Roundabout rules
The rules for using a roundabout are quite simple. But, as common as roundabouts are, the number of crashes at intersections with roundabouts suggests that when we approach one, we still aren’t quite clear on the rules.
Part 9 of the Road Rules 2008 details the legislation that covers roundabouts. Motorists should know what a roundabout is and what they’re for. It is the way they should be approached and used that seems to be causing the confusion.
Rule 114 explains how to give way when entering or driving in a roundabout:
Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
A driver entering a roundabout must give way to:
(a) any vehicle in the roundabout, and
(b) a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.
For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
There is no specific legislation stating one must give way to the other if entering the roundabout at the same time, only that you must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
However, common sense must prevail. As the rule states, a driver must slow down enough to be able to stop to avoid a collision if necessary.
Many drivers enter/approach roundabouts too fast and if there was a collision and it was a result of them not slowing to be able to avoid a collision, then they may face penalties from the authorities.
These are the rules and you can be fined for not abiding by them. If involved in a crash, you might be liable when you thought you weren’t.
View the full road rules for roundabouts.
Have you had problems at roundabouts? Are the rules clear enough and easy to follow?
Related posts:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
I completely agree that approaching a roundabout too fast and NOT being prepared to stop short of an obstruction (to borrow a very common railway safeworking phrase) is probably the key to most accidents at roundabouts.
The other area I find that people (including me) have confusion over is multi-lane roundabouts as a lot of them allow diversions off a roundabout from more than one lane at the same time so if two vehicles enter a roundabout on parallel lanes, and the one on the right wants to exit into the first road coming off the roundabout but the one on the left lane wants to exit at the second (or later) road, avoiding a mid-roundabout collision is very difficult since neither vehicle will have a clear enough view of the each other to know that one wants to exit before the other.
Another thing I see very often (and especially in Adelaide as compared to Sydney) is people approach roundabouts which do not have raised islands in the middle either without slowing down at all, or at a speed which means that cannot swerve around the island area, and drive directly over the island in a straight line.
I appreciate that many roundabouts can’t have raised islands because of design constraints and/or to allow for large vehicles such as busses to negotiate them, but that does not excuse motorists from ignoring basic common sense intersection safety by ‘assuming’ no other vehicle will be entering or using the intersection (which is what a roundabout is – it’s just a big donut rather than a regular junction of roads) at the time. I haven’t yet seen a major t-bone accident caused by someone not slowing down (or not enough) to avoid an accident at a roundabout but I’m sure that happens more often than we’d think it would.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I think the absolute majority of people these days know what the roundabout rules are.
New drivers are have the rules hammered into their heads when being taught, and driver education has made a big difference. A lot of people now even signal left when leaving the roundabout.
The main problem now is not lack of awareness about rules, it’s mentality. In Sydney, it’s always me first. There are some really selfish drivers out there that don’t think about the overall functioning of society in general.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I don’t think many people at all seem to understand roundabouts.
I read the rules and it’s just as I always knew.
You DON’T have to give way to your right…..UNLESS the person on your right is ALREADY on the roundabout. I am tired of being abused and having horns blasted at me by bombastic agressive people who behave like barbarians behind the wheel!
I drive safely, and have held a driver’s licence for 34 years. I always slow down at roundabouts and I have an excellent driving record!
June 14th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I musn’t be driving through the same roundabouts as you, Tony. Where I drive, motorists go way too fast through roundabouts – evidently breaking the road rule as it would be impossible for them to brake with enough time to avoid a collision.
And most drivers I see still operate on the give way to your right rule and still honk you if they think you haven’t given way to them.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
The 2 main problems are use of indicators and speed into the roundabouts. Many drivers seem oblivious as to how, what or when to indicate to let other drivers know their intentions, often giving no indicator or misleading indicator signals.
As for speed, some drivers seem only to glance to the right as they hit the roundabout and ignore vehicles already on the roundabout on their left expecting that they will get right of way, even from 20+ metres on approach to the roundabout.
The RTA needs to look at reducing speed limits on approaches to roundabouts and hopefully Police will enforce limits. One roundabout (Oak Flats Interchange) has 80kph limits from the Princes Hwy that has a 60kph limit; the limit increases 20kph going onto the off ramp to the Interchange!!
June 17th, 2009 at 8:54 am
I still think that the “give way to your right” should still apply, it works, it allows a clear and simple rule which leaves no room for interpretation, no squabbaling at the scene of an accident over who was on before who. One of the reason alot of drivers speed on approaching a roundabout might be so they can be there first, and all people must give way to them. What i dont like are the people who indicate right when they are travelling straight, it is dangerous.
