Lane Hogging Phenomenon Triggers Left-Side Overtaking Culture on Toll Roads

The phenomenon of ‘lane hoggers’, or drivers who remain in the far-right lane of toll roads, continues to be a significant failure for road safety in Indonesia. This bad habit appears to be deeply rooted, with many drivers feeling justified in staying in the right lane simply because their vehicle has reached the maximum speed limit of 100 km/h.

Commenting on this issue, Jusri Pulubuhu, Founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), stated that lane hogging is not merely a traffic sign violation, but a reflection of the low level of traffic discipline within society as a whole. As a consequence of this incorrect use of the right lane, a forced ‘natural law’ has emerged on Indonesian roads: other drivers, stuck behind lane hoggers, are compelled to make risky decisions, such as overtaking from the left, to ensure the progress of their journey.

‘Consequently, in the context of safety for other road users, the left lane is inevitably being used for overtaking. However, extreme caution must be exercised,’ said Jusri.

Jusri emphasised that the misconception regarding the function of toll road lanes must be eliminated through massive education. He argued that driver mindsets must shift from driving based on ‘personal comfort’ to ‘communal driving and sharing the road with others.’

‘The right lane is for overtaking. If you are not overtaking, return to the regular lane. Do not use the mindset that because you have reached the maximum speed limit, you are permitted to remain in the right lane,’ Jusri concluded.