New feature developed to warn drivers they’re hogging the overtaking lane

A carmaker has developed a new software feature to inform drivers to return to the adjacent lane after they have successfully overtaken another vehicle.

Nissan’s ‘ProPilot’ semi-autonomous driving system has been updated to include the system, with 2025 versions of the Rogue and Armada SUVs – sold in Australia as the X-Trail and Patrol, respectively – the first vehicles to receive the system in the United States.

The Nissan ‘ProPilot 2.1’ system in the Rogue and Armada – along with the new Infiniti QX80 – will issue a message on the instrument cluster when it is time for a driver to move out of the outer-most lane.

The feature will only work when the semi-autonomous highway driving system is active – currently limited to selected roads in the United States – and it will not automatically complete the lane-change manoeuvre, instead asking the driver to do so.

ProPilot 2.1 also utilises Google Maps technology compared to earlier versions of the system.

Local timing for the updated Nissan X-Trail has not been confirmed as it is on a different timeline to US-built models – while the Y63 Patrol is due in Australia in late 2026.

In most states and territories in Australia, drivers must keep left unless overtaking where a sign applies, or if the speed limit is over 80km/h, except Western Australia and Queensland where the limit is 90km/h – even if the section of the road does not include a sign informing drivers to keep left.

MORE: ‘Seriously?’ – Victorian drivers fined for surprising freeway faux pas

Drivers can drive in the right lane for a short distance to turn right or make a U-turn, where permitted.

In mid-2023, Victoria Police targeted road users hogging the right lane in a road safety blitz, with a handful of drivers fined for failing to keep left unless overtaking on a freeway.

The Surf Coast Police issued infringement notices to five separate drivers who were caught travelling in the right lane for over a kilometre, with each driver receiving a $192 fine and two demerit points.

While it not illegal to 'undertake' on marked roadways in Australia, some brands – such as Volkswagen – include a feature within the adaptive cruise control system in some vehicles to prevent it from passing a vehicle in the adjacent lane, which can be overridden by tapping the accelerator pedal.