Should You Signal Left or Right When Entering a Roundabout?

[MiguelMarie]

When driving into a roundabout, you should turn on the left turn signal because the roundabout is on the left side of your driving position. If you need to exit the roundabout to the right, you should then switch to the right turn signal. Additional details are as follows: 1. Precautions: At a "left-turn waiting zone" in an intersection, you do not need to turn on the turn signal before entering the waiting zone. Because the waiting time for a left turn can be long, keeping the turn signal on may affect drivers in front and behind. However, once you enter the waiting zone, you must turn on the turn signal to alert oncoming vehicles. When turning, the vehicle must accurately turn to the left. If there is a crosswalk on the road ahead, the vehicle must "take a wide turn," meaning it should cross the crosswalk before turning. This prevents vehicles with a large turning radius from failing to complete the turn smoothly, which could affect other vehicles. This is part of the traffic regulations that allow for scenarios like dual roundabouts. In fact, during low-visibility weather on highways, not only should hazard lights be turned on, but they can also be used on urban roads, city highways, and national highways when visibility is too low. 2. Incorrect Operations: Not using hazard lights is a common mistake, especially among novice drivers during self-organized convoy driving or in normal weather without special circumstances. Additionally, when using hazard lights, always use low beams. The lower the visibility, the harder it may be to recognize road conditions with high beams, as their refraction can create a "light curtain" ahead, affecting visibility. According to current traffic laws, when entering a roundabout, you should first turn on the left turn signal and enter the roundabout in sequence, yielding to vehicles exiting the roundabout. Do not signal while driving within the roundabout. Before exiting the roundabout, you should turn on the right turn signal in advance and then exit. Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way, so when entering, you must yield to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout. The order of passage in a roundabout is first-come, first-served, with vehicles proceeding in sequence. In busy roundabouts where traffic moves slowly, it is essential to follow traffic rules, practice courteous driving, and avoid cutting in line or forcing your way, as this can disrupt traffic flow and easily lead to accidents.

[LaLola]

I remember driving for decades, and signaling at roundabouts is crucial. The rules are quite simple: when entering a roundabout, if you plan to exit at the first exit (equivalent to a right turn), signal right in advance so other drivers know you're not going far. If you're going straight or turning left to the second or third exit, signal left or don't signal at all, indicating you'll continue around the roundabout. When exiting the roundabout, regardless of the exit, you must signal left to inform drivers behind you that you're leaving. These details aren't just for show—they prevent many accidents, especially during peak traffic when speeds are slow and no signal leaves others guessing. I learned the hard way in my youth by signaling incorrectly and nearly causing a rear-end collision. Now, when teaching young drivers, I always emphasize checking the exit direction before signaling to avoid confusion. Combined with observing traffic from both sides, roundabouts become much safer—don't let small mistakes lead to big trouble.

[OLondon]

When it comes to using turn signals in roundabouts, my driving instructor taught me clearly: Before entering the roundabout, decide which exit you're taking. If you're turning right to exit at the first exit, signal right; if you're going further inside to circle around, like exiting at a later exit, signal left or hold off signaling initially to indicate you're continuing forward. When preparing to exit, always signal left so trailing drivers can react in time. These rules may seem detailed, but they greatly help in actual driving by reducing collision risks. When I first got my license, I didn't pay attention and ended up signaling randomly in a roundabout, nearly causing a misunderstanding with a nearby car. The instructor repeatedly emphasized: signals are communication—don't be lazy. In daily driving, remember to enter roundabouts slowly, check mirrors frequently, and it'll become second nature. In short, signaling depends on your intended direction, not random left or right choices, ensuring safety for yourself and others.

[DelMargaret]

The roundabout turn signal rules are simple and practical: when entering, decide to signal left or right based on the exit—signal right if exiting right, and signal left if going straight or turning left; signal left when exiting. The key is to communicate intentions clearly to prevent misunderstandings and accidents. I always adhere to this when driving, as safety is no small matter.