It is fair to say that roundabouts are one of the hardest sections of the Highway Code for beginners to master. Make sure you read through this page a few times until you completely understand it. If you are learning to drive and have any questions, be sure to note them down and ask your driving instructor next time you have a lesson. DRIVING LESSONS ONLINE - that will save you £'s on learning to drive! Start here >> Section 184 Section 184 of the Highway Code is all about what to do when approaching a roundabout. To ensure you approach roundabouts safely you should look out for traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings, all of which will help you to prepare for manoeuvring around the roundabout and identifying the correct lane. When approaching a roundabout you should:
Section 185 Section 185 explains what you should do when you reach the roundabout. Again it is important to be aware of the traffic around you and look out for road users who may be signalling incorrectly or in some cases not signalling at all! When reaching a roundabout you should:
Section 186 This section of the Highway Code explains the signals and positions required to exit a roundabout safely. Follow the rules and you will find maneuvering roundabouts to be much less stressful. When taking the first exit (unless signs and markings indicate otherwise):
When taking an exit to the right or going full circle (unless signs or markings indicate otherwise):
When taking any intermediate exit (unless signs or markings indicate otherwise):
Section 187
Section 187 explains the road users you should watch out for and give plenty of room to when approaching and entering a roundabout. This includes:
Section 188 This section of the Highway Code is all about mini-roundabouts. You should apply the same rules to approaching and entering mini-roundabouts as you would normal roundabouts. It is important to remember that all vehicles must pass round the central markings, unless they are too large to do so. You will find that when driving around mini-roundabouts there is less room to manoeuvre and less time to signal, so take extra care. Section 189 If you are faced with a double mini-roundabout, make sure that you treat each roundabout separately (approaching and entering them in the same way you would any roundabout) and give way to traffic coming from your right. Section 190 If you are approaching a set of mini-roundabouts (common at complex junctions) you need to treat each of them separately, following the rules stated above. We hope this information has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to approach and enter roundabouts safely. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Image credits: MarkyBon and EthelRedThePetrolHead
227 Comments
Tim Mason
3/3/2015 13:59:45
Is it illegal to deliberately use the incorrect lane on a roundabout in order to beat queuing traffic?
Reply
Helen Ings
7/11/2015 15:51:42
I saw a non-emergency police car do that once...
Reply
Stuart Dee
30/11/2016 08:28:19
Police drivers have to be an example to others so would rightly be leaving themselves open to getting a complaint.
Daz
26/1/2021 18:45:37
They have traffic exemptions if on an emergency call, using blue lights etc
JBT
7/1/2016 09:49:58
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 12:01:56
Only if your actions cause a collision, then depends on the severity of damage to other vehicles/people, for eg if someone dies you will get done for causing death by dangerous driving a mandatory custodial sentence, if its only MINOR damage to other vehicles then the police won't want to know, exchange details after parking safe and leave insurance companies to fight it out.
Reply
John Grimley
13/5/2016 08:49:18
From one of my subscribed channels...
Marcin
6/4/2018 14:45:09
Just so you know there is no such thing at 12 o'clock rule. If there was then your driving licence wouldn't be valid in EU as no other country has it :)
Tony Connolly
20/7/2018 10:25:44
1970 was when I first started to drive since that date I have had HGV III, II and I tests motor cycle and PLC and I was always taught that anything after the second exit should be treated as turning right.
ALLAN LEE
4/4/2016 17:30:36
Don't know whether that is illegal Tim. Though the big problem you would have with that action. Is that it would more than likely give other drivers the wrong idea of what your intentions were. Plus it cold provoke some road rage if your actions "cut" another driver up as you unexpectedly changed lanes. Emergency vehicles do that from time to time. But they are distinctive and would most likely sound their sirens......which you don't have.
Reply
Soong
30/6/2018 01:20:00
"Marcin 6/4/2018 02:45:09 PM
Gunner
26/11/2018 19:23:53
Marvin. ... where in the HTC does it not say that the 12 o'clock dose not apply
John Grimley
20/6/2016 07:20:38
From one of the YT channels I subscribe to...
Reply
Paul Valentine
7/7/2016 14:18:20
Hello John,
Paul Valentine
7/7/2016 14:21:25
PS it is true he did not indicate, but maybe he gave you credit for common sense, defensive driving techniques should have told you to wait and see what he does when there is no indicater.
John Grimley
11/8/2016 00:32:58
Paul, that's not my video so I wasn't driving. However, I know the area well (hence why I subscribed to the channel - hoping to never appear in the clip!). Although there are 2 lanes after the keep clear, this is to aid drivers exiting the area on the left (as the bus is doing) there isn't actually two lanes on the entry. It's a very busy junction and since all drivers stay in the lane, the left lane opens to allow drivers to exit - especially whilst everyone is queueing at the lights. So none of the drivers going straight on made a mistake.
Tanya rogers
12/7/2017 02:00:07
Apparently insurance companies have a different highway Cade to the one we would fail our test will, or get pulled by a police officer. I think insurance companies should be questioned. As they make millions out of us each year.
Christine
5/7/2016 12:23:41
I suppose it's on intent. Did they intend to, or are they not familiar with the area. They would be liable even so I would think if it caused a crash.
Reply
Tony
7/7/2016 13:02:10
It's also illegals to queue on a trunk road so sometimes you have to use both lanes
Reply
Paul P Valentine Esq
13/9/2016 16:23:42
Since when ? it is illegal to stop without cause on a trunk road/motorway but if traffic stops for whatever reason then you have to stop on the trunk road/motorway, if you have no choice because of traffic coming to halt then no it is not illegal, where do you people get your ideas from ?
Richard
16/8/2019 02:17:44
To: PAUL P VALENTINE ESQ
daniel ferry
29/10/2016 20:59:20
Reply
Stuart Dee
30/11/2016 08:25:48
For the avoidance of doubt, yes it is illegal. It's driving without consideration for other road users and contrary to Section 3 of Road Traffic Act 1988.
Reply
paul
5/2/2017 12:46:50
Reply
Roy Smith
1/4/2017 08:21:01
It may not be illegal but it's typical of today's inconsiderate driver , however , it may be necessary for large articulated trucks to use this method to avoid the trailer wheels mounting the kerb of the roundabout .
Reply
Jude
19/8/2017 18:24:04
No, of coursr not, so long as you approach in the correct lane for the route you are taking and correctly signal your intentions e.g avoid a queue for the 1st exit by approaching as if to turn right and then going all the way round to gain priority becaise you are on the roundabout. Not illegal, but still very discourteous!
Reply
Stan Facey
3/4/2018 09:53:50
Of course it is illegal, but they always get away with it. Learning to drive used to be a privilege now it's regarded as a right.
Reply
Matt B
25/4/2018 18:58:53
If you're talking about cutting people up on a round about then absolutely not, but if you're talking about going around a round about to turn left then sure :D
Reply
Road User
21/5/2018 13:14:27
Define Incorrect lane? if its to exit on lanes 1 or 2 and you take the approach for exit 3+, as long as you follow the highway code and follow the road about all the way round for a full lap and then exit (e.g. exit one would then be exit 5 on a 4way round about) then that is fine. But you don't cut a cross and cut people up, that will get you in trouble/ cause an accident.