June 17th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
It seems to me that the rules for roundabouts were written with the larger roundabouts in mind. In Sydney, we are subjected, especially in the eastern subs, to tiny roundabouts located at just about every small suburban intersection (coogee, paddington as examples). The intersections are so small that you cannot really be in a roundabout and have right of way as is suggested in the rules. At these roundabouts, drivers approach and ONLY look to their right while not really slowing down. So if you happen to stick your nose in (entering from their left) no doubt you’ll be collected. The RTA must provide dedicated rules for these small roundabouts (eg all cars to slow down to 20kph approaching them) – the larger roundabouts depicted by diagrams in their rules are certainly not the norm in Sydney’s east.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Just to clarify on the indicating rules. The RTA website is quite clear on the road rules as it applies to roundabouts. You are required to indicate when leaving the roundabout unless it is not practical to do so. So with those small roundabouts I don’t indicate when I am leaving. On the large roundabouts, especially those with two lanes, I always indicate. If is not only courteous, but allows all the traffic to know what your intentions are.
I always seem to think that not a lot of people really know the road rules. They may “think” they do, but they don’t. Roundabouts is one of them where I go when it is safe, only to have someone speed through and almost collect my back quarter. Then hit their horn because they “think” they are in the right.
Another one, and I know this is off topic, is the keep left unless overtaking on a motorway. When I was commuting from Wollongong to Sydney, 90% of the drivers would stay left, but then 10% would just cruise along in the right hand lane, with no regard for others. This includes Highway Patrol cars. This not only inconveniences others queuing up behind them, but also those that then want to try and overtake but cannot enter the right hand lane (because of said queue) in order to overtake. Just another thing for those that don’t know. You are required to keep left in any multi lane road where the signposted speed limit is 80km/h or more.
The RTA should use those overhead motorway signs to reinforce the road rules sometimes, when they are not required for emergency information.
In short, nothing wrong with the rule, its the education that is the problem, especially for those drivers that haven’t had to get their licenses in the last 10 years (the newer drivers at least have had it drummed into them). I have been driving for about 20 years and I do know the rule, so there is no reason everyone else shouldn’t.
I will get off my soapbox now.
June 20th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I don’t believe the RTA has adequately covered the most common small roundabouts at all. Most drivers drive by “give way to the right” which is not a rule on the statute books any more. The problem is there is no definition as to what constitutes “already in the roundabout” Does this mean you have just crossed the line with your front wheels, or completely in the roundabout (impossible with small roundabouts as you are already half way out by then), or somewhere in between. I don’t think the RTA wants to acknowledge there is a problem. As far as indicators are concerned, once again the RTA rules do not really cover small roundabouts where common practice is to indicate as you would if it was a simple cross road situation. The RTA requirement to indicate when entering and again when leaving except where “it is not practical to do so” does not tell drivers what to do when it IS not practical.
June 20th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I wrote to Stuart at NRMA with this question in late May, and I suspect this started this roundabout discussion on this blog, thanks Stuart, and i am glad to see that there are people out there that do know that you dont HAVE to give way to the right.
“hi, what is the rule regarding the following situation at a
roundabout? Two vehicles wish to enter a roundabout. Both have reached
the entrance to the roundabout at exactly the same time but neither
have entered yet.
From my understanding the rule does not state to necessarily to give way
to
the right, although everyone seems to think so. Who goes into the
roundabout in this situation? Also i have noticed that people assume
they have right of way if they are on the right and they zoom into the
roundabout without slowing down even though the driver on their left
really could have gone into the roundabout safely.
thanks!”
June 21st, 2009 at 4:09 pm
To me, one part of the Roundabout Rules has never been clear. One is required to give way to vehicles “already on the Roundabout”. But what is the definition of “already on the Roundabout”? Is it “the vehicle wholly over the Entrance Line”? Or is it “the vehicle only partly over the Entrance Line”? On the larger Roundabouts and with a stream of cars approaching the Roundabout on my right and with half of my vehicle over the Entrance Line, most of those vehicles on my right still do not slow down to allow me to fully enter the Roundabout! If anyone knows the definition, please tell me!
June 21st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I agree with the majority of comments saying there should be a reduction of the speed limit on approaching a roundabout which would allow cars to enter with more safety.
