British Highway Code for Roundabouts
These are the official instructions taken from the British Highway Code
(1998) on Roundabouts and reformatted for the web. Thanks to Gordon Kemp at
PRIDE motorcycle training for
this update from the U.K.
160. On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all
the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights
and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should
- use mirrors-signal-manoeuvre at all stages
- decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
- give an appropriate signal (see Rule 162). Time your signals so as not
to confuse other road users
- get into the correct lane
- adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
- be aware of the speed and position of all the traffic around you.
161. When reaching the roundabout you should
- give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed
otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
- check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without
giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
- watch out for vehicles already on the roundabout; be aware they may not
be signalling correctly or at all
- look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved
off.
162. Signals and position, unless signs or markings
indicate otherwise.
When taking the first exit
- signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
- keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.
When taking any intermediate exit
- do not signal on the approach to the roundabout
- approach in the left-hand lane or centre lane on a three-lane road (on a
two-lane road you may approach in the right-hand lane if the left-hand lane
is blocked)
- stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
When taking the last exit or going full circle
- signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
- keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to
exit the roundabout
- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use
the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.
163. In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to
- pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads
- traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles
intending to leave by the next exit
- traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly
- motorcyclists
- cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal
right if they intend to continue round the roundabout
- long vehicles (including those towing trailers) which might have to take
a different course approaching or on the roundabout because of their length.
Watch out for their signals.
164. Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as
normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings
except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember,
there is less space to manoeuver and less time to signal. Beware of vehicles
making U-turns.
165. At double mini-roundabouts treat each roundabout
separately and give way to traffic from the right.
166. Multiple roundabouts. At some complex junctions, there
may be a series of mini-roundabouts at the intersections. Treat each
mini-roundabout separately and follow the normal rules.
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