Drivers warned they could get £50 fine for making common mistake at roundabouts

16 October 2023 , 09:27

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The rules concerning roundabouts often confuse drivers, a survey shows (Image: Getty Images)

Millions of drivers could face £50 fines if they fail to give way to the right at roundabouts.

Motorists are warned the misdemeanour is an offence, according to the Highway Code, but a survey shows roundabouts are often subjects of confusion. Highway Code rule 185 states: "Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights." One quarter of those drivers surveyed were unaware of how to signal correctly at roundabouts either.

Furthermore, over half of UK licence holders (55 per cent) are at risk of the same fine due to driving over mini-roundabouts. Nearly half (48 per cent) admit to driving over a raised roundabout and almost two-thirds (62 per cent) to driving over a flat one, reports Daily Record.

Sections 188 to 190 of the Highway Code state "It is important to remember that all vehicles must pass round the central markings, unless they are too large to do so. You will find that when driving around mini-roundabouts there is less room to manoeuvre and less time to signal, so take extra care."

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market said: "Although you can take the same precautions at a roundabout as you would at any other junction, using a roundabout is considered a complex manoeuvre - it’s eye opening to find out how many drivers are unaware of the correct signals and manoeuvres, or simply ignore the rules put in place to keep themselves and other road users safe.

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"We encourage drivers to refresh their knowledge of proper procedures when using a roundabout junction to prevent fines and avoid any potential accidents. In addition to learning - and doing - the correct manoeuvres, make sure you always slow your speed and give yourself enough time to react, watch out for pedestrian crossings, cyclists and drivers crossing the roundabout in the wrong lane and remember to use the mirror-signal-manoeuvre process, which involves checking your mirrors and signalling, before making your move." The survey was carried out by the car insurance team at Compare the Market amongst UK drivers to determine how many know the correct Highway Code rules.

Nicola Roy