June 21st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
The rule about left indicating when exiting in the straight ahead or right turn situations needs to be abolished immediately. I have never seen another vehicle advantaged by this rule. I don’t even see police officers using it. Its very confusing for most seniors and causing them to make other mistakes entering or leaving roundabouts. Watching other drivers from the drivers seat of a bus is an eye opener at every roundabout.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:34 am
It appears that many of us do agree that the RTA has really not given much thought to very small roundabouts. In particular who has ‘right of way’ – does a vehicle that enters (its only just a matter of seconds) before a vehicle coming from its RHS, have the ‘right of way’? I get very frustrated sitting behind someone at a small roundabout who will wait and wait and wait for all the cars coming from their right (not slowing mind you) even though they could stick their nose in and claim ‘right of way’. Perhaps they would claim this right, if all cars approaching are expected to slow down.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I think we need to go back to giving way to the vehicle on your right. Giving people too many options as they approach a roundabout is too confusing for some. Especially having to indicate when leaving a roundabout seems to confuse a lot of people. Very often a driver will indicate left, however, they actually go straight, but think they need to indicate left to do this. Let’s keep it simple, give way to your right, nice and simple.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
I agree with most of what is said here. I learnt to drive in Frnace where most roundabouts have 2 lanes. The rules is clear on which lane you should be on depending on where you want to exit the roundabout (learning to drive with an accredited driving instructor is compulsory which helps as well). 2 lanes also means that the roundabouts are much wider than in Sydney. In clear if you are not in second gear you will stall half way through or when exiting. It forces people to slow down hence creating less accidents while keeping a fairly fluid traffic. That could be done in Sydney without much modification for some roundabouts: build a kerb to force drivers to turn there wheels enough so that they have to slow down. There might be a few scarry kerb-tyres contacts at first but the message will be quickly understood.
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Here in the southern suburbs of Sydney, it’s normal for green P platers to charge into roundabouts at 50-60km from (50km speed limit) side streets where they can’t be seen until the last moment, expecting that either there won’t be any other vehicles in the roundabout, or that they’ll somehow be able to get out of their way. I’ve already almost been hit by one of those stupid children and now I know to almost stop when approaching roundabouts, and only proceed when I can see into those side streets.
If it sounds like I’ve got something against most green P plate hoons, you’re right. They are by far the most dangerous drivers on the roads, who tailgate, speed and do whatever they like as though none of the road rules apply to them.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
As the RTA says – “give way to those on the roundabout” NOT to your right, otherwise we might as well dig up all the small roundabouts and tear out the give way signs. It would be back to the bad old days of “give way to you right” which never really worked well.
I used to drive an old Volvo, and strangely enough people did give way when I stuck the nose onto a roundabout if they were approaching it from my right at speed!
In the UK drivers seem to be more used to roundabouts and I have seen them open a space to let someone in who is waiting, on large or small roundabouts. Takes a second and costs nothing.
Perhaps the police should have a booking session to enforce roundabout rules – it could be a better earner than speeding fines.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I agree with Martin! I recently read somewhere that a survey of drivers showed that about 50% of them don’t understand the rules for roundabouts. From the way that most of them ignore traffic to their left and blithely charge ahead, apparently they assume that the ‘give way to the right’ rule applies, which it does *not*.
I don’t want to get my nice new Getz smashed up so I just have to stop until all those on my right roar through the small local roundabouts and often barely slow down.
Why doesn’t the RTA start educating drivers about correct roundabout use and booking those who break the rules? Probably because there are too few police to enforce it, and it would be too hard to install ‘safety’ (revenue) cameras at most roundabouts.
June 28th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I agree with some of the comments and disagree strongly with others.
First, I’ll deal with my pet peeve – the idiot who annoys me greatly by leaving the roundabout at the exit immediately before the entry I am waiting at, with his right hand blinker flashing merrily away as he leaves the roundabout to his left – leaving me waiting there for nothing.
Stephen, I’m the one DISadvantaged by drivers too lazy to obey the rule! When I signal correctly that I’m leaving the roundabout those wanting to enter can do so far sooner – IE they are ADVANTAGED by not waiting there to see if I really am continuing around the roundabout, or leaving before I reach them, but too lazy to operate my blinker.
The rule is simple enough, you signal left when leaving the roundabout at the next exit. Where is the problem? Where is the complication?
The rule actually says: “If practicable, a driver driving in a roundabout must give a left change of direction signal when leaving the roundabout.” It does say, ‘if practicable’, NOT ‘if you’re too lazy’, or ‘if you can’t be bothered’, or ‘if it’s too much trouble’.
