Mini Roundabout Rules: Mini, Double and Spiral Roundabouts (GB)

Photo: Ollie Craig / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

At a mini roundabout in Great Britain, give way to traffic from the right and drive round the white central marking: Highway Code Rule 188 says all vehicles MUST pass round it, except large vehicles that physically cannot. Avoid U-turns at mini roundabouts. This explainer covers mini, double mini and multiple roundabouts, and how to read lane markings on spiral-style roundabouts. For normal roundabouts, see Rules 184 to 190 step by step.

Key facts

• Rule 188: approach a mini roundabout like a normal one. You MUST pass round the central markings unless your vehicle is too large.
• U-turns: avoid them at mini roundabouts, and watch for others doing them (Rule 188).
• Rule 189: at a double mini roundabout, treat each one separately and give way to traffic from the right.
• Rule 190: some complex junctions have a series of mini roundabouts. Treat each one separately.
• Where you find them: Know Your Traffic Signs says mini roundabouts are normally on roads with a 30 mph limit or less.

How to drive a mini roundabout

1. Spot it early. Look for the upright mini roundabout sign and the white circle on the road.
2. Mirrors and signal early. Rule 188 warns there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal.
3. Stop or slow at the give way line. At a mini roundabout this is usually a broad broken line, though a double line with an upright give way sign may be used.
4. Give way to traffic from the right.
5. Keep left of the white circle. Do not cut across it.
6. Signal left after you pass the exit before yours, if there is time.

What about lorries and buses?

Large vehicles that physically cannot go round the central marking may drive over it. Expect them to use most of the junction, and wait rather than squeezing past.

Double mini roundabouts

Two mini roundabouts close together. Rule 189 says treat each one separately and give way to traffic from your right at each.

Scenario: turning right at a double mini

You want the far right exit. At the first roundabout you give way to the right, go round, and then stop again at the second give way line if traffic is coming from its right. Do not assume that once you have joined the first roundabout you have priority at the second.

Multiple and “magic” roundabouts

Rule 190 covers junctions with a series of mini roundabouts at each intersection. The Highway Code does not use any special name for these. The rule is simple: treat each mini roundabout separately and follow the normal rules at each one. Take them slowly, look right at every give way line, and watch for vehicles crossing in front of you.

Spiral roundabouts and lane markings

The Highway Code has no rule that uses the word “spiral”. On large roundabouts, Know Your Traffic Signs says some roundabouts have lane markings to guide drivers to the right exit, and are often controlled by traffic signals. The rules that apply are:

• Rule 184: use signs, signals and lane markings to get into the correct lane before you reach the roundabout.
• Rule 186: pick your lane for your exit on approach. If there are more than three entry lanes, use the most appropriate one.
• Follow your lane. Where solid or broken lines carry your lane round towards an exit, stay in it unless the markings let you change.
• Segregated left-turn lanes: some roundabouts have a separate left lane where you do not give way to traffic on the roundabout. If chevrons between it and the roundabout are bounded by solid lines, do not cross them except in an emergency, so choose your lane early.

Line meanings: road markings guide and lane discipline on multi-lane roads.

Mini roundabouts on the driving test

Mini roundabouts are common on residential roads. Faults to avoid: not giving way to the right, cutting over the white circle, and signalling late or wrongly. See the top reasons people fail and mirror, signal, manoeuvre.

Common questions

Can you do a U-turn at a mini roundabout?

Rule 188 says you should avoid making U-turns at mini roundabouts. It is advice, not a ban, but it is the safe choice.

Can you drive over a mini roundabout?

Only if your vehicle is too large to go round. Everyone else MUST go round the central markings.

Who has priority at a mini roundabout?

Traffic from your right, the same as a normal roundabout, unless signs or markings say otherwise.

Do you signal at a mini roundabout?

Yes, use the normal roundabout signals, but there is less time, so signal early and clearly.

What if two cars arrive at a mini roundabout at once?

Each gives way to traffic from its right. If it is unclear who should go, wait and make eye contact rather than forcing it.

Related: road junctions and driving near lorries and buses. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203)” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “Know Your Traffic Signs”, 2023 edition, road markings section (gov.uk)