Authorities ‘bust the myth’ about this little-known road rule that could cost you up to $349
- Replies 58
Navigating the roads can be a complex dance of rules and etiquette, and even the most seasoned drivers can sometimes miss a step.
However, a particular traffic rule has been so frequently misunderstood that it's become a sort of urban legend.
But authorities are stepping in to set the record straight and remind drivers of the crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of road safety.
Transport authorities in the nation's busiest state are urging the public to remember a crucial road rule that many unknowingly ignore, often dismissing it as a ‘myth’ among drivers.
On Tuesday, January 7, NSW Road Safety, a state government division, released a statement to ‘bust the myth’ that drivers only need to yield to vehicles on their right at roundabouts.
‘The rule is actually that you need to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout, whether they're entering on your right, left, or directly opposite you,’ they stated.
This clarification is more than just a technicality; it's a matter of safety.
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, but when drivers fail to observe the correct give-way rules, it can lead to confusion, congestion, and, worst of all, accidents.
Although it might seem obvious to some, many people responding to the reminder acknowledged that the rule is frequently overlooked on our roads.
Many drivers have taken to social media and forums to express their frustration with this widespread misunderstanding.
‘This road rule is grossly ignored or misunderstood in NSW,’ one driver commented.
‘Vehicles on the right enter the roundabout at excessive speeds and, of course, make it almost impossible for other traffic to enter, even if they have [the] right of way.’
He also noted that ‘much more driver education is needed’ and suggested that ‘perhaps more police action’ is necessary for this rule to ‘be observed correctly’.
Another person sarcastically remarked that it appears ‘most users have confused’ giving way on a roundabout with ‘enter at the highest possible speed and get ready to stand on the horn’.
Meanwhile, a third suggested, ‘The only way to get drivers to give way to their left and right is to have speed humps at roundabout thresholds.’
NSW Road Safety emphasised the importance of understanding this rule and staying mindful of ‘all vehicles in the roundabout before entering to avoid a crash’.
The consequences of not following this rule are not insignificant. In NSW, incorrect use of roundabouts can result in hefty fines and demerit points.
For instance, failing to signal correctly when entering, navigating, or exiting a roundabout could cost you a $194 fine and two demerit points.
Even more severe is the penalty for not giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout when entering, which could attract a $349 fine and three demerit points.
These penalties are part of a broader effort to reduce road fatalities and improve safety.
In 2024, NSW recorded 340 road fatalities, a number that, while consistent with the previous year, still represents a significant loss of life.
This amounts to 4.01 deaths per 100,000 people, showing a slight decline from 4.08 in 2023.
During the two-week holiday season alone, NSW Police conducted 438,328 breath tests, resulting in 720 drink-driving charges, issued 9,719 speeding infringements, and recorded 1,725 positive drug detections.
While many drivers are being reminded of the critical road rule about giving way at roundabouts, another often-overlooked regulation is also causing confusion—and could hit your hip pocket hard.
Failing to indicate when exiting a roundabout, even if you’re travelling straight, is one of the most misunderstood road rules, and it carries a hefty fine plus demerit points.
Mastering both of these rules is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about ensuring safer roads for everyone.
Are you familiar with this road rule? Have you witnessed other drivers committing this act? Let us know your stories in the comments below!
However, a particular traffic rule has been so frequently misunderstood that it's become a sort of urban legend.
But authorities are stepping in to set the record straight and remind drivers of the crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of road safety.
Transport authorities in the nation's busiest state are urging the public to remember a crucial road rule that many unknowingly ignore, often dismissing it as a ‘myth’ among drivers.
On Tuesday, January 7, NSW Road Safety, a state government division, released a statement to ‘bust the myth’ that drivers only need to yield to vehicles on their right at roundabouts.
‘The rule is actually that you need to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout, whether they're entering on your right, left, or directly opposite you,’ they stated.
NSW Road Safety clarified the often-misunderstood rule of giving way to all vehicles in a roundabout, not just those on the right. Credit: NRMA
This clarification is more than just a technicality; it's a matter of safety.
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, but when drivers fail to observe the correct give-way rules, it can lead to confusion, congestion, and, worst of all, accidents.
Although it might seem obvious to some, many people responding to the reminder acknowledged that the rule is frequently overlooked on our roads.
Many drivers have taken to social media and forums to express their frustration with this widespread misunderstanding.
‘This road rule is grossly ignored or misunderstood in NSW,’ one driver commented.
‘Vehicles on the right enter the roundabout at excessive speeds and, of course, make it almost impossible for other traffic to enter, even if they have [the] right of way.’
He also noted that ‘much more driver education is needed’ and suggested that ‘perhaps more police action’ is necessary for this rule to ‘be observed correctly’.
Another person sarcastically remarked that it appears ‘most users have confused’ giving way on a roundabout with ‘enter at the highest possible speed and get ready to stand on the horn’.
Meanwhile, a third suggested, ‘The only way to get drivers to give way to their left and right is to have speed humps at roundabout thresholds.’
NSW Road Safety emphasised the importance of understanding this rule and staying mindful of ‘all vehicles in the roundabout before entering to avoid a crash’.
The consequences of not following this rule are not insignificant. In NSW, incorrect use of roundabouts can result in hefty fines and demerit points.
For instance, failing to signal correctly when entering, navigating, or exiting a roundabout could cost you a $194 fine and two demerit points.
Even more severe is the penalty for not giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout when entering, which could attract a $349 fine and three demerit points.
These penalties are part of a broader effort to reduce road fatalities and improve safety.
In 2024, NSW recorded 340 road fatalities, a number that, while consistent with the previous year, still represents a significant loss of life.
This amounts to 4.01 deaths per 100,000 people, showing a slight decline from 4.08 in 2023.
During the two-week holiday season alone, NSW Police conducted 438,328 breath tests, resulting in 720 drink-driving charges, issued 9,719 speeding infringements, and recorded 1,725 positive drug detections.
While many drivers are being reminded of the critical road rule about giving way at roundabouts, another often-overlooked regulation is also causing confusion—and could hit your hip pocket hard.
Failing to indicate when exiting a roundabout, even if you’re travelling straight, is one of the most misunderstood road rules, and it carries a hefty fine plus demerit points.
Mastering both of these rules is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about ensuring safer roads for everyone.
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