Let’s get a little realistic with roundabouts. There are only three things you can do at a roundabout: 1- enter the roundabout; 2- travel in the roundabout, and 3 – leave the roundabout. You can’t ‘go straight ahead’, you can’t ‘turn left’. you can’t ‘turn right’ or ‘do a U-turn’. Enter, travel in and leave.
All the satellite navigation systems I’ve heard “get it” – they will tell you: “Leave the roundabout at the third exit”. I never yet heard a satnav tell me to “Turn right at the roundabout”. Why? Because they ‘get it’ – they know it’s not correct terminology to talk about directional turns at roundabouts, and we shouldn’t do it either.
The sooner drivers kick of their pre-roundabout thinking and get with the times the better it will be for all.
Forget about turning or ‘going through’ when you’re at a roundabout. Enter the roundabout, then leave it at your required exit, and signal correctly while you’re about it. Why is that so complicated?
It’s a real shame the rules (not only roundabouts, but any rules) aren’t explained in simple language. Unfortunately there has not yet been a government official who can use half a dozen clear, simple words when twenty five pages will do the job with greater confusion. The proposition that, should a rule be simple enough to understand, then it may be more easily followed has not occurred to the RTA. The fiasco with roundabouts is a prime example. Unfortunately, I have not heard any clear and concise explanations coming from NRMA either.
‘Enter’, ‘travel in’ and ‘leave’. Start promoting it that way and we’ll begin to get somewhere at last.
June 29th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Back to basics are we?
All drivers, beginners or experienced knows the rules!
That is not the problem. The problem are the drivers limitations while observing. This is also one of the reasons why beginners will achieve huge advantages, when and if they reduce the speed.
The biggest problem lays in the lack of understanding of the Give Way sign/rule. If the drivers would respect these signs/rules (give way and stop), they would reduce the speed (show intention) in order to let the other road user KNOW and feel safe.
Then unnecessary “pile ups” and delays would be reduced.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
The roundabouts I’ve been referring to aren’t the big ‘real’ ones on main roads, but what used to be ordinary T and four-way intersections with Stop or Give Way signs in back streets until the authorities put a white slightly raised circular area in the middle and ‘Roundabout’ signs at each entry point. The majority of drivers still treat them as ordinary intersections but now with a ‘give way to the right’ bias.
Anyone crazy enough to enter one of these roundabouts ahead of a driver still approaching another entrance at speed is almost certain to have their car demolished. Drivers are forced to stop and let fast-moving vehicles pass, regardless of who has right of way.
Unless drivers can be educated about the rules (how?), roundabouts in back streets will continue to be “Chicken Rings”, as I’ve heard them very correctly called.
As for turn signals, how many drivers use them at all these days? They may as well be made optional extras on new cars, for the small number of drivers who are considerate and follow the rules.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:26 am
So, it is really a attitude problem?
Why indicate?
Why reduce the speed?
Why bother?
Why be polite?
Why care?
June 30th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Agree with David & Bob above. As David indicates, it should not be too difficult for the most dopey motorist to follow basic requirements of entering, driving in, exiting the larger roundabouts but as Bob also correctly points out the small roundabouts installed where once existed ‘give-way’ signs are totally misunderstood by most motorists. With these, you enter and exit – you cannot really be in one. Really they are just treated as give way to the right because our useless RTA has not provided any instruction on the correct use of them. The normal roundabout useage guides found their website cannot apply to these smaller roundabouts. C’mon you so called x-spurts at the RTA, provide some guideance.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Have you ever thought about the reasons behind having roundabouts?
They were planned to avoid the serious crashes and to keep the flow of traffic up?
Well they have reduced the serious crashes (killings), but the drivers still have a bad approach regarding the speed.
If the RTA have to illustrate every “special” intersection or roundabout their users hand book would be thicker than the Holy Bible.
If the driver were to adopt some of the holy scripture into their driving, it will be a better drive not only for ourselves but to our next of kind as well.
Have a safe drive.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
It is absurd and ilogical to contemplate using a blinker to go straight. I have seen many times drivers indicating left or right on approach then go straight, let alone battling the auto cancel while turning the wheel. For me it is never “practical to do so.” One can easily tell which way other drivers are heading “watch them!” To all the slow pokes who wait for a written invite to enter a r’about, go get some lessons from a professional.
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I agree with giving way to any vehicle already on the roundabout, BUT also LEARNT 40 years ago that you MUST GIVEWAY to ANYONE on your RIGHT. That includes on roundabouts, Vehicles that are overtaking etc.
