Driving AROUND mini-roundabouts. Or not.

[Melliexr]

Has anybody been nicked for not driving around a mini-roundabout properly when turning right? And if so, what exactly was the charge? Or, more interestingly, has anybody argued the point with a cop or a judge?

The Highway Code says all vehicles MUST drive around the central markings except large vehicles physically unable to do so. Personally, I generally take the same line as I would if there were no roundabout there because I believe it's safer to be in the middle of the junction taking full command of the space, (particularly if I'm on my motorbike) and if that means driving over the paint then so be it. In my opinion, the "proper" way leaves you wide open to attack, both from the rear and from the road straight ahead, by drivers thinking you're going straight on, despite flashing indicators. There's a mini-roundabout in Bromley near where I used to sit waiting for a bus. I never did get bored waiting as there were always near-accidents and road-rage incidents to keep me entertained.
If I ever do get nicked for it, the cop and the judge will both have an argument on their hands.

[Grunty]

In general, I think we should all drive according to the Highway Code.  We would then at least be playing by the same rules. Sadly, this is one of several sections where I believe the writers have got it wrong.  Many mini-roundabouts are so small that it is impossible to keep off them.  Many others are designed by non-thinkers so that the main road traffic continues in a straight line and at a fast speed.  The police advanced course teaches (or at least taught) taking the long route only when it would otherwise inconvenience another road user.  The problem with taking the short route is that in the event of an accident, the other driver could point out that you had committed an offence, and by implication caused the accident.

[chazza]

When i was taught to drive i was told that legally you can drive over them but you shouldnt if there are other cars on it

[Spidersue]

I think at least an attempt should be made to drive round them properly.  Consider this.  I was approaching a mini roundabout which had a turning left and a straight on.  A car was coming towards me and signalling right.  I expected him to go round the roundabout and I would have had plenty of time to go straight on before he got there so I proceeded across.  However, he turned right his side of the roundabout, in effect going anti-clockwise round it. He narrowly missed me.  I was incensed that he hooted - to my mind, he was clearly in the wrong.  You don't go anti-clockwise round roundabouts, mini ones or otherwise.  That particular roundabout was easy to go round properly (I've done it many times) but people are too bone idle to do so.  Many don't even touch it, they cut across completely on the wrong side.

If you weren't meant to drive round them, surely they'd be painted on the road as just a small circle?

[Cockney_si]

I had this argument with a local police officer that wanted to fine me �40 for going over a mini roundabout at 12:30 at night.

His argument was 'what if someone pulled out on my left' and I had to explain to him about the rights of way on a roundabout which my mate who was a passenger in my car thought was hillarious.

In the end I gave him the number of my driving instructor and told him to contact him as there had always been a debate about this with him too.  The chief examiner at my local drving test centre had said it was ok for cars to go over mini roundabouts as long as they were not raised.