Entering a DUAL Lane roundabout, to turn LEFT.

Question

I want the opinion of what other people out there would do in this situation and also find something in black and white whether it be the traffic legislation, or road rules. But having difficulty finding it.

I am helping a friend out whom got booked from a you bute copper for entering a roundabout (Dual lane and yes she was in the LEFT lane obviously to make her left turn) while some one was entering on her RIGHT to go straight on the INSIDE LANE. So they were both taking the same EXIT.

Looking at a Dual Lane roundabout, you want to turn left and she does so carefully knowing there is a car entering from her right on the inside (right Lane) to go straight, and she was entering the roundabout to turn left in the left lane.

As a mother I am teaching my 16y.o I would say it okay to enter the roundabout so long as you do it safely and to be careful of not understeering, it's important you STAY in the same Lane as you take your turn.Otherwise we holding up the traffic, is the way I see it.

So long as the lane is Clear why can't we go?

So my question is, would you turn left on a dual lane roundabout, knowing you weren't interferring with anyone already on it that was in the left lane????

A roundabout is put in place to keep the traffic flowing smoothly.

A Dual lane is simply so more traffic can flow through.

So what's the harm if the car from your right was in the inside lane to go straight, and for you to take the left turn in the left lane???

But still can't find anything in black and white.

And do you think this is an issue to teach our kids to do this.

Let me know.

Answer 1

Roundabout rules are really not quite clear. They need clarification.

The first (and often ignored) rule is approach the roundabout at a speed from which you can safely stop should it be necessary.

The second is "give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout". Here is YOUR problem. This INCLUDES any vehicle in another lane, as it may need to change lanes to exit where it desires.

The other one is "you must not enter a roundabout unless there is a safe break in the traffic".

This one means you can't enter a roundabout if there is danger of collision with another vehicle. For my money, this includes the fool who believes he has "right of way" if you are on his left, and charges into the roundabout even if you might have been in it first! I'll stop.

The overall responsibility when approaching or entering or using a roundabout is to avoid collision with any other vehicle. Even if they are driven by fools.

Answer 2

this is from the NSW RTA - but rules are the same throughout the country now... basically you have to give way to ANY traffic already in the roundabout if there is ANY risk of collision. You will also see below that the rules are the same regardless of whether it is a dual or single lane roundabout. the policeman must have felt there was some risk, or perhaps your friend didnt indicate they were turning left - which they are supposed to do..... anyway - here is the extract...

Roundabouts



The roundabout sign

The roundabout sign means Slow Down, prepare to Give Way and if necessary stop to avoid a collision.

So, as you're approaching a roundabout, you must get into the correct lane, indicate if turning, and give way to traffic already on the roundabout.

Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

Giving way

Slow down as you approach a roundabout. You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is a risk of collision. Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

Indicating

When approaching a roundabout, if you are turning left or right, you must indicate left or right.

When exiting a roundabout, whether you are turning left, right or even going straight ahead, you must always indicate a left turn just before you exit, unless it is not practical to do so.

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.

Cyclists and roundabouts

At roundabouts with two or more marked lanes or lines of traffic, a cyclist has the option of turning right by entering the roundabout from either left or right lanes. However, if the cyclist chooses to enter from the left lane, the cyclist must take care to give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.



Going left

Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.

On approach you must be in the left lane unless otherwise marked on the road, and indicate a left turn.

You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of a collision.

Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

Stay in the left lane.

Keep your left indicator on until you have exited the roundabout.

Going right

Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.

On approach you must be in the right lane unless otherwise marked on the road, and indicate a right turn.

You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of a collision.

Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

Stay in the right lane.

You must indicate a left turn just before your exit unless it is not practical to do so.

Going straight ahead

Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.

On approach you can be in either lane, unless otherwise marked on road.

When going straight ahead you do not need to indicate on approach.

You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of collision.

Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

You must indicate a left turn just before you exit unless it is not practical to do so.