Graham
July 6th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
1. I was abused a while ago on Burwood Rd, Burwood NSW by a burly off duty firefighter after trying to enter a roundabout, by edging forward to get “already on the Roundabout”. He was about 5 cars back to my right travelling at speed in a constant stream of cars and I was on a sidestreet. When I finally saw a gap I accelerated to exit the other side. He claimed I should have given way to him as he was on my right. I could have sat there for another half hour waiting for a gap. I agree with Keith but even being in the right doesn’t help if you are injured or dead. I believe roundabouts could be better designed so you cannot enter at the local speed limit. There should be more need to go around and off a straight line.
2. When the car rego is done or licence is renewed we should receive a roadrules book. It costs $10 to buy one now but is a hassle getting one. If it is sent automatically then this hopefully would encourage a greater understanding of current and new/updated rules. Sure not everyone will read it but some will. It would have been handy to have had one in the care to show to the firefighter. Are you aware of all the new rules?
3. I believe that when entering a multilane roundabout the left lane should exit at the first and only the first exit. The right lane can choose to exit at any other but NOT the first using correct indicator technique.
4. Graham Willcocks are you sure? Did you learn the roundabout rule 40 years ago? Please note: the word “right” is not mentioned in the rules
114 Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
(1) A driver entering a roundabout must give way to:
(a) any vehicle in the roundabout, and
(b) a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.
source
Graham this is not a personal attack but I am trying to highlight the misunderstandings by a large portion of roadusers.
July 6th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Thank you Tim! “….even being in the right doesn’t help if you are injured or dead.” is exactly my attitude.
I could legally jump out onto a roundabout in front of a rule-ignorant driver approaching another entry point at full speed in the knowledge that he wouldn’t be able to stop in time, but I’d prefer not to have my car smashed up and likely written off, even if I was in the right.
Steve’s exactly right that it’s ridiculous to use turn signals when you’re exiting a roundabout in a straight line. I’d never thought about it until he mentioned it and I’ve certainly never done it myself (naughty me).
There used to be a huge roundabout near Miranda, south of Sydney. It quickly became known as Sydney’s worst black spot for accidents and was ripped up and replaced with a normal intersection controlled by traffic lights. Victoria Rd Wetherill Park used to be full of roundabouts but almost all of them have been wisely torn up and replaced with traffic lights.
Roundabouts might be the best traffic control option in a very few special situations. But the brain-dead ‘experts’ have put them in back streets and places where they are totally inappropriate so that they only cause driver confusion and problems, not solve them. Most of them should be removed and replaced with normal intersections which everyone understands.
July 7th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Perhaps for the very small suburban back street roundabouts, they should install speed humps on all entry points to slow down motorists and in that way getting rid of the ‘give way to the right’ notion that Graham and others seem to be governed by.
July 7th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Please, why fight the rules, they are here to stay.
When some some find it difficult ti use the indicators it is of three reasons.
1) They are either driving to fast and then the indicator is “wasted” because the fact of nobody gets the advantage of it.
2) Pure selfishness, you give the signal to let some have the advantage and understanding your destination. Then they will achieve the possibility of using safe gaps.
3) We need to remember the pedestrians as well as bicycles her.
Sincerely
July 7th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Dear Donella
Arguing the legal terms of who gets the blame is difficult. But internationally there have been court decisions where the first entered has been given the blame. There has been two reasons for this. Either the second vehicle was going to fast or shifting position(lane).
Dear Steve
When and if you are driving 50-60 km/h the indication will be a “waste” of time going straight and left. The light will be blinking ONCE where as if you reduce your speed to 30-40 km/h it makes heaps of difference.
Dear Tim
Selfishness is unfortunately amongst us while driving. And how you explained the fire fighter I would presume you were not to any hindrance to him? And if you are not to any hindrance I do not believe there are any give way situation either. Are there?
So lesson learned: Reduce the speed on approach, show your respect towards your fellow road user, so they understand your indication and are able to make appropriate action regarding safe-gaps.
Dear Bob
It is when we humans believe we are better than our next of kind we need some rules. Otherwise we will have anarchy on our roads.
In some areas where the humans not are able to tackle some different situations the regulations of the authorities needs to step in. It is common practice international to give the roundabout a chance where there is a “complex intersection”. When and if the drivers adopt to it it will often stay put. If not. traffic light intersection are reintroduced.
Summary:
Like it or not. If people do not wear seat-belts voluntary we need laws.
When people does not understand the importance of wearing helmets when riding bikes, We need the regulation.
Sincerely
July 9th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
So, roundabouts were invented to increase the flow of traffic in all directions, and allow those on the side roads to enter a main road without having to wait at either a traffic light or a stop/give way sign right?
