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5. Roundabouts

Roundabouts

How do I identify different turns at a roundabout?

It is important to be in the correct lane at multi-lane roundabouts. Signs, lane markings and arrows help you position your vehicle correctly and guide you in the direction you want to go.

Unless traffic lane arrows indicate otherwise, remember these rules:

• to turn left, use the left lane.
• to turn right, use the right lane.
• to go straight ahead, use either lane.

Visit our Here for Life website to view animated videos on Roundabouts.

Turning left

1. Position your vehicle in the left lane unless arrows on the road or signs indicate otherwise.
2. Use your left indicator when you enter the roundabout.
3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.
4. Remain in the left lane as you complete your turn.
5. Continue to use your left indicator as you exit the roundabout.
6. Stop indicating once you have exited the roundabout.

Turning right or U-turns

1. Position your vehicle in the right lane unless arrows on the road or signs indicate otherwise.
2. Use your right indicator when you enter the roundabout.
3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.
4. Before exiting, use your left indicator and follow the exit lane marking.
5. Stop indicating as soon as you have left the roundabout.

Note: Do not turn right from the left lane unless arrows on the road indicate otherwise.

Going straight ahead

1. Position your vehicle in either lane unless the arrows on the road or signs indicate otherwise.
2. Do not use your indicator until ready to exit.
3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.
4. Before exiting, use your left indicator and follow the exit lane marking.
5. Stop indicating once you have exited the roundabout.

Who gives way at a roundabout?

A vehicle approaching a roundabout must give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.

In some cases on a multi-lane roundabout, it may be necessary to change lanes before exiting. In this situation, it is the responsibility of the driver changing lanes to give way to vehicles in the lane the driver is moving to.

Part 9 and Section 148 of the Queensland Road Rules apply.

Another way of looking at roundabouts

Turns that occur at roundabouts can be described by imagining the roundabout to be a clock face.

Any turn that exits the roundabout before 12 o'clock can be considered a left turn. Any turn that exits after 12 o'clock can be considered a right turn.

The Queensland Road Rules uses the terms 'less than half-way round' and 'more that half-way around'.

Straight ahead at a roundabout is taken to be at half-way around or at 12 o'clock.