Reply
Nick
9/7/2018 10:40:59
No
Reply
geoff
20/7/2018 02:15:01
hi Tim.....it would be illegal to use the right hand lane at a roundabout and try to come off the roundabout at a 1st or second exit unless that 2nd exit had 2 lanes.........the right hand lane should only be used if there is a 2nd lane on a 2nd exit road or for turning the circle to come off at a 3rd or 4th exit.........i admit if traffic is at a standstill causing tailbacks in the left lane and the right lane is clear then i jump in the right lane and go fully around the circle coming off at the 2nd exit which i would have done had i stayed in left lane........this is perfectly legal and i use indicators so folk know im proceeding around the circle/roundabout...im in uk.......been driving 30 yrs and never had 1 crash or incident.
Reply
E macintosh
5/8/2018 16:44:17
I would say yes , to deliberately flout the rules leads to accidents
Reply
Simon hopwood
7/8/2018 20:46:11
What is the national speed limit on a roundabout
Reply
Brooksie
26/10/2018 17:53:46
Absolutely flat out sideways
Paul Fox
12/8/2018 11:57:05
You would need to give an example and describe what you mean by the wrong lane. Not everyone understands the rules about that, so the answer depends on the definition that you have in mind.
Reply
Alain Brumby
5/8/2020 19:18:32
Not necessarily.
Reply
Dave
21/2/2021 09:46:41
It says: give ‘priority’ to vehicles approaching from the right.
Des Lafferty
19/11/2020 13:34:43
I read in the Highway Code that the first rule at a roundabout is, “Give way to what’s already on the roundabout”.
Reply
Dave Peddie
19/11/2020 16:28:14
Des - the Highway Code does not say “Give way to what’s already on the roundabout”. Rule 185 does say "watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; "
Des Lafferty
19/11/2020 13:38:37
“Does traffic approaching from one direction have priority over traffic approaching from another direction? The only priority rule is that drivers inside the roundabout have the right-of-way over any driver entering the roundabout, regardless of approach direction. Every entrance has a yield sign for approach vehicles.”
Reply
Dave Peddie
19/11/2020 16:34:59
Des 28/6/2021 16:40:03
Could you explain the Corynton Roundabout please ? the mark on the road change in some areas
Reply
Andrew Johnston
22/7/2015 11:48:40
If a roundabout has 4 exits, including the one you are entering on, with the other 3 to the left, straight across and right respectively, and you have 2 lanes entering into the roundabout, which lane do you use to take the second exit, i.e. the one straight across?
Reply
J2897
23/7/2015 17:00:52
Watch this...
Reply
Lyndsay
26/9/2015 14:19:25
Hey Andrew, did u find out the answer to this as I was wondering the same thing and can't see any answer on this page to make it any clearer. We have a roundabout just near us that causes soooo much stress wen trying to pick the correct lane (I was told to stay in the right hand lane passing the left hand take off then to indicate right and go straight on into my junction but others stay in the left lane and try to race past me which is bloody annoying and scary-just wanna do it right so as if sum1 rams into me that I'll not be blamed) thanks if u can help ;)
Reply
Tim Mason
26/9/2015 23:24:17
Unless indicated otherwise (by road markings including lane arrows and/or signposts) the left hand approach lane should be used.
Tim Mason
26/9/2015 23:28:21
Sorry, where I said right I meant left,
Tasha
2/2/2016 22:22:55
I was told while learning to drive to use the left hand lane for first and second exit unless there are only two exits and two lanes or lane to suit the exit as shown with markings
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 12:53:23
People are idiots, read reply I sent to Andrew. Be safe.
John Grimley
13/5/2016 08:57:53
There's many factors to consider. You stay in the right hand lane - so 2 lanes on, is there also 2 lanes off? in which case, exit in the right hand lane.
Christine
5/7/2016 12:33:47
As long as you indicate and move to the left lane after you have passed your first exit, then you are OK.
Gabor Banfai
4/10/2015 16:18:00
This is really easy my son.
Reply
Jimbo
16/11/2015 22:20:18
Sorry mate you are totally wrong. Always left hand lane unless paint says not to or you are going more that 180 degrees around the roundabout. What you suggest will quite likely result in the car behind you on approach, undertaking you on the roundabout.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 12:57:38
Left lane is for 1st and 2nd exits, only diff is on 1st exit you indicate on approach, 2nd exit you only indicate after 1st exit, 2nd lane is for exits 3rd or coming about indicating right on approach.
Paul Valentine
6/4/2016 22:01:42
Left lane is for first and 2nd exits, indicating on the approach for first and after 1st for 2nd, even if there is a car to your left making a pigs ear of it the safe route is to come about, under no circumstance can you drive into the side of another vehicle after you have seen them, and you ALWAYS HAVE TO CHECK YOUR MIRRORS, before committing to exiting the roundabout, Prof drivers glance over there left shoulder as well.
Ray Hughes
5/1/2021 13:08:19
I agree. What really angers me are the drivers who go around the roundabout in the left hand lane, round the edge, if you will, and then cause problems to drivers legitimately trying to change to the left hand lane to take their exit.
Lucy
4/11/2015 10:58:09
The left lane to go straight ahead. If you picture the roundabout as a clock face, any exit from 6 o'clock (where you're entering) to 12 o'clock, you use the left lane. Anything after 12 o'clock you use the right lane. Unless signposted otherwise, of course.
Reply
Neil
11/11/2015 09:35:21
couldn't have put it better myself!
Christine
5/7/2016 12:40:05
If you take the right Lane, do not forget to indicate and move to the left hand lane immediately after you pass the last exit you do not wish to take, once in lefthand Lane then indicate left for your exit.
Neil
11/11/2015 09:27:18
you'd stay in the left hand lane for that
Reply
Paul Valentine
18/4/2016 17:19:39
Guys its all relative, but if you believe its an absolute rule, then answer me this, if you are approaching, and arrows on the first lane say left and straight ahead, arrows on the second lane say straight ahead and right, then which one ??? to take the 2nd exit.
John Grimley
13/5/2016 09:03:53
Paul valentine, you answered your own question. the 12 o'clock rule applies unless signs/markings say otherwise. You say that arrows in left lane say left/straight, arrows in right lane say straight/right.
anon
29/7/2018 14:58:11
There is of course an obvious exception to staying left hand lane for left and straight on at a roundabout, and that's specific lanes eg one we have locally where the left lane is essentially a slip road.
Kev
16/1/2016 00:01:10
1st lane
Reply
Paul Valentine
18/4/2016 17:29:37
ps .. It is interesting that people who think that there are absolute rules are more likely to have a collision simply because they are NOT planning for the unexpected, and ask any driver in any large city, leeds .. london .. manchester etc, you always plan for the unexpected and after a while come to expect it. driving standards for both instructors . pupils and others have def dropped, I think mostly because people believe there driving gets better the longer you do it, it does not, people will ultimately get to be there best at some point, but, after a while it starts to drop, and when it gets below an acceptable level then pride kicks in and they refuse to accept they just are not any good at driving any more, and you know the crazy thing is that we accept as we get older failing eyesight, unable to hop over that fence any more, cant quite run to the bus stop etc, but, we still think we are brilliant drivers despite driving being the only thing in your life that you will do, that requires the use of all your senses at the same time. Safe driving everyone.
