Highway Code warning as drivers face £50 roundabout fines

A study by Compare the Market found that one in six drivers find roundabouts stressful, with experts warning that many are not following Highway Code rules properly.

Failure to give way to traffic on the right could result in a £50 fine.

Julie Daniels, from Compare the Market’s car insurance team, 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.

“We encourage drivers to refresh their knowledge of proper procedures when using a roundabout junction to prevent fines and avoid any potential accidents.”

Rule 185 of the Highway Code states: “Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights.”

The problem extends to mini-roundabouts, where over half of UK licence holders (55%) could be at risk of the same fine due to driving over mini-roundabouts.

Nearly half (48%) admit to driving over a raised roundabout and almost two-thirds (62%) to driving over a flat one.

Ms Daniels advised drivers to stay alert and prepared: “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.”

Rules 188 to 190 of the Highway Code clarify that mini-roundabout rules are the same as standard roundabouts, with all vehicles required to pass around the central markings unless too large to do so.