So why then, do we at the side roads sit and wait until there is a gap to our right?
In my view, it would be better to abolish them all together and go back to stop/give way signs, as the roundabout hasn’t improved the flow, has it.
Outside my office there is a roundabout just before a set of lights, when the light is red, people actually sit IN the roundabout preventing others in the side street from moving out. So why bother, at least if it was a proper intersection they would perhaps realise and leave a gap. Or is that being to hopeful.
Education is the key, same with motorcycle helmets. If people rode within their limits and other traffic treated motorcycles as equals, we wouldn’t ever need helmets. Neither would we need seat belts, roundabouts or traffic lights.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I live in the Blue Mountains, at Springwood station there is a roundabout where on I can no longer count the number of times that I’ve been entering the round about just past the police station to make a right hand turn and I’ve been in the roundabout making my turn, and cars turning left underneath the railway over pass just enter without giving way to their right, and I have to break in the middle of my turn. If I was not to break I would collide with them who is liable here me or them?
What about indicating when exiting the round about, it was drummed into me as a learn driver over 20 years ago yet I do it and I never see any other drivers doing it, which just makes me look stupid.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
There are far too many roundabouts today. Specially the tiny ones where one sees the bus barely able to get around it and drive over the middle.
Give way to the right is not the purpose of a roundabout. They are designed to keep the flow of traffic moving in a fair manner. ie., exiting or entering from a quiet street to a bigger busier street. Give way to the right is ‘stolen’ and defeats the purpose. Yet time after time you see car after car just speed through as if it is their right. The rules are about as clear as mud.
Giving way to the right on a busy thoroughfare can end in you waiting and waiting and waiting. And you can’t do anything about it because such an ignorance will only end up killing you so you just put up with it. I think that a stop sign should be mandatory. And if anything then the car to the left of you should take precedence. But only one, and then the car left to him will take priority over the car behind the first car. and that way, 1 by 1 cars get through in turn on an orderly fashion.
Re-education should be a priority. I’ve found even talking to many people that they simply DO NOT UNDERSTAND the principle of the existence and need of a roundabout which – let’s face it – is a cheap version of installing lights.
And with double laned roundabouts. Scary stuff. They should be clearly marked with arrows. But surely if there is a need for double lane roundabouts, they really should consider putting in a set of lights and doing it properly.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
The rules are clear and easy to follow.
I have only had problems at roundabouts with people who don’t know the rules and tend to want to give way when they have right of way.
Also many people don’t understand the meaning of giving way.
“give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision”
But if there is plenty of time and room and no risk of collision it is not necessary to stop.
July 10th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Yes, the rules are clear and reasonably easy to follow, but surveys have found that only about half of the drivers on the road know what the rules are.
The rest assume that ‘give way to the right’ applies, when the rule is ‘give way to traffic already in the roundabout’.
Unless this lack of driver education can be corrected (how?), roundabouts will continue to be the dangerous ‘Chicken Rings’ they are now.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I agree with Bob 100%, and may I add that on many occasions when my car is already on the line and with front wheels in roundabout I have to halt because the drivers comming from my right presumed that they have right of way and they speed into roundabout. This is becoming more and more “customary” forcing the conscious drivers to yield the way to the aggresive ones. It needs to be better clarified what it means “a vehicle already in the roundabout” Does it mean whole vehicle or when the vehicle has already crossing the line and entering the roundabout?
July 12th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Yet again today, on a small roundabout at the intersection of Oberon & Arden sts Coogee, the vehicle in front of me (entering from Oberon) had entered and then a young lady sped thru from the right (on Arden) honking her horn – why? she doesn’t know the rules and expected ‘right of way’ even though she had entered the roundabout after. TV education, RTA before someone is killed. In my view, the RTA would be liable because they have not made (negotiating small roundabouts) clear to the general motoring public.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Nos, that’s exactly the scenario I’ve been trying to describe. I fully agree with what you and Penny Azar have been saying.
I know that drivers are responsible for learning changed and new road rules, but obviously only about half of us are making the effort to do that. The rest just leave their brains in neutral and don’t even think about it.
Unless the RTA can somehow educate all drivers about the rules for roundabouts, we’ll all have to stop at roundabouts for the idiots who assume that ‘give way to the right’ applies and charge through at full speed.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
You all think you own the road…..you have the right of way…..Learn the road rules before you get onto the roads and think you know everything. Look in the mirror in the morning and say to yourself, do I know what I’m doing?? “Oh, I haven’t had any accidents or tickets.” Yes, but how many accidents have you caused? Read the ROAD RULES 2008 and then you may change you driving habits.