Michael P
30/1/2016 14:50:35
If there are no lane markings on the roundabout, just at the entry point, then to go straight ahead you can take the shortest route across the roundabout, but be aware that you might make it easier for other drivers who want to take a later exit if you allow them space. It is perfectly correct to go straight over. If there are lane markings then you must obey those. If you are thinking about signals, then indicate left before the entry if you are taking the laft exit(s). If going straight ahead (considered to be anywhere between 11 and 1 on the clock) thendo not indicate until you are passing the exit prior to the one you want, If you are taking an exit after the 1 position then be in the right hand lane (if there is one) and stay to the right as you go round, indicating all the time. As you pass the exit prior to the wanted one, indicate laft and move to the left side having checked it is safe to do so.
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:16:41
Professional. Driver eh, all roundabouts should be treated as 2 lane entry regardless of road markings ( it must be idiots like you teaching new car drivers to use both lanes thereby increasing RTC rates ), the only exception is if you are coming from a single track road. No other apply.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 15:28:01
PS .. Please don't play the "I am a police expert card " and stick to debating the point, because I can tell you stories all day long about bad police driving/attitude, on top of the 10k complaints the PCA receive, for eg, a mate of mine who drives a truck was actually pulled over by one of your lot for doing 40 on a single carriageway, that was national speed limit, 2 weeks after it went up to 50
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 12:51:42
You are describing a standard roundabout, any more then 4 exits is called a giratory and entry/on roundabout and exits are marked on the road itself.
Reply
Michael Perry
26/2/2016 14:16:01
At not time did I say, and noether does the Highway Code, that all roundabout should be treated as having two lanes at entry. If there are, then it depends on the road markings whether you have to use the left, right or either if you are going straight ahead.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 14:44:20
Hello Michael Perry,
Valentine
26/2/2016 15:41:41
pps, look again at the highway code the diagram shows 2 arrows side by side, first arrow taking 1st and 2nd exit, 2nd arrow on the inside ( right side of approach ), taking 3rd exit, and guess what no road markings on that picture either.
John Grimley
13/5/2016 09:05:37
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/appendix-roundabouts
ALLAN LEE
4/4/2016 17:44:25
Stay in in the left lane. No need to signal.
Reply
John Grimley
13/5/2016 08:52:24
Watch this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFCJADJQD3Y
Reply
Paul Valentine
27/7/2016 15:37:00
OK, so the car in the red was in the wrong, wrong lane as you said but neither driver indicated their intent to leave the roundabout much like every other driver in that clip, I think the other camera guy is in something bigger then a car judging by the camera height ??? So it was interesting to note that despite damage to the truck ( you can see a bit or 2 fly off ) neither party stopeed to exchange insurance details, it is a condition of all insurance whatever the company that all collisions be reported to them, it is also clear from the video the car was slightly in front at the point of collision, thereby in clear view of the camera driver.
Paul Valentine
27/7/2016 15:49:29
Part 2
Paul Valentine
27/7/2016 16:00:43
ps It is not untypical of idiot car drivers to use roundabouts to try and pass slow moving vehicles, and something commercial vehicles with experience can usually deal with by either closing doors or simply giving up the space.considering you where negotiating a semi major roundabout how fast was you going I would have said to fast for the road conditions if you are in a bigger vehicle, you have to go use roundabouts slow enough to be able to stop in an instant. Anyway final analysis 70% cam 30% other,as a driver of a larger vehicle you have the greater responsibility.
John Grimley
11/8/2016 01:06:26
Paul. The cam guy is driving a bus. he is clearly following the rules of the road - as shown in the sections at the end of the clip. He obviously does stop and exchange details - note how he drives from lane 1 to turn right into the retail park, eventually pulling up at 1:31 - probably for 2 reasons. the red car carried on driving & showed no intent on pulling over, secondly, stopping would restrict a major route into town.
Zara
21/5/2016 00:29:51
You use The left lane, signalled T after the first exit.
Reply
Angela
10/6/2016 16:10:07
Interesting. I would take the left hand lane to allow those who want to turn right to do so. This is assuming that there are 2 lanes around the roundabout. You will need to check if a car is turning right there is enough room for both of you
Reply
Paul P Valentine esq
9/8/2016 17:43:21
Exactly right Angela.
Christine
5/7/2016 12:30:22
Stick to the left Lane until you exit
Reply
John Hodges
28/8/2015 12:54:24
The Highway code only states "traffic approaching from the left" and I have found that drivers on the left approach road, not on the roundabout, assume they have right of way. Do you not think the code should be more specific?
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:19:57
You misread that mate, traffic on the left has to give way unless road signs or an official person ( police etc ), indicates otherwise.
Reply
J
3/10/2015 18:17:38
The video states that you should approach the roundabout at 'slow jogging speed' 10-15 miles per hour. Given that a slow jog is about 5 miles per hour, 10 miles per hour being a very fast run and 15 miles per hour being about what a fast individual can sprint, that seems rather misleading. I would say this needs correcting.
Reply
kristian
6/10/2015 09:08:48
Hi all,
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:21:39
No refer to answer I gave Andrew Johnston
Reply
21/10/2015 10:28:08
A vehicle ( a ) is approaching a roundabout at 6 o'clock and a vehicle ( b ) approaching at 3 o'clock. give way to the vehicle coming from the right is the rule. if vehicle (a) is on the stop line before vehicle (b) stop line, vehicle (a) should proceed. Giving way to the right could be a long wait if there is a long line of traffic. My policy is first on the stop line goes. If one passes from the right in doubt surely you have priority over the next vehicle in line. A vehicle coming from 12 o'clock already in the roundabout from the right obviously has priority.G Petty
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:27:22
Are you serious, volume of traffic makes no difference, unless directed by an official ( police etc ), traffic on the approach NEVER UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE does approaching traffic have right of way over traffic on the roundabout, never, so you just have to wait.
Reply
Gianluca
3/8/2022 20:35:51
I guess mr. Petty didn't mean what you stated. "First on stop line goes" was intended between cars who didn't approach yet the roundabout, id est between cars still on each stop line. Of course who's on the roundabout has priority over all the other cars.
Anthony Paulus
8/11/2015 23:22:12
If you are already on a mini roundabout/entered it and a car from the right then enters the roundabout after your already on it who then has the right of way. This also goes for the car cutting in front of you and not using the roundabout in the correct way in other words treating it as a "T" junction rather than a mini roundabout at all.
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:28:24
Yes always.
Reply
Anthony Paulus
16/12/2016 12:57:35
Did you live in Hildens Drive in the 70s
Reply
Anthony Paulus
9/11/2015 00:31:07
Take a look at this and tell me who's in the wrong?
Reply
Anthony Paulus
10/11/2015 01:15:28
I've already ask this question but have got no answer to it as yet.
Reply
David mcintyre
18/1/2016 12:19:27
If you are at a crossroads with a roundabout with cars at all 4 junctions ready to enter the roundabout and if you have to give way to the right " then nobody moves because everyone is on the right . The answer can only be the first person on the roundabout has the right of way
Reply
Charlie
18/1/2016 12:54:15
I agree, but unfortunately most other drivers coming from the right regardless, think they have the right of way.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:37:01
Correct, it is a funny situation lol, everyone waiting for everyone else.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:35:32
Providing you are both going at a sensible speed for the hazard, it should not be an issue, but, if you can clearly see a car approaching from the right and you cannot come onto the roundabout and off again ( regardless of size of said roundabout ) without causing the other vehicle to change speed or direction, then yes they have right of way. I would say 80 % of car drivers stop and then look, you must look on the approach unless there is a stop line.
