Rule 246 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers in uniform or by signs.”
Driving on the hard shoulder illegally could result in a fine of £100 and three points on your driving licence.
The penalty could be higher if you cause an accident though.
You could be charged with careless driving in the worst case, and that could come with a £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a driving ban.