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Roundabout Rules in WA

What is a Roundabout?

It is an intersection where the traffic flows around a circular junction. There are certain instances where the roundabout might be anything but circular and the way to recognise this is to be aware of what a roundabout signage looks like. A roundabout can have anything from 3 to any number of exits.

Its purpose is to regulate a continuous flow of traffic. Road rules are in place to produce a better combination of travel safety and efficiency which would otherwise cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganised mess.

How to Use a Roundabout?

• Slow down as you approach the intersection.

• Give way to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the roadway.

• Watch for signs and directional markings.

• Enter the roundabout if the gap in traffic is sufficient.

• Drive in a clockwise direction around the roundabout until you reach your exit. Do not stop or overtake other vehicles.

• If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit.

Roundabout Rules in WA

When turning left at a roundabout:

  • Make your intentions clear by indicating left
  • Indicate early giving enough warning to both following and approaching traffic
  • Most times you will exit from the left but on the odd occasion where you will need to exit from a lane other than the left be sure to indicate and check your blind spot i.e. over your shoulder, before doing so.

When making a U-turn at a roundabout, or when turning right:

  • Make your intentions clear by indicating right
  • Indicate early giving enough warning to both following and approaching traffic
  • Indicate your intentions to turn left prior to the exit.

When driving straight through a roundabout:

  • Do not indicate on entry
  • Indicating left, prior to the exit.
  • If you have to change lanes, indicate your intentions and make sure that it is safe to do so.
Roundabout Rules
Road rules are in place to produce a better combination of travel safety and efficiency which would otherwise cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganised mess.

Some History & Information

Roundabouts or circular junctions, as it was called, date back to 1768 but it was not until the 1960s that the modern roundabout was in fact created.

In Britain, mandatory road rules for roundabout use were introduced in 1966. In America however, it was the 1990s when rules were introduced and at that time it was confusing for a lot of drivers and because of it many drivers were opposed to it.

Roundabout Penalties

  • 3 demerit points and a fine of $150 for failure to give way at a roundabout.
  • 2 demerit points and a fine of $100 for all other offenses in regard to not correctly using a roundabout.

We hope this creates more awareness and understanding of how roundabouts ought to be used.

Contact us if you want to get more information and/or if you want to schedule a driving lesson.

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