October 6th, 2009 at 6:02 am
Watch over you wife, kids, and cars with this little gadget
Trackstick
Just thought I would share, I bought one for myself and love it.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I think its fair to give way to the vehicles on your right in small roundabouts.
If we dont, everyone may just want to be the first to be on the roundabout and we end up with even more confusions.
For large roundabouts with high traffic flows, i think a set of traffic lights will simply be much more effective and safer for motorists.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:10 am
They should make all roundabouts stop signs……and make everycar stop! this will stop the cars approaching from the right hand side thinking they have right of way and stop major traffic conjestion at some roundabouts
January 29th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
The other day I encountered a roundabout which had a big speed bump at each entry point. I thought that was an interesting way to counteract the idiots who proceed at full speed into roundabouts without even looking for (or caring about) other traffic. I wonder if it will catch on?
Or will someone in the NSW Government finally realize that putting roundabouts at every back street intersection is a really stupid and inappropriate idea?
February 8th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Speed humps do sound good,but enother alternative would be to introduce (Stop signes) one car length from the Round about.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
I came across the simple give way rule at roundabout from NZ transport: “give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout”.
source: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-driving/giving-way-at-roundabouts.html
Actually, I understand this more than our universal “give way to any vehicle in the roundabout” rule, which is pretty vague to me. Suppose the vehicle does not travel cross our path or just enters the roundabout, do we still need to wait to make sure that it leaves the roundabout??
Maybe a driving examiner from state department of transport can help clarify this?
February 18th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I almost got hit by a tram after exiting a complex roundabout the other day. Had the collision happened I would’ve been in the wrong. However, that doesn’t excuse the immensely poor design of that tram crossings That tram crossing, right after a round about was in a high traffic, high speed area and there is absolutely no doubt the lack of a traffic light there is negligent road design.
In addition, there is another kind of roundabout, which is of a silly design. It involves a TRAM TRACK slicing straight through the middle of it! This is rare case. However perhaps due to rarity, and not despite of, is the reason why accidents with trams happen at these death contraptions, because drivers have never seen them before! I certainly hadn’t the first item I ran into one! Seriously, what sort of ridiculously dangerous design is this? I’m not a road engineer or designer, but I can tell you from what I’ve learned in usability design in University that this is poor design and puts drivers at risk.
In Melbourne there is death trap targeted at INTERSTATE DRIVERS and FOREIGNERS called the “hook turn”, but let’s not go into that now.
Another issue regarding trams is that cars sometimes must give way to merging trams, and what a small sign that is used to convey this critical merge.
It’s NOT ok to blame everything on drivers. Unless humans are gods (the last time I checked we were not gods), then mistakes will be made especially when a driver approaches an unfamiliar situation with little time to act.
To make matters worse, VicRoad’s L tests and license tests are a joke at best. When I took my L test I got 32/32 in joke of a test that really tests nothing of your road knowledge (at least nothing of significance), and the driving test itself was on incredibly typical roads with no challenge. Germany has the right idea that have compulsory driver training programs that rival pilot training.
VicRoads needs to lift it’s game, now. In many cases where accidents, drivers simply can’t accept all the responsibility, VicRoads needs to better driver training and our roads and stop looking for “poor driving” as a scapegoat for their own weaknesses.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
By the way I just want to add: There are lots of people who are obsessed about being “right”. Of course everyone wants to be “right”. But you won’t always be right. You will make mistakes at time, EVERYBODY will. You’re not the god you think you are. I am not, you are not.
The attitude “I am a better driver than you” a dangerous, and leads to road rage. When someone makes a mistake, let it go. Get over it. You will make one too.
We all want to survive on the road. Just drive the best we can, and keep up to date with the road rules maybe once every few months. Also, now and then, drive to some unusual place to practice your driving. Remember – we never stop learning how to drive, even if we’ve been driving for 40 years. It’s like learning anything – we are always students. And as students, we are always making mistakes. Get over it.
March 6th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
I have a scenario for your opinion. This almost happened to me, but didn’t. I’d be interested to know what an insurance companys take would be on this scenario.
4 way roundabout with one lane. exits/entry at 12, 3 6 and 9 oclock.
If carA enters from 6 oclock without indicating
carB is approaching from 12o’clock after carA is already in roundabout.
Who is at fault if carB collects carA’s side, if carB is actually exiting from the 3oclock, exit but didn’t indicate.
