Drivers have been warned they could face fines and penalty points for a cheeky queue-jumping manoeuvre that is common among motorists.
"Slingshotting" involves entering a roundabout from the right-hand lane and circling around to take a left exit, avoiding a line of waiting vehicles.
However, it can lead to punishment, according to experts.
What does the Highway Code say about roundabouts?
The UK Highway Code does not explicitly mention "slingshots" by name, but it still has advice on lanes at roundabouts.
However, it clearly states that drivers must get into the correct lane on approach and use the most appropriate lane through a roundabout.
It said: "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."
It advises drivers to use the mirrors, signal, and manoeuvre technique, and decide which exit you need "as early as possible".
The code also notes that drivers should use the appropriate signalling and get into the correct lane.
Drivers warned of fines over 'sling-shot' roundabout manoeuvre
Experts have warned drivers that "slingshotting" at a roundabout can actually lead to a punishment.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: "Careless or inconsiderate driving typically attracts a fixed penalty of £100 and three points on your licence.
"In more serious cases, motorists will have to go to court where they will face higher penalties."
While not an offence in itself, the action could be considered "careless or inconsiderate driving" under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
This includes "misusing lanes to gain advantage over other drivers," according to guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Conway said: "It all boils down to whether your driving ‘falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver.’
"Sling-shotting a roundabout, or ‘misusing lanes to gain advantage over other drivers’, could fall into this category.
"While you might think you’re being clever with your roundabout hack, you run the risk of a police officer failing to be impressed at your driving skills."
Mr Conway also warned that the manoeuvre could increase the risk of blocking traffic.
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He said: "The other thing to consider is that when you sling-shot a roundabout and then circle around to exit at the correct junction, you’re potentially more likely to end up blocking traffic.
"Again, that’s careless or inconsiderate driving, and if you end up causing an accident, you could be looking at a fine running to thousands of pounds as well as nine points on your licence."
Other examples of careless or inconsiderate driving include overtaking on the inside, driving too close to another vehicle, drivers being "avoidably distracted" through fiddling with a radio, middle lane motorway hogging, and also being "unnecessarily slow".
Have you ever used the "slingshot" manoeuvre at a roundabout? Let us know in the comments.
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