Roundabout Rules In NSW & VIC
Whether you’re in Western Australia, South Australia or Victoria and Tasmania, it’s important to understand how to use a roundabout correctly. From approaching the roundabout, to using a multi-lane roundabout, choosing the correct lane – there’s a lot to know. And if you violate the rules, you could end up with demerit points on your licence.
In this blog, LTrent Driving School will discuss a few of the most important rules about using roundabouts in NSW and VIC.
1. Approaching The Roundabout And Giving Way
The most important thing to remember is that, when approaching the roundabout, the roundabout rule states that a driver must slow before they enter the roundabout, and give way to any road user – including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists – in the roundabout.
There are two main roundabout signs used in NSW and VIC. The “yellow diamond” indicates there is a roundabout ahead, and it’s usually accompanied by a white upside-down triangle, indicating you must give way to cars in the roundabout.
A Stop sign may occasionally be present. This means you must stop completely at the unbroken white line before a roundabout before you enter the roundabout. Always follow these road markings!
2. Making A Left Turn Or Right Turn
After giving way, you may enter the roundabout. If you are in a multi-lane roundabout and wish to turn left, you’ll need to indicate and move to the left lane. If you’re turning right, do the opposite – enter the right-most of the lanes in a roundabout while indicating appropriately.
In a single-lane roundabout, you’ll do the exact same thing – but you won’t have to change lanes. Just enter, drive, and signal appropriately to indicate where you’re turning when you exit the roundabout.
3. Making A “U Turn”
If you need to go back around the roundabout completely, stay in the right-most lane (multi-lane roundabout) and indicate a right turn when you’re leaving the roundabout. Do not signal until you’ve passed the second-to-last exit, to ensure that you do not confuse other drivers.
4. Going Straight Through A Roundabout
If you want to drive straight, simply follow the road markings to make sure you’re in the correct lane. Note that NSW road rules state you must only indicate “when practical to do so.” If you’re driving straight through a roundabout, the choice of whether or not to indicate when you travel straight is up to you.
5. Indicating In Roundabouts
In general, the NSW roundabouts rule states that you need to signal for a long enough time that the drivers around you know what you’re going to do – so use your best judgment.
For example, if you need to get into the left-most lane of a two-lane roundabout to make a left turn, you should indicate for at least 1-2 seconds before switching lanes. Flicking your indicator on for just a half a second may not give other drivers enough time to realize what you’re doing.
Stay Safe (And Demerit Free) When Using Roundabouts In NSW And VIC
NSW and VIC roundabout laws are identical, and they are not that complicated. Hopefully, the above guide has helped you understand what you’ll need to do when using a roundabout.
If you’re a learner driver in NSW or VIC and you’re interested in learning more, LTrent Driving School can help. We offer professional driving instruction for drivers of all ages and licence levels. To get started, get in touch with us today on 02 8748 4500 for NSW and 1300 717 115 for Melbourne. Book your lessons online now through the link below.