Tailgating named Britain’s most hated driving habit

Reviewed by: Greg Wilson
Founder & Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: July 2026
Read time: 5 min

British motorists have revealed tailgating to be their most hated driving habit, with one in six saying drivers who follow behind too closely are more annoying than litterers or lane hoggers.

The dangerous habit topped a list of irritating actions on the roads in a recent survey by Quotezone.co.uk to discover what really infuriates motorists in the UK.

The study of 1,000 British adults showed that over two-thirds (67%) of motorists found other drivers to be annoying.

When asked how they would react to issues with other drivers, nearly a fifth (19%) of respondents said they would simply move their vehicle away from them as soon as possible, while 13% said they would vent their frustrations by shouting and swearing.

Offenders not only risk receiving an earful from other motorists, but police can issue a £100 fixed fine and three penalty points for dangerous and careless driving.*

The most annoying habit – tailgating – is not just bad driving, it’s highly dangerous, and a factor in approximately one in eight of all collisions on England’s major roads.*

Using a mobile phone while driving was the second most annoying habit, cited by 13% of respondents. The public strongly backs tougher enforcement on this issue – with 81% of Brits supporting the implementation of UK-wide AI cameras designed to catch offenders.**

Drivers are right to be worried – using a phone behind the wheel is illegal and makes a driver four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Offenders risk six penalty points and a £200 fine, with cases that end up in court potentially receiving a driving ban and a fine of up to £1000.***

Littering out of car windows is another major bugbear for 12% of motorists, causing damage to the environment and posing a threat to other road users.

It’s an offence to throw litter out of a car window under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and local councils can issue a fine of up to £500.****

Despite the most annoying habits being punishable offences, more than half (54%) of drivers say they wouldn’t react to other drivers’ actions, while just 4% said they would report offences, if they were serious enough.

Commenting on the survey, Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Most drivers have experienced the frustration of being tailgated but it’s important to remember that it’s more than just annoying, it can be extremely dangerous.

“Drivers need to keep at least a two-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front – double in wet conditions – so it’s understandable that drivers feel distressed in these situations as it puts them at risk should they need to brake suddenly in an emergency.

“Dangerous driving habits can also leave innocent motorists facing costly consequences in the event of an accident. Even if another driver is at fault, motorists could face repair delays and potentially the loss of their no-claims-discount if their provider can’t recoup all the costs from the other party, which could lead to increased insurance costs when it comes to renewal.

“Thankfully 73% of drivers said they either don’t react or simply move away from the other driver. Although difficult at times, this is a safe and recommended approach by road safety experts and failure to do so could land the driver themselves in trouble with the law.

“Swearing and gesturing could lead to aggressive driving which can see drivers charged with careless or dangerous driving, with a driving ban, fine or even jail time possible.”

The most annoying driver habits in the UK:

• Driving too close behind you – 16%
• Using their phones – 13%
• Throwing litter out of their car – 12%
• Sitting in the overtaking lane – 9%
• Not signalling thank you – 8%
• Using roundabouts incorrectly – 7%
• Going too fast – 7%
• Going too slow – 6%
• Parking in parent and child spaces – 5%
• Adding noisy car modifications – 4%
• Playing music too loud – 3%
• Not reacting to traffic lights quickly enough – 3%
• Not restraining dogs properly – 2%
• Blocking the petrol pump at a garage – 2%
• Failing to overtake in a queue – 2%
• Other drivers don’t annoy me – 1%

 As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps drivers compare and find all sorts of savings on their car insurance. 

References:
*https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/tailgating/
**https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/brits-back-ai-support-to-catch-drivers-on-mobiles
***https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law
****https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/what-are-are-the-penalties-for-littering-while-driving

Photo credit – iStock.com georgeclerk

SURVEY: Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during May 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.