Is CarB still at fault because they didn’t stop and hit carA on its side. or is carA to blame because it didn’t indicate and CarB should therefore think it can drive straight through without stopping.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Stop signs at roundabouts would defeat their purpose. Roundabouts should keep traffic moving slowly. People who stop at a roundabout because there is a car on their right that has not yet entered the roundabout are a menace.
April 29th, 2010 at 4:23 am
car coming from a round about indicated to take the turn off the round about but continued to go on the round about and ploughed into the right hand side of my car, i know traffic to the right have right of way but he was indicating to the left turn off the round about and then changed his mind… can any one give me advice on this??
July 18th, 2010 at 1:41 am
No, traffic already in the roundabout has right of way. But everyone gives way to the right, believing that to be the law. Or am I mistaken?
July 21st, 2010 at 11:01 am
It is my experience that 80% of drivers do not know the rules regarding roundabouts. Even previous blogs make this abundantly clear if you scan them carefully.
Free TV advertising spots will be required to educate all drivers.
NRMA should push the government to enact legislation for this.
Education of “Experienced” drivers is what is needed badly.
July 29th, 2010 at 10:27 am
The big problem as I see it is with dual or multi-lane roundabouts. There need to be clearer rules in place for these. What if someone in a right lane wants to turn off on to the street on right hand side? This car enters on right lane, goes around the roundabout clockwise, then intends to exit on to right street. But in actual fact this car is turning left off the roundabout to exit. In so doing, this car must cross over the left lane (therefore potentially crossing in front of any traffic that is going straight through!). If you are in this left lane going straight through and the turning car hits you, well who is really in the wrong? Should the car in left lane have given way to car on right? Or should car in right lane have waited for all left lane traffic to clear before exiting (thereby holding up traffic and creating a dangerous situation)? Or should car in right lane have kept going around the roundabout until there was a gap in left lane and that driver could then enter the left lane, only then exiting safely? But in so doing, that driver may not have been in the correct lane, considering that some lanes have painted arrows!!
August 18th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Two lane roundabouts. Unless otherwise signposted, the vehicle in the left lane may not pass two exits ie they must take either the first or second exit. The vehicle in the right lane must not take the first exit. Pretty simple.
Small roundabouts. Difficult and frustrating sometimes, but as with all situations on the road common sense must come first and foremost, especially with blinker on blinker off, if its not practical to do, it don’t (Small roundabouts).
Traffic lights at roundabouts. Whilst traveling in the UK, I found that a lot of roundabouts have traffic lights before them (even within them on really large ones), which is really effective during peak periods in allowing other vehicles to enter the roundabout when there is a constant stream of traffic in one direction, this being said they are only effective in peak times and make the roundabout redundant at other times.
The issue of what happens if you arrive at the same time as another vehicle is simple (on medium to large roundabouts), you arrive together, you enter together, unless one of you is going too fast you wont crash!
When are the police going to focus on the “Keep left unless overtaking” rule. It is probably one of the simplest rules we have, if you are travelling on a road with a speed limit of 80kph or higher you must travel in the left lane unless overtaking or preparing to turn right. It is dangerous, frustrating and illegal.
August 24th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Roundabouts are the most scary situation of road travel. Most drivers use one rule – barge through without slowing down no matter what.
Roundabout rules are not enforced, but if they were there would be a field day. Just needs a plain clothes cop and a camera.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Hi, Well take it from me , the RTA is not interested in making our roads safer . I have had e mail chats with the RTA over several issues, including one very stupidly placed roundabout with arrows on the road pointing to a vacant block and straight ahead arrows actually taking you to the left. I have also pointed out what numerous others have to the RTA about cars entering way too fast and posing a very real danger. I have seen this exact situation happen where a car was overturned in the middle of a roundabout, Does the RTA care ?? NO . On one dual lane roundabout a friend was fined $200 for making a right hand turn from the outside lane . Bit rough ? yes. Now this roundabout never had an exit to the left before but soon as they opened an exit to the left the police were waiting with baited breath to catch someone out. No warnings just a hefty fine. Oh yes there was a sign , a very small one partly obscured by a tree.Where are the police when you really need them ? Hiding waiting to raise revenue.When the RTA and police behave like decent humans then we might just respect them again. I have offered to debate and discuss issues with the RTA and also offered to take them for a drive to point out some of there bad rules but i might as well talk to a brick wall. As for speed humps, A total waste of fuel, brake wear and suspension wear and extra pollution . And they are discriminating against sensible drivers.And don’t even get me started on speed cameras !