Reply
Gianluca
3/8/2022 20:43:35
There is a fallacy in article 185 of your code. It states you have to give way to cars coming from right.
Reply
10/11/2015 11:49:45
Anthony Paulus You are dead right. How do we " Road Users " get our interpretation acknowledged by the powers to be instead of "Word of Mouth " by driving instructors . The latest roundabout video in the beginning has the word " ON the roundabout " is used . I would prefer "IN " Loosely they mean the same . Are we there?!
Reply
Anthony Paulus
11/11/2015 01:20:06
George, many thanks for confirming for me as I put up a Video taken from my car cam on Youtube but have now taken down as I got so much stick telling me I was in the wrong and should give way to the right.
Reply
Ilya
18/4/2016 16:09:34
Rule 188: "All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so."
Phil
20/11/2015 08:12:01
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCXtcXD17qU
Reply
Sinead
3/12/2015 19:26:19
Can I just check that I'm right about this as the Highway Code doesn't specify this. I know a mini roundabout is to be treated the same as a normal roundabout but the smaller space changes drivers behaviour. If there are two cars facing each other, 12 and 6 o'clock, and no one on their right, they both want the same exit, and one car is turning left for it and the other car is turning right. Isn't it true that no one has priority because there is no one on the right? It's OK for the car turning left to go ahead (which is correct for a normal junction) and it doesn't have to wait for the other car to do the three quarter circle move?
Reply
Michael P
30/1/2016 14:54:16
The driver turning right has priority. They are coming from your right if you are turning left therefore the give way to the right rule applies.
Reply
Ilya
18/4/2016 16:15:20
"Give way" right means that you shouldn't cause the other vehicle to change the speed or direction. If the vehicle turning right can clear the roundbout before the other vehicle makes 3/4 turn, than it can go first, no problem with that. But then, of course, there are many morons around who just cut across without making full circle (and breaking rule 188, which clearly prohibits that).
Ilya
18/4/2016 16:18:09
Sorry I meant " If the vehicle turning LEFT can clear the roundbout before the other vehicle makes 3/4 turn, then it can go first,"
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:40:25
Wrong my friend, as the highway code states it is a roundabout and as such all traffic coming about or from your right has right of way.
Reply
Paul Valentine
18/4/2016 17:01:39
You are right Ilya, the middle bit of the roundabout IS NOT part of the highway and may not be used to negotiate a roundabout, the charge faced is driving without due care and attention, and besides the only reason to use the middle bit is if a person carried to much speed onto the roundabout, which means they did not anticipate the obstruction correctly.
Paul P Valentine Esq
9/8/2016 17:54:52
If 2 vehicles are facing each and both leaving the same exit then how an earth would they be leaving at the same time, the vehicle would be leaving the roundabout at about the time the opposite one was approaching exit 2.
Reply
Charles Simms
2/1/2016 18:12:46
You are approaching a roundabout and enter the roundabout before a car approaching the roundabout to your right but who enters the round about after you. The rule say give way to cars on the right and cars on the roundabout have right of way to cars not on the roundabout.
Reply
Niall Davies
13/1/2016 13:41:20
This is precisely what I came on here to check. Most comments here have supported my belief that until a car has actually entered the roundabout it has no right of way, therefore the car which entered the roundabout first would have right of way. I believe that if roundabouts were simply treated as a series of T junctions, most things would fall into place quite logically - ie until you enter the roundabout you are still on the 'minor' road and must give way to anyone on the 'main' road'.
Reply
Charles Simms
13/1/2016 14:44:30
I am hoping that somebody from the highway agency could help as this seems to be a common question.
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:53:34
It is enough for a car to show intent to cross your path that justifies right of way, if they are approaching from previous entry and not indicating left then you MUST wait until you know what they are doing because if they are taking the 2nd exit and as such crossing your path they won't/should not indicate until after the first exit, should you chose to come out you must clear the exit to your left before they arrive so your actions do not cause them to change speed or direction.
Ilya
18/4/2016 16:28:07
But "give way" doesn't mean you have to wait for them to go 3/4 circle. If you can go first without causing them to slow down or change direction, you can do so. The problem is there are so many morons who just cut across the central blob, but that's them breaking the rules (rule 188).
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:45:04
I don't understand your paragraph, if you enter the roundabout ahead of the car from your right, then you must do so without causing that car to change speed or direction.
Reply
Niall Davies
26/2/2016 16:23:44
Drivers should surely be approaching at such a speed so as to able to stop before a roundabout should it be required (the interpretation of "jogging speed' has been discussed elsewhere). Are you suggesting that I would be in the wrong to have ENTERED an otherwise empty roundabout just because someone else chooses to be APPROACHING at such a high speed that they cannot stop in time? I will re-state for clarification - I believe the correct interpretation of "approaching from the right" refers to traffic ACTUALLY ON THE ROUNDABOUT, not vehicles on the joining roads or in the general vicinity of a roundabout!
Ian
16/5/2016 10:47:30
Paul, what you are saying is you can drive your lorry onto the island ignore the give way lines or slow down then broadside somone who has already entered the island and its their fault !! no wonder lorry drivers have such a bad reputation.... a friend on a driver awareness course was told the vehicle already on the island had right of way, if that means I have moved onto the island while you are still behind the give way lines you should have slowed enough to stop. Havin to wait to anticipate vehicles speeding straight across an ilsand doesnt seems right to me.
Paul P Valentine Esq
9/8/2016 17:59:50
Nial, if you coming onto the roundabout causes them to change speed or direction, then yes you have to wait even if it is 3/4 of the way. The KEY TO ANY MANOUVERE is you have to do so without causing traffic to change speed or direction, as a result of your actions.
Kwin The Eskimo
8/1/2016 13:59:58
The spelling on this site is shocking.
Reply
Paul Valentine
16/4/2016 02:24:37
Nial, you are incorrect for 2 reasons, the speed of the car approaching but not actually on the roundabout still has right of way IF you pulling out is likely to cause a collision because the law will have deemed it that you pulled out onto his path, the 2nd reason is that if there is damage to the right hand side of your car the law will assume it to be your fault since you are supposed to give way to traffic from the same side ( right side ), so the weight of evidence is always going to be against you. So you have to clear his path if you do not intend to wait.
Reply
Niall Davies
10/6/2016 17:35:50
Paul, I think you are confusing a couple of things. Whilst it may be sensible to let a speeding idiot carry on through a roundabout rather than pulling out in front of them, that does NOT mean the speeding idiot has the right of way! Otherwise I could just forget slowing down at all, as that would give me right of way at every roundabout! I don't think so!!
Tom Stevenson
13/1/2017 18:18:20
There is a notorious roundabout In South Manchester at the junction of Moseley Road and Birchfields . There are three entry/exit roads on the roundabout. Two of them are diametrically opposite each other, but Birchfields enters at ninety degrees to these two. Here's the problem. As you arrive at the roundabout from Birchfields, and look to your right, your view is restricted to about twenty yards, due to a curving wall. The traffic arriving from that entrance can see straight through the roundabout , so they can see if anything is going to enter the roundabout. If there is no traffic entering from their right, many drivers don't bother to slow down and tear straight across the roundabout. The driver entering the roundabout from Birchfields may slow down or even stop, but at some point, has to emerge onto the roundabout. Obviously you do this when there is no traffic in view to your right. Once you have emerged however, you are 'on the roundabout ' so any traffic approaching the roundabout should give you right of way.
