Graham said: “It might seem harmless to drive over the central markings of a mini roundabout, especially when they’re level with the road, but doing so is against the Highway Code and can lead to penalties.
“More importantly, though, it can cause confusion and increase the risk of accidents.
“This regulation is in place to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety. The central marking, even if painted flat, represents a physical boundary that vehicles are required to navigate around.”
Mini-roundabouts are covered by Rule 188 of the Highway Code which urges road users to treat them the same as any other route.
The rule also urged individuals to “avoid making U-turns” and be aware that there was “less space to manoeuvre”.
Rule 188 of the Highway Code reads: “Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts.
“All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.
“Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.”
Motorists caught breaking the rules and crossing over the mini-roundabout are likely to be issued fines.
Penalties can include a fixed penalty fine of £100 as well as three points on a motorist’s driving licence.
Meanwhile, breakdown experts at the RAC warned learner drivers would also fail their test if they were seen to drive over the roundabout.
They explained: “While clipping the painted, or raised centre is unlikely to result in a failure, blatantly driving over it will.”
