Drivers have been warned they could be fined £1,000 for a common driving practice which breaks a Highway Code traffic rule.
The warning comes after several drivers were caught on social media attempting to bypass traffic queues at roundabouts, which causes serious safety concerns.
The controversial technique, known as “slingshotting”, has sparked heated debate among UK drivers after gaining widespread attention on social media platforms.
Legal experts have now weighed in on the practice, which involves using the right-hand lane to circle a roundabout completely before exiting, effectively jumping ahead of vehicles waiting in the left lane.
While no specific legislation prohibits this manoeuvre, solicitors warn that police officers could prosecute drivers under existing road traffic laws if they determine the behaviour causes inconvenience to other road users.
The manoeuvre involves motorists approaching a roundabout with a lengthy queue in the left-hand lane for turning left, but instead of joining this line, they enter via the right-hand lane.
These drivers then complete a full circuit of the roundabout, travelling 360 degrees around the junction before taking their originally intended left exit.
This technique allows them to bypass the waiting traffic and reach their destination more quickly. But experts have warned that this practice breaks Rule 184 of the Highway Code.
Drivers can be fined for ‘slingshotting’ around roundabouts
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The rule states: “On approaching a roundabout, take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane.
“You should use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages and decide as early as possible which exit you need to take. Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users and get into the correct lane, adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions, be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you.”
The practice has become increasingly visible through viral videos on platforms including TikTok and YouTube, where footage demonstrating the technique has garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments.
Dominic Smith, who heads the Road Traffic Department at Patterson Law, a firm specialising in motoring cases, explained that whilst no law explicitly forbids circling a roundabout, drivers could still face prosecution.
The practice has been highlighted on social media
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He said: “In certain circumstances, roundabout slingshotting could be considered as ‘inconsiderate’ – which is an offence in itself under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the same section for driving without due care and attention.
“So if a police officer sees you use a roundabout in a way that is not intended, but simply to skip the queue, and believes you have caused inconvenience to those waiting in the queue, you could end up with up to nine penalty points and a £1,000 fine.”
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, also highlighted relevant Highway Code guidance regarding proper roundabout navigation.
The expert added: “The Highway Code states that you should ‘get into the correct lane’ as you approach a roundabout.
The driving technique allows motorists to skip queues on the approach to roundabouts
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PA“When there are multiple lanes heading to a roundabout, you need to ‘use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.”
Mr Conway noted that the regulations make no provision for circling roundabouts to gain an advantage over waiting traffic.
He also cautioned that attempting this manoeuvre when exit routes are congested could result in blocking other lanes, creating further traffic problems.
“As for the whole moral dilemma about roundabout slingshotting, ask yourself the question, ‘If everyone did it, would it make the roads a better or worse place to be?’. Overall, I’m not convinced it’s helpful,” Mr Conway concluded.