Paul P Valentine Esq
17/5/2016 20:13:10
Ian you Mupppet,
Reply
Michael P
3/2/2016 09:14:46
@Tasha
Reply
Paul Valentine
18/4/2016 16:54:38
If you go across the roundabout without making any effort to use it as a roundabout ( ie as a T junction ), the police can and will nick you, it shows undue care and attention as you did not slow down enough to go around the middle bit, the central circle is not part of the road.
Reply
A Mac
4/2/2016 12:26:12
Do people on horse back have to go round a roundabout the right way and follow the one way system
Reply
Michael P
4/2/2016 18:11:30
Yes. It's in the Highway Code, Rule 55.
Reply
Valentine, Paul P
26/2/2016 13:56:34
Yes, all road users must go clockwise, unless, police/official person or roadworks indicate otherwise.
Reply
Jenny Challiss
7/3/2016 22:13:38
How close to or far away from a mini roundabout does a car have to be for you to give them priority as approaching from the right. i.e. If I'm at the give way lines to enter the roundabout and a car is 200 feet away do you wait and give them priority?
Reply
Paul Valentine
16/4/2016 02:54:30
Jenny, its a judgement call, distance is always relative to speed of approaching vehicle, in all manouveres you have to do so without causing other road users to change speed or direction, clearly exception is reverse parking and causing other road users to stop cannot be helped, anyway if you going on to the roundabout is going to cause the approaching vehicle into stop then you must give way, if you can clear their path and go on your way before they get to you then no, if it turns out you will be in their breaking space because of traffic then you must give way as your rear will become their crumple zone, and note also, if there is a collision because the damage will be on your offside the law will see it as mostly your fault.
Reply
jez stanley
9/3/2016 09:32:19
This debate about which lane you should use on roundabouts when going strait over seems to cause more debate then it should, the highway code is quite clear I thought. If not directed otherwise by signs or roads works then if your aproaching at 6 o'clock and your exit is 12 o'clock or before then stay in the left lane. After the 12 o'clock point take the right lane...
Reply
AndyRob
15/4/2016 17:09:52
Jez. The Highway code does not state that. Care to point out Where it does?
Reply
Paul Valentine
16/4/2016 02:40:15
I wish people would use 1st 2nd and 3rd exit, ok, so ifnthe car pulled along side you at the 2nd exit, then I must assume you are still correctly in lane 2, I can only assume the other driver did not expect you to change lanes unless you had indicated your intent to do so, if you did not indicate then I can only assume the other driver thought you was going to exit after them, in which case they are correct to use the vacant lane, if you did indicate then they are wrong to have pulled out. Did you indicate ??? If you intended to take the 3rd exit then you should have been moving from lane 2 to 1after the 2nd exit so that upon exiting the roundabout you did not cut across 2 lanes.
Reply
chris keeley
10/6/2016 17:55:45
I go back a long way and them days it was simple,the highway code used to say,,approach with courtion,don't overtake on the roundabout and give way to traffic already on the roundabout ,,this has changed now,it simply says give way to traffic approaching from the right and now people tend to take this as they have the right to race into a roundabout from any distance away even if you can't even see them,the old system was best.I would point out those who don't agree the roundabout has a white line across to show it is a ''t'' junction and traffic going round are on a road that is a circle and you are joining it.
Reply
John Grimley
11/6/2016 12:21:26
The wording most likely changed because the inside lane is far shorter than the outside lane, therefore, a driver in the outermost lane of, say, a huge roundabout atop a motorway driving at 30mph would mean that any driver on the innermost lane would need to be travelling considerably slower in order to not overtake them - this would seriously inconvenience anyone behind & cause congestion.
Reply
Paul Valentine
5/7/2016 17:54:20
Chris you have me agreeing with John, hoe dare you lol, seriously jonh is correct roundabouts have not changed, its peoples driving that has changed and as I said driving standards have gone downhill, roundabouts are simple but cause more misunderstandings then anything, I am doing studies into why this is and my main understanding of why is simply they way people are taught, Chris you should continueto use roundabouts the way you have been doing as I say again you are correct.
John Grimley
5/7/2016 19:50:42
I'm wondering how the scenario would play out - the highway code is the officially recognised handbook for learner drivers. The dvla handbook is just something you might wish to buy for whatever reason.
Tiger
20/6/2016 02:00:54
What happens if you are at the roundabout and you are wanting to enter the roundabout and you see a vehicle from the right heading the opposite direction of you without the right signal on and you think it is going straight ahead but you have moved off before it has came around and collided with each other. Who's fault is it? Is it the driver who didn't signal correctly or is it the driver who didn't gave way?
Reply
Paul Valentine
7/7/2016 14:30:40
It would be interesting would it not, lol highway code versus drivers handbook, both from same source giving diff information, as to why I would look at it, it is simply to try and understand ( a never ending task ) why car drivers behave the way they do, if a lot of them do it ( whatever it may be ) then they must be getting their teachings/info from somewhere.
Reply
Paul Valentine
7/7/2016 14:36:15
As I am sure you are aware if the other driver is leaving off their 2nd exit they dont and should not indicate until after the first exit, the responsibility is always on you to make sure teh vehicle on the roundabout is actually exiting and for this you use road position - where the driver is looking if possible - speed of other vehicle, if in any doubt Tiger always wait, but, in the event of a collision you would be deemed at fault even if they indicate and then change their mind.
Reply
Paul Valentine
20/6/2016 15:41:56
I dont understand what you mean by opposite direction, if the exit after your entry was the 2nd exit in relaton to the other vehicle then he should not have to indicate until after the first exit in relation to the other vehicle, 2nd if a vehicle is not indicating to come off the roundabout you should ALWAYS, ALWAYS AND ALWAYS assue they are staying on the roundabout until you are sure, in any collision the vehicle whose damage is on the offside would normally deemed to be at fault whch is why the onus is on you to make sure when pulling out into the path of other vehicles.
Reply
Tiger
21/6/2016 17:15:54
I mean when a vehicle is going around the roundabout over half circle past their second exit without or wrong signal on, then the driver offside accelerates into the roundabout then they collide with each other
Reply
Paul Valentine
27/6/2016 15:46:13
Hiya Tiger, hope all goes well with you, sorry had a blonde moment, traffic coming around the roundabout always has right of way, but, having said that if a witness said he drove into the side of you then you might have a small chance, either way a percentage of the collision will be down to you, dfensive driving techniques ( not taught by car instructors ) states, that you must always assume the vehicle is coming about unless their Indicators AND car position show otherwise, you must always be prepared for the fact that another driver may very well change their mind, th eproblem for you in this case is simply this, the police will not attend unless someone is injured or the road is being blocked, in the latter they are only there to keep the peace and control traffic, and ,will tell you to inform your relative insurance companies, which then will depend on who said what to whom, if for example he said he was coming around and you pulled out in front of him then his insurance company will pt the majority of the blame on you, you then tell your insurance company he didnt indicate correctly then the insurance company will say 50/50.
Paul Valentine
27/6/2016 15:52:00
the onus I am sorry to say is on you to make sure he leaves the roundabout before crossing the line.
