Roundabouts are designed to help control traffic and ensure a smooth flow, but many motorists are still confused about how they work and what they need to do. Christine Basco explains the right way to get round a roundabout.

The roundabout sign When you see a roundabout sign, slow down, prepare to give way and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision. You must give way to any vehicle already on the roundabout. Indicating When you come to a roundabout, indicate your intentions if you plan to turn left or right (you don’t need to indicate if you intend to go straight ahead) and exit from the same lane as the one on which you entered.

If you turn right, or go straight ahead, you must indicate a left turn upon exiting (if practical to do so).

Essentially, it’s about communicating your intentions to other drivers so you can exit and they can enter the roundabout safely.

Note, you can lose two demerit points if you don’t indicate left when exiting a roundabout.

Multi-lane roundabouts
As you approach a multi-lane roundabout, it’s important to make sure you’re in the correct lane for your intended path of travel.

So, if you intend to turn left, approach from the left lane (unless otherwise marked on the road), indicate left, and give way to traffic on the right and other vehicles already on the roundabout. When you see a safe gap, enter the roundabout, staying in the left lane as you turn left.

If you plan to turn right, approach from the right lane, indicate right and, when safe to do so, enter the roundabout. Stay in the right lane and, where practical, turn on your left indicator to show you wish to exit the roundabout.

It’s important to remember to exit from the same lane as the one you entered, and check blindspots for cyclists or motorcyclists who may be entering or turning.

Single lane roundabouts

The rules for slowing down, giving way and indicating when approaching and exiting at roundabouts are the same for single lane and multi-lane roundabouts. Again, it’s all about communicating your intentions to other drivers and not trying to bully or push your way through – after all, there’s no need to compete. Cyclists and roundabouts At roundabouts with two or more marked lanes, a cyclist has the option to turn right after they have entered the roundabout from either the left or right lanes. However, if the cyclist chooses to enter from the left lane, they must take care to give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.