Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake
And motoring experts at the insurance firm warn that almost six million of us are not following roundabout rules correctly, leaving us in danger of getting a £50 fine.
Compare the Market's study found some drivers were failing to give way to the right at roundabout junctions.
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.'
Furthermore, more than 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.
Rules 188 to 190 of the Highway Code reveal that when it comes to mini-roundabouts the regulations are no different from regular roundabouts - '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 says: '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.
'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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
8 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Highway Code: Emergency service rules could lead to fines
The Highway Code outlines information and guidance for road users to promote the safe and efficient use of the road network. However, some parts of it may be unknown to drivers, and flouting some rules may lead to unwanted consequences. For example, in certain situations, despite letting an emergency service vehicle pass, if done improperly, it could lead to a hefty fine. The Highway Code states that drivers should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights. These also include Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. It says: "When one approaches, do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs." Despite being required to let emergency service vehicles pass in certain situations, doing so unsafely could lead to fines. UK road laws still apply and if motorists let an ambulance pass improperly, it could land them with a penalty of up to £1,000. For example, if drivers were to break the law when letting an ambulance pass, this could lead to consequences. Examples given by the RAC that could lead to heavy fines include entering a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction or driving through a red traffic light. It says drivers could be hit with a fixed penalty notice for £100 and three penalty points on their licence for jumping a red light – even if it's at low speed to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. "If it goes to court, the penalty could be even bigger," the insurance company adds. Recommended reading: The Highway Code says: "If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. "Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. "Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."
Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Highway Code: Emergency service rules could lead to fines
The Highway Code outlines information and guidance for road users to promote the safe and efficient use of the road network. However, some parts of it may be unknown to drivers, and flouting some rules may lead to unwanted consequences. For example, in certain situations, despite letting an emergency service vehicle pass, if done improperly, it could lead to a hefty fine. 10 obscure driving laws you may not know What does the Highway Code say about letting emergency service vehicles past? The Highway Code states that drivers should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights. These also include Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. It says: "When one approaches, do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs." How you could be fined for letting emergency services through Despite being required to let emergency service vehicles pass in certain situations, doing so unsafely could lead to fines. UK road laws still apply and if motorists let an ambulance pass improperly, it could land them with a penalty of up to £1,000. 7 common speed camera myths For example, if drivers were to break the law when letting an ambulance pass, this could lead to consequences. Examples given by the RAC that could lead to heavy fines include entering a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction or driving through a red traffic light. It says drivers could be hit with a fixed penalty notice for £100 and three penalty points on their licence for jumping a red light – even if it's at low speed to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. "If it goes to court, the penalty could be even bigger," the insurance company adds. Recommended reading: The Highway Code says: "If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. "Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. "Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."
The Herald Scotland
11 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Highway Code: Emergency service rules could lead to fines
However, some parts of it may be unknown to drivers, and flouting some rules may lead to unwanted consequences. For example, in certain situations, despite letting an emergency service vehicle pass, if done improperly, it could lead to a hefty fine. 10 obscure driving laws you may not know What does the Highway Code say about letting emergency service vehicles past? The Highway Code states that drivers should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights. These also include Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. It says: "When one approaches, do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs." How you could be fined for letting emergency services through Despite being required to let emergency service vehicles pass in certain situations, doing so unsafely could lead to fines. UK road laws still apply and if motorists let an ambulance pass improperly, it could land them with a penalty of up to £1,000. 7 common speed camera myths For example, if drivers were to break the law when letting an ambulance pass, this could lead to consequences. Examples given by the RAC that could lead to heavy fines include entering a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction or driving through a red traffic light. It says drivers could be hit with a fixed penalty notice for £100 and three penalty points on their licence for jumping a red light – even if it's at low speed to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. "If it goes to court, the penalty could be even bigger," the insurance company adds. Recommended reading: The Highway Code says: "If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. "Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. "Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."