Reply
Mandy
4/7/2016 08:30:35
Can anyone please tell me in case I am missing something. Is it ok to drive onto a mini roundabout if the car in front has not yet cleared the roundabout? Normally, if I am in a traffic jam I do not drive across and block exit and entry points. I will sit and wait as it annoys the hell out of me when people do it. On this occasion I was in a steady moving stream of traffic travelling straight over. When I reached my give way line, there was nothing coming from my right (there is no right hand exit, as it was a T junction style). I followed the car in front onto the roundabout and then somebody pulled out quickly in front of the car I was following and we had to brake causing a temporary stop start. When I started moving again a car came from the opposite direction to turn right, was coming fast, did not look at the traffic on the roundabout, did not slow down and went over the top of the painted circle into my path. I know for a fact she was smoking and had potentially just lit one. Unfortunately my passenger's witness statement didn't get recorded in writing at the scene for some unknown reason so this fact could not be proven. 6 months on the police have decided to take me to court for careless driving based on the driver's statement which says I drove out in front of her and apparently admitted it at the scene (which of course I didn't, as it was my right of way being on the roundabout already). I am seeking legal advice and have been told that any slight infringement of the highway code on my part is going to get me convicted of this. I could have a field day with the multiple things this driver did to cause this accident, but as the onus is on me to defend the standard of my driving on the day, a court clerk who I know personally has brought this up as a potential issue, that I should not have driven onto the roundabout until the car in front cleared it, regardless of the fact there was no car coming from my right. I am not seeing this in the highway code. I know for sure this is an absolute rule with box junctions. Many thanks.
Reply
John Grimley
4/7/2016 13:07:39
In reality, the rule regarding box junctions is applicable to all junctions. The HC tells us not to block turnings into side roads.
Reply
Paul Valentine
5/7/2016 18:34:25
Hello Mandy,
Reply
Mandy
5/7/2016 20:45:32
Thanks Paul. To clarify, it was the driver who was turning right from the opposite direction who drove over the centre of the roundabout and into me as I was moving straight ahead. I only had to stop for a brief second whilst travelling straight over because a car had pulled out unexpectedly in front of the car in front of me. So I didn't decide to progress at my give way line the knowing I would be potentially blocking her exit, I only stopped a split second before moving again. I understand the fact when you go to turn right on a mini roundabout you check your right and for traffic already on the roundabout. The other driver was for sure distracted, and that was what my passenger's statement would have proved.
Paul Valentine
5/7/2016 18:43:00
Sorry mandy thats about it really, I would ask the police complaints as well as the judge, why the police did not interview everyone in the car with you, you might also want to see if there is any cctv that covered that junction, your lawyer can demand access to any evidence that the police are relying on for the prosecution, also get the names/numbers of th epolice officers who attended the incident. Get in touch with the CPU ( crown prosectuion service ) to find out if the other driver is being done for anything at all, they might not say but it wont hurt to ask. Just to add th this one last point, the pavement is not considered as part of the highway either and should you block pedestrian usage of any pavement, at any time, the police can also prosecute but as usual with the police these days dont bother. Good luck.
Reply
Mandy
5/7/2016 20:54:25
Paul, the mini roundabout is: 51°54'46.0"N 0°10'46.0"W - I was travelling towards the town centre. Thanks again for your input.
Paul Valentine
6/7/2016 15:41:44
...................................................................................................
Paul Valentine
5/7/2016 18:08:43
Blodey ell John agreeing with you twice in the same hour, lol, yes using a phone while the engine is running whilst sitting in the passenger seat is a slam dunk for the law, trouble is th epolice are just too lazy to prosecute sometimes even in cases where the evidence is overwhelming. But yes absolutly send pictures to any company who has drivers using the phone behind the wheel, the guy should have been sacked for it. But I would like to correct you slightly on 1 point mate, the rule about not blocking junctions is not because of congestion but so emergency services have access every minute of every day.
Reply
Paul Valentine
5/7/2016 18:10:06
Correction, whilst sitting in the drivers seat, not passenger seat. sorry
Reply
John Grimley
5/7/2016 19:33:48
Paul, I only C&Pd what the HC said...http://www.highwaycode.info/rule/151
Reply
Alaa
13/7/2016 10:48:51
Hi all,
Reply
Paul Valentine
13/7/2016 13:55:58
Rule 188
Reply
Paul P Valentine
13/7/2016 14:07:52
ps 2nd the examiner must never grab the steering wheel unless to avoid a collision, the reason being 1 .. the driver might try to overcompensate when the wheel is released - 2 .. it might cause panic with the driver. I would report her with prejudice, her actions may very well have caused an accident, as for her excuse ( and that is what it is ), just to be sure other drivers dont try to come on the inside indicate right on the approach if you see that happening ( most important of all is to check your offside mirror for these idiots who might try it ) and change that to left after the first exit, but normally no inidcation is required until you are leaving the roundabout, and no indication if there are lanes or arrows telling you which lane to be in.
Reply
Alaa
14/7/2016 15:50:04
Hi Paul
Reply
Paul P Valentine Esq
27/7/2016 16:23:24
Alaa, did you make that complaint to the driving school and DVLA, please update me as to how you got on
Reply
Mark
6/8/2016 13:54:07
When giving way to people approaching from the right, does this mean just people already on the roundabout approaching from the right, or people on the right hand approach road to the roundabout as well ? One big problem with straight roads with one side junction is people approaching on the straight road (to the right of the side junction) may be able to see the road ahead is clear, so can seemingly just ignore the mini roundabout totally, as there won't be anyone approaching from their right (flooring the accelerator in the process). However, people on the side road may not be able to see this person if it's a blind corner.
Reply
John
6/8/2016 19:38:05
There is a lot of this type of thing where a mini roundabout has been placed on a main road in order to facilitate traffic leaving, for example, a housing estate or industrial estate. without the roundabout, those wishing to enter, by turning right across oncoming, or leave wouldn't stand a chance. So, oncoming traffic wishing to floor it when a car is on & clearly indicating would be completely in the wrong if an impact occurred - same with anyone on the main road if someone is exiting the estate road and turning right.
Reply
Paul P Valentine
29/10/2016 22:06:32
Dear Mark,
Reply
Jeanne
30/8/2016 18:43:09
Hi. I was wondering: if you don't know yet which exit you'll use and you choose the outer line to drive, then you see you have to take the 3th exit, you nearly passed the 2nd exit (and are not indicating), suddenly someone from the inner lane (behind you) is speeding up and want to overtake you now because he wanted to take the 2nd exit (which you halfway passed on the outer line), and then crashes into you. Whose fault is it then? Do you have to take the inner lane if you want to take the 3rd exit (even if you don't know it yet), or is it just something you should do? And don't you have a responsability to change the lines earlier if you want to take an exit instead of speeding up and overtake?
Reply
Paul
31/8/2016 18:51:06
PS, If you don't know the exit then you should treat it as a 5th exit ( standard roundabout ) and come about rather then cut across. on a non standard roundabout just come all the way around the roundabout passing your exit once.
Reply
Paul
31/8/2016 18:48:20
My answer is it really depends on road position for both of you, it should not have been an issue as there should have been plenty of room for him to pass on the left hand side and leave at the exit before you ( correct me if I am getting the exits wrong please ), had you drifted out or did he cut across ??, the trouble is drivers tend to not use lane discipline and as such when they do need to use it they have lost the ability to do so. The short answer is if you had NOT drifted left then it would be his, if you had drifted and he had stayed in lane then it would have been yours, had neither of you stayed in lane then you are both to blame, indicating is important, had you starting indicating after the 2nd exit to show you are moving to the outer lane then it would be down to him, had you not indicated but started drifting out to prepare for exiting the roundabout then you must shoulder some of the responsibility, BUT, he must also as it should have occurred to him that there was strong possibility you would start moving out, but it still does not let you off the hook for not indicating your intent. No indication may prove to be your downfall in this case, if, your road position did not correspond to your indicator or lack of.
