation could be exacerbated if more than one vehicle is attempting the overtake at the same time.
“You should also bear in mind that modern EVs are capable of accelerating in rapid fashion due to the instant amounts of torque available from the powertrain.
“The bottom line is that deliberately accelerating to prevent someone from overtaking can constitute careless driving because it increases the risk of a head-on collision.”
Rule 168 of the Highway Code advises drivers to maintain a steady speed and not make it harder for someone to overtake safely.
(Adobe stock)
It states: “If a driver is trying to overtake you, maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass. Never obstruct drivers who wish to pass. Speeding up or driving unpredictably while someone is overtaking you is dangerous. Drop back to maintain a two-second gap if someone overtakes and pulls into the gap in front of you.”
Before overtaking you should make sure the road ahead is sufficiently clear, ensure other road users are not beginning to overtake you, and that there’s a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake.
Only overtake when it’s safe and legal to do so. You should also move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake.
(Adobe stock)
Select Car Leasing’s Graham Conway explains: “Attempting to pass someone on the motorway who accelerates when you try to overtake can be infuriating, encountering such a driver on an A or B road is arguably much more frightening.
“If the overtake is no longer safe or could put you above the speed limit, back out. Don't stay alongside another vehicle for longer than necessary. And never respond by racing them.
“If their driving is dangerous, don't engage. If you have evidence, such as dashcam footage, you can report dangerous driving to the police after the incident.”
An offence of careless or inconsiderate driving is committed when your driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and includes driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Select Car Leasing also highlights Rule 169 of the Highway Code, which says you should pull over when it’s safe if you’re holding up a queue of traffic.
The rule warns: “Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.
(Adobe Stock)
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Select Car Live - the auto show you can't afford to miss!
- Third-gen Audi Q7 revealed
- Plug-in hybrid BYD Dolphin G gets 65-mile EV range
- Flash Charging arrives in the UK
- Select Car Leasing’s most popular cars of 2026 so far
Where To Next?
What is car leasing? Read our car leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
