Little-Known Highway Code Rule Could Cost UK Drivers £5,000

UK drivers are being warned about a key Highway Code rule that could lead to fines of up to £5,000 for misjudging a cyclist's next move on a roundabout. According to experts, cyclists often ride all the way around roundabouts in the left-hand lane, causing confusion for motorists. If drivers fail to take extra care and cut across cyclists, they risk causing a collision and facing prosecution. Motorists need to be vigilant and prepared to give way to cyclists continuing around a roundabout in the left lane.

Key Takeaways:

• Cyclists often ride all the way around roundabouts in the left-hand lane, contrary to many motorists' expectations.
• The Highway Code (Rule 186) clearly states that cyclists can stay in the left-hand lane when continuing across or around a roundabout and should signal right to show their intentions.
• Motorists risk causing a collision and facing prosecution for careless or inconsiderate driving if they fail to take extra care and cut across cyclists in the left lane.
• Drivers could face penalties including a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points on a licence, and even a driving disqualification.
• Cyclists have a responsibility to cycle carefully and clearly indicate their intentions while in a roundabout.
• Failing to indicate correctly can result in a fine of up to £1,000 for careless cycling.

Statistics:

• There are more than 25,000 roundabouts in the UK, making them one of the most common types of road junction.
• According to the Highway Code, cyclists can stay in the left-hand lane when continuing across or around a roundabout.
• Cyclists who fail to indicate correctly can face a fine of up to £1,000 for careless cycling.
• The fine for careless or inconsiderate driving, which could include cutting across a cyclist in error, is up to £5,000.

Sources:

• The Highway Code, Rule 186
• The Highway Code, Rule 79
• Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, as quoted in the article