How to Use Roundabouts

Some tips on how best to negotiate roundabouts.

They are everywhere and guess what, roundabouts aren’t going to disappear any time soon.

Sure, we all love to hate them, but if used correctly (and if designed and built correctly and in the right locations), roundabouts can be safe and can help keep you moving.

But many people don’t seem to have a really good understanding of how to use roundabouts.

The motoring organisation, NRMA, has published some tips that we thought we would share with you (remember to check and adhere to local laws/road rules when using roundabouts).

NRMA Negotiating Roundabouts Guide;

• When entering a roundabout you must slow down, get into the correct lane and give way to all vehicles (including bicycles) already in the roundabout and only enter when it is safe to do so (i.e. there is no risk of a collision).
• When you come to a roundabout, indicate your intentions if you plan to turn left or right and exit from the same lane as the one on which you entered.
• If you turn right, or go straight ahead, you must indicate a left turn upon exiting (if practical to do so).
• As you approach a multi-lane roundabout, it’s important to make sure you’re in the correct lane for your intended path of travel.
• If you intend to turn left, approach from the left lane (unless otherwise marked on the road), indicate left, and give way to traffic. When it is safe to enter the roundabout, stay in the left lane as you turn left.
• If you plan to turn right, approach from the right lane If you plan to turn right, approach from the right lane, indicate right and, when safe to do so, enter the roundabout. Stay in the right lane and, where practical, turn on your left indicator to show you wish to exit the roundabout.
• It is important to remember to exit from the same lane as the one you entered, and check blind-spots for cyclists or motorcyclists who may be entering or turning.
• The rules for slowing down, giving way and indicating when approaching and exiting at roundabouts are the same for single lane and multi-lane roundabouts. Again, it’s all about communicating your intentions to other drivers and not trying to bully or push your way through.
• At roundabouts with two or more marked lanes, a cyclist has the option to turn right after they have entered the roundabout from either the left or right lanes. However, if the cyclist chooses to enter from the left lane, they must take care to give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.

Thank you to the NRMA for that info. Got any other tips for safely and efficiently using roundabouts? Or perhaps you just want to rant about them! Send us an email via [email protected] or use our Contact page.