What Are the Rules for Indicating in Roundabouts
Road rules are essential when you’re first learning to drive. It’s also important to know that the rules vary depending on the situation. It’s wise to learn about driving laws from a credible source before getting behind the wheel.
In this article, we’ll be covering the rules for indicating roundabouts in Victoria and NSW. Breaking these laws will result in you accumulating demerit points on your license. Accumulate enough of these points, and you may get a suspension.
Giving Way to Others
Before entering a roundabout, you must first look at the roundabout sign. There are two signs you can encounter; a white upside-down triangle and a stop sign.
For white upside-down triangles, you have to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout as if the roundabout is an intersection. For pedestrians, you don’t need to give way to them unless they’re already crossing.
Stop signs indicate that you come to a complete stop before continuing onto the road. Even if there are no vehicles or pedestrians, you have to stop before entering.
In Victoria, you must also give way to Trams entering the junction. Other than this law, the roundabout rules between NSW and Victoria are similar.
Turning Left
When you want to turn left at roundabouts, you must indicate that you’re going left until you exit the junction.
If it’s a multi-lane roundabout, you have to turn into the left lane and stay there.
Turning Right
Turning right at a roundabout is similar to turning left. When you’re approaching the roundabout, you must indicate that you’re going right until you’re about to exit the road.
Indicate left when you’re leaving the roundabout. Multi-lane roundabouts require you to approach the right lane and stay in that lane.
Going Straight
If you’re going straight in a single-lane roundabout, you don’t need to signal when entering or approaching a roundabout. You only signal left once you’re leaving the junction.
If there are multiple lanes, then you’re free to enter any lane. When there’s a sign telling you the roundabout is for right and left turns only, then only use the corresponding lane. For example, if you’re driving in a roundabout for left turns only, the left lane would be the correct lane.
Cyclists and Animals
You can turn right from the left lane if you’re riding a bicycle. However, you must be wary of others that are exiting the road. You must wait until everybody has exited the roundabout to go.
If you’re riding a horse or any animal, this applies to you also. We recommend that you be extra careful when on a road if you’re riding an animal or driving by an animal. Horses can get scared when there’s traffic in a roundabout. You should slow down to not spook the animal.
Overtaking
Only some roundabouts will allow you to overtake other vehicles. You can tell by the line-markings whether you’re allowed to overtake other vehicles or not.
When you’re overtaking, you must indicate which way you’ll overtake before turning lanes. This law is in place for you to avoid a collision with another driver. Only overtake another vehicle when there’s a safe gap in traffic.
Learn How To Navigate Roundabouts With Driving Lessons
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