With the UK being home to 26,000 roundabouts – more than anywhere else in the world - it's important to know how to safely navigate them.

However, some people are risking a fines of up to £5,000 and points on their driving licence by breaking a little-known driving rule.

Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing has issued a warning, saying: "Most drivers understand the importance of indicating when entering a roundabout, but many fail to do the same when they leave it.

"And while this may not seem important, it can confuse other road users and therefore has the potential to cause a collision."

Rule 186 of the Highway Code Rule states: "When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, move to the left-hand lane and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want."

This is backed up by the Road Traffic Act, which outlines that failing to signal when it would help other road users can be classified as careless driving. The charge carries with it a fine of up to £5,000, three to nine points on your licence and potentially a long driving ban.

Mr Conway added: "Indicators are vital for letting other motorists know what you are about to do - they communicate your intentions on the road. Not using them in this scenario could create uncertainty, for both drivers already on the roundabout and those looking to enter.

"And it's not just motorists you need to bear in mind, it's pedestrians too. If they are waiting at a roundabout junction they rely on cars to indicate so they know when it is safe to cross.

"If you fail to signal then they could step out dangerously and risk a serious incident."

The best advice is to signal left as you pass the exit before the one you want to take, which gives other road users enough time to react. If you get into a good habit of doing it, hopefully you won't have to think too much about it when you are on a roundabout and you will use your indicator straight away.

Drivers should also be aware that if you ignore the rules, you could be caught on camera. That's because some of the new AI-powered cameras being rolled out across the country can now detect signal use and lane discipline.

Mr Conway said: "It's also just good driving etiquette to let those around you know what you're doing. Simply flicking on your indicator takes minimal effort but will contribute hugely to safer roundabouts."

The advice comes as another driving expert revealed in a TikTok video that many people indicate wrong on roundabouts. Annie, known as @theorytestpractice on TikTok, said in her video that many people don't realise you don't need to indicate when going straight ahead on a roundabout.

Did you know about these roundabout rules? Comment below...