What are the driving rules for roundabouts?

[SanCharlotte]

The driving rules for roundabouts are: 1. Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to those exiting; 2. Vehicles outside the roundabout must yield to those inside; 3. Turning vehicles must yield to those going straight; 4. Rear vehicles must yield to front vehicles; 5. Smaller vehicles must yield to larger vehicles. Before entering a roundabout, if a vehicle intends to enter the left lane within the roundabout, it should activate the left turn signal to alert other vehicles. Before exiting the roundabout, the vehicle should activate the right turn signal in advance, confirm safety, and then change lanes from the inner lane to the outside of the roundbefore finally exiting. A roundabout, also known as a rotary (called a traffic circle in Taiwan, a roundabout in Hong Kong, and a circular intersection or roundabout in Macau), is a special form of traffic intersection and belongs to the category of at-grade road crossings.

[StKing]

When I encounter a roundabout while driving, I habitually slow down to a low speed and check the right side for any incoming vehicles, as they have the right of way. If they are there, I stop and wait for them to pass before entering the roundabout. Once inside, I stay in my lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes. If I'm going straight, I usually don't use the turn signal, but if I'm turning left, I signal left before entering to alert others. The most crucial part is signaling right as soon as I'm about to exit the roundabout, so the vehicles behind know I'm exiting, preventing misjudgment. A common issue is that many people forget to signal or enter the roundabout without slowing down, which often leads to minor collisions. During peak traffic hours, I pay extra attention to blind spots, watch for pedestrians and cyclists around, and maintain a safe distance. Remember, roundabout rules are designed to improve efficiency, but safety comes only with compliance. I always exercise a bit of patience and avoid rushing.

[DiJuliette]

When learning roundabouts during driving lessons, I understood that I must slow down and carefully check the right side before entering, yielding to any approaching vehicles. Once inside, I steadily stay in my lane and always signal right when preparing to exit. For going straight or turning left, I adjust my indicators accordingly: left signal for turning left, and only signaling when exiting for going straight. My instructor pointed out that my common mistakes were accelerating too quickly upon entry or failing to check the right side, so I forced myself to practice repeatedly until it became second nature. For safety, I also ensure not to stop and block traffic inside the roundabout, especially watching for pedestrians at crosswalks. As a beginner, it’s easy to panic, but mastering these basic rules makes navigating roundabouts much smoother. Remember, yielding is key—don’t let honking from behind disrupt your calm judgment.

[LuciaMarie]

Safety first is clearly reflected in the rules of roundabout driving. We need to slow down when approaching, carefully observe the right side, and give priority to incoming vehicles. Turn signals should never be neglected: use them to indicate direction when entering and the right signal when exiting to alert other drivers. Always assume others might make mistakes—never rush or overtake. Check blind spots, especially for pedestrians or cyclists, to avoid accidents caused by unseen hazards. A common risk is drivers hastily entering without slowing down, which can easily lead to head-on collisions. Make it a habit to signal before exiting to warn following vehicles, as following the rules can significantly reduce accidents. In rainy or foggy conditions, I take extra care by increasing braking distance. The core principle of roundabout rules is mutual courtesy, ensuring everyone's safety.

[FinleyFitz]

As a frequent commuter, I've integrated roundabout rules into my daily driving habits. Before entering, I slow down and check the gap on the right – if there's approaching traffic, I wait; if clear, I enter smoothly. Inside the roundabout, I maintain my lane and signal right in advance when exiting. For small roundabouts, I drive straight through; for larger ones, I use indicators to show direction: left signal when turning left, and signal when exiting while going straight. During peak hours, I anticipate traffic flow by slowing down without rushing – a practical tip is watching the wheels of the car ahead to judge its movement. Efficiency-wise, roundabouts are faster than traffic lights, but you must know the rules to save time; otherwise, congestion increases fuel consumption. I also pay attention to environmental changes like school zones or construction areas, adjusting speed flexibly. The core principles are yielding priority, signaling accurately, and avoiding sudden braking or conflicts.