Reply
Jeanne
31/8/2016 20:56:28
Hi Paul
Reply
Paul
1/9/2016 11:17:29
Dear Jeane,
Reply
Paul
1/9/2016 11:25:21
Ps I do not see how you could not have crossed lanes if you intended to go past 2 exits at some point to get to the 3rd, because the roundabout would have you on the 2nd lane on the approach to get to the 3rd exit.
Reply
Paul
1/9/2016 11:27:33
PPS, where exactly was it I will try and look it up on the online maps, 2 roads to pinpoint the roundabout please, 3 would be better.
Reply
Jeanne
1/9/2016 13:54:10
Dear Paul
Reply
Paul
3/9/2016 00:33:09
[email protected] is my email Jeane if you are single by chance would be nice to hear from you off here, you sound nice, you also sounded miffed so I apologise if offence was caused, it was not my intent.
Reply
Paul
3/9/2016 00:36:11
Ps I have on a few occasions gone around twice just to make sure, if you do indicate right until you are sure and can plan your exit correctly.
Dave
18/11/2016 20:04:57
Hi, I would be interested in feedback on an incident I had on a roundabout.
Reply
Tim
18/11/2016 21:09:27
Paul having read a lot of your replies, that is pretty much how I drive. However to throw a spanner in the works! Basically a staggered junction converted to 2 roundabouts (should be used as 2 junctions) Both have 2 entry lanes without markings, both have exits to the left and straight on. Do i approach in the right lane to go straight on and then the left lane for the 2nd roundabout, or as HC states. Left lane for straight on. If this is the case what is the right lane for?
Reply
Omar
26/11/2016 16:46:33
I was in a roundabout where there were three sets of traffic light, once when approaching, in the middle of the roundabout and at the exit, when i entered the roundabout it was amber, then the second and third was red I was really confused and kept driving without stopping, it that a mistake.
Reply
11/12/2016 11:54:01
Everyone is wrong. The Highway Code is not law. Only advisory. Just drive carefully whatever the case, defensively at all times.
Reply
John Grimley
11/12/2016 17:52:21
Highway CODE
Reply
Catherine
7/2/2017 11:03:09
I was harassed and intimidated at the weekend by a driver who was in the wrong lane at a roundabout. He then tried to exit at the same time as I did although I had clearly signalled I was exiting the roundabout. He then proceeded to cut out in front of me every time I tried to overtake him on the dual carriageway, repeatedly braked hard reducing his speed to around 40 mph in the overtaking lane. This idiot even cut in front of me when I came off the dual carriageway in order to get away from him and at one point when stopped at traffic lights he came out his car and towards me. I prentended to take his picture on my phone and he hastily retreated. I was so shaken up by his behaviour I didn't think to get this maniac's reg no. I do wish I had and reported this as it's been bothering me ever since. And all because he was in the wrong lane at a roundabout!
Reply
JJ
20/2/2017 17:35:22
Hi not sure if this has been discussed already - sorry if it has. I have a busy roundabout nearby with 4 exits. The first exit is straight ahead (I would use left lane) but the second exit is to the right (at say 2 or 3 o'clock) i would assume you need to use the right lane for this as the exit is over to the right but my partner says you can use the left hand lane as it's only the 2nd exit. I'm confused.
Reply
JJ
20/2/2017 17:36:48
Just to add - I only passed my test a couple of months ago!
Reply
23/2/2017 03:45:49
Last week an articulated lorry (A) ripped off my drivers side wing mirror on a roundabout by bending it forwards onto its self and I was stationary at the time, however the lorry driver is blaming me. The lorry (A) approached the roundabout at my 3 o’clock and I approached the roundabout at 6 o’clock, we were both exiting the roundabout at my 12 o’clock. A second lorry (B) approached the roundabout behind me at my six o’clock and took the first turning off the roundabout left, at my 9 o’clock.
Reply
24/2/2017 01:18:03
me again sorry - the last paragraph did not show up fully on my email and the last bit of my email did not send so here it is........sorry
Reply
24/2/2017 11:12:30
Driver (A) saw the gap in the traffic when the tipper truck moved forward - Unfortunately driver (A) had been stuck in the traffic on the roundabout for a long time because the traffic in that area was unusually congested on that day, due to a local collision elsewhere. Driver (A) was probably feeling frustrated and as soon as a gap in the traffic appeared, he decided to move quickly to the left lane in front of me, without indicating or considering my stationary vehicle to his left. Pushing my wing forward and ripping it off in the process.
Howard Renwick
11/5/2017 22:20:34
Have the priority rules for UK traffic circles changed? The Highway Code used to say "approach the circle with caution and watch out for traffic already on the circle" Or words to that effect. Now it says give way to traffic approaching from the right (which is not the same). I always thought traffic already on the circle had priority but that appears not to be the case.
Reply
Dean
26/7/2017 21:53:32
Can anyone tell me if you can simply stop on a dual carriage way roundabout on the circular portion of the roundabout and in the right lane and with no traffic in front.
Reply
Marianne
1/10/2017 09:21:59
Do you need to signal when you are going straight ahead at a roundabout? It is not really clear on the explanation above.
Reply
Fred
28/11/2017 19:06:39
I have a question. If you are driving on a dual carriage way and you approach a round about that also has dual carriage way ends signs on them. When going straight ahead does the right lane also have the option to go straight across or is it in this case right turn only?
Reply
Simon Blandford
27/3/2018 13:21:46
The Staples Corner roundabout has traffic lights in each quadrant. There are three lanes on the roundabout and two lanes on each exit. The problem I have is that when I turn right from Edgeware Road towards the N.Circular East-bound I usually have to queue at the lights before I exit. On a normal roundabout, I would take the right lane and exit and there shouldn't be anyone to my left but in this case there is usually a line of traffic to my left when the lights change and so I attempt to merge-in-turn with the middle lane to the right lane of the exit. However not everyone wants to merge in turn. Yesterday I allowed a bus that was ahead of me exit and waited for my turn. As I attempted to exit another vehicle undertook me and sounded their horn since to them I appeared to be crossing their right of way. So my question is, who does have right of way in this situation? And if I don't how do I get off the roundabout without sitting patiently waiting for someone in the middle lane to let me in, if they ever do?
Reply
Adrian borton
28/4/2018 07:46:18
This roundabout rule is dangerous, you also dont tell people to check their blind spot switching lanes, well done on killing a motor cyclist. Shouldnt have to indicate going straight over and using either lane to exit on a right turn is just dangerous amd prevents traffic flowing as efficently as it could, rules need revision
Reply
PJ
4/6/2018 16:56:59
So this morning myself and another idiot nearly had a crash.
Reply
anon
29/7/2018 15:06:38
I think we are entering an era where changes and lack of proper application of road laws mean few of us do truly know what is best even if we know what is right.
Reply
Edgars
12/6/2018 21:52:29
How to deal with roundabout with no markings no signs which lane should take and in this case why should I use right hand lane to take 2nd exit?
Reply
Theodor
13/4/2019 12:23:05
Is there such thing as a bus stop in a roundabout ? I'm talking about a double lane roundabout . Had an incident one morning when a bus stopped in a roundabout , I was driving towards the roundabout and when tried to enter the roundabout my visibility was 0 because of the bus . When I asked why he stopped there the driver became very verbally agresive . I asked a police man and he asked me if it was a bus stop there .
Reply
Dave Peddie
13/4/2019 12:29:52
A bus stop on a roundabout? Rather like having a Bus Stop on a Zebra Crossing. Surely highly unlikely. Having said that, you would be able to see a physical bus stop.
Reply
Mihai
21/5/2019 15:45:55
Travelling towards a roundabout with 3 lanes. i had to take the first exit so i went to the inside lane which was ONLY LEFT TURN. The car in front of me wanted to go forward - from a left only lane - went into the roundabout just few meters and stop to give way to another car. When i saw the car in front of me proceeding, i look to the right side and i accelerate, obviously i stopped into his rear bumper. why the f..k it is my fault when he shouldn't supposed to be there?
Reply
Joe
24/5/2019 22:21:09
Got a scenario that's been bugging me. Roundabout near where I live has a left turn and a straight on. No right turn at all. Two lanes coming onto the roundabout, one single lane exit to the left (9pm), and one single lane exit exactly straight on (12pm). No road markings. In this scenario, common sense would assume the left lane is for a left turn, and the right lane is to be used to go straight on? This ensures all parties approaching the roundabout are able to use it efficiently without getting in each other's way.
Reply
Hi Joe, if there is a 2 lane exit at 12 o’clock then both lanes approaching are valid. Obviously the left lane on approach for the 9 o’clock exit. If there is only a single lane exit at 12 o’clock then the left hand lane on approach would be the right one to take. But dangerous if it is not obviously a single lane exit at 12 o’clock. This situation is sometimes due to bad road planning. We have a similar situation near us. Very confusing for non local drivers
Reply
dave
30/5/2019 16:05:51
Very confused by 2 things: 1) if you are approaching roundabout, and it has 2 broken lines in front of your lane, what are you meant to do? Eg if you are approaching at 6 o clock, and there is a car at 9 o clock, you presumably have right of way, but why the 2 broken lines then? and 2) if you're approaching and car pulls out from 9 o clock before you've arrived at roundabout, if you're about to hit that car who's fault is it? them for pulling out? or you for not slowing down?
Reply
Dave P
30/5/2019 20:26:07
Reply
Larry
27/7/2019 18:02:18
I understand that it used to be in the Highway Code that you should give way to the right on roundabout AND to vehicles already on the roundabout. I drive a vintage Land Rover and often I get to a roundabout and look each way and if clear enter it, but then a car approaches at speed from my right and tries to shoot over the roundabout only to find my vehicle in the middle in the process of turning right. The drivers of such vehicles think they are in the right even though I was on the roundabout first well before they reached it. Where can I find the rule?
Reply
Dave P
27/7/2019 18:48:41
If you entered the R'bout while there was no vehicle approaching from your right you are OK. If your are driving slow, in a vintage LR or any other vehicle, are someone then enters the r'bout, you have right of way. Give the video at the top of the page a view.
Reply
Adlam
23/12/2019 21:21:01
I think this might have been discussed in some form but if you come to a 3 lane roundabout and you intend to join the first lane to take the 2nd exit, there is a car coming from the right in the inner lane not indicating to turn off, is it safe to join the roundabout at that point? Since he won’t be taking the next exit and hence crossing your path? Or have I misunderstood something here?
Reply
Dave
24/12/2019 13:08:55
Hi Adlam
Reply
Peter Black
4/6/2020 13:43:16
What are the rules around emergency stopping in the middle of a busy roundabout? say a police service vehicle enters at speed leaving little choice but to slam on the breaks. the car behind might be observing the standard think / break distance rules but only notices the emergency stop after he diverts attention away from the police service vehicle banking around the roundabout.
Reply
Dave Peddie
4/6/2020 14:48:42
I believe that Emergency Vehicle have to obey the rules of the road, so a Police car suddenly entering a roundabout without giving way, which might result in you having to do an emergency stop, which also results in the car behind you hitting the rear of your vehicle, is culpable as the cause of the accident, and the car behind is also culpable. What the Police car should have done was slow until either it was safe to enter, or you, perhaps slow down to allow the Police car to enter the roundabout. Nonetheless, the car behind you, should it hit you, is still culpable.
Reply
Dave Peddie
4/6/2020 14:51:26
PS - Rule 219 of the Highway Code states that drivers should “look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.”
Dave Peddie
26/12/2020 08:44:23
glad it is useful
Reply
Emily
16/6/2021 10:09:31
And if a vehicle, even a long vehicle - oil tanker, pulls out in front of me coming from his right on a roundabout, and I send DashCam footage to police, they won’t ‘take action’ because I had ‘time to slow down.’🙄 So where’s the ‘give way to your right’ coming into the police’s logic?!😡. It’s basically do want you want, when you want 😡
Reply
Dave Peddie
16/6/2021 11:58:51
I suspect that, while it is annoying when this sort of thing happens, the Police might only be interested if an actual accident occurred.
Reply
Mark Streeten
22/8/2021 11:11:50
So who has priority if you go onto a roundabout with two narrow lanes then leave the roundabout via a one lane exit?!!!. Unfortunately there are 3 of these awful roundabouts that I have to use near where I live. I take the outside lane on the roundabout but then find cars on the inside lane on the roundabout cutting me up to get to the exit ahead of me!. Previously I took the inside lane but then found cars in the outside lane refusing to give way to me which is potentially dangerous so the outside lane is safer for me!. My question is who has priority on these type of roundabouts as the Highways Code says nothing about this?!!.
I would definitely recommend this to others.
Reply
This is a really wonderful post. I would definitely recommend it to others.
Reply
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information with us.
Reply
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information with us.
Reply
laura
12/10/2021 15:36:42
my instructor told me i would fail my test as i didn't indicate right at a small one lane roundabout. i cannot find this information in the highway code explicitly. I thought you always only need to indicate left just before your exit. Anyone got a solid explanation of which roundabouts I am supposed to indicate right on?
Reply
12/1/2022 08:43:10
I found this article very informative about "". Looking forward for more informative articles like this related to <b><a href="https://advanceddrivewaysolutions.co.uk/" rel="dofollow">Fencing & Resin Drives Solutions Blackpool
Reply
Nick
12/3/2022 23:18:44
I think this applies more to small or mini roundabouts, but I need a more detailed definition of giving priority to the right. An example - I’m joining from a side road( speed limit on main road is 40mph) via a mini roundabout and turning right, indicator is on. There is no one waiting at the entrance to the roundabout to my immediate right, no other traffic and visibility up the road is a bit restricted but I can see a car in the distance approaching the roundabout (200m+). I pull out and navigate round the central bump as best I can (I drive a long wheelbase van). As I’m turning I see the car to my right entering the roundabout at full speed, 40mph. Emergency brake and just misses me. I get verbal abuse for not giving way to the right. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Do you only give priority to someone who is already at the roundabout or does it include vehicles approaching the roundabout? If so, how far away do they have to be before you don’t give priority? This is not covered in the Highway Code. Cheers.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Subscribe
|