Most misunderstood road rule revealed: Mastering this can save you $227
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Navigating the roads can be tricky, and even the most seasoned drivers among us can sometimes get tripped up by the rules.
However, one particular road rule is causing more confusion than most, and getting it wrong is costing Aussie drivers a pretty penny.
In New South Wales and across the country, a roundabout rule is frequently misunderstood, and failing to comply could hit your wallet hard with a $227 fine and add two demerit points to your driving record.
The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the NSW Police Force, has taken to social media to remind drivers about the correct way to signal at roundabouts.
Drivers must indicate their exit from the roundabout with their left blinker, even if they're going straight through at a multi-lane roundabout.
As you approach your exit, you must flick on that left indicator to let other drivers know you're about to leave the roundabout.
If you're taking the roundabout all the way around to the right before exiting, you must indicate right while circulating and then switch to your left indicator as you prepare to exit.
This small action can prevent a big hit to your bank account and driving record.
Police have noted several myths about roundabouts that can lead to dangerous situations.
One such myth is the belief that drivers only need to give way to vehicles on their right.
This is incorrect and could lead to collisions.
‘The rules are clear: when entering a roundabout, drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout,’ the police explained.
‘The myth that drivers need only give way to vehicles on their right has long persisted and is completely wrong. Believing this can lead to collisions, insurance claims and action from police.’
This rule is consistent throughout Australia, but roundabouts remain a point of contention for many drivers.
Just last month, a Perth teacher sparked a debate over who has the right of way when entering a roundabout.
A spokesperson for Western Australia’s Road Safety Commission stated that most roundabouts have giveaway lines at each entry to remind drivers of their obligation to yield.
‘However, even without the lines, the rule will still apply,’
The revelation of this rule on social media has surprised many drivers, with some admitting they were unaware of the requirement to indicate when exiting a roundabout.
Others have criticised the rule, calling it confusing, particularly for elderly drivers who might mistakenly use their right indicator even when going straight.
Some argue that the ‘rule works only on the very large roundabouts’, as smaller ones need more time to signal while navigating the roundabout itself.
In other news, a woman in Lismore, NSW, received a $302 fine and two demerit points for driving over a small roundabout.
Unaware it was illegal, she now warned others about this little-known rule. You can read more about it here.
Have you ever been caught out by this roundabout rule, or do you have any tips for remembering to signal correctly? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
However, one particular road rule is causing more confusion than most, and getting it wrong is costing Aussie drivers a pretty penny.
In New South Wales and across the country, a roundabout rule is frequently misunderstood, and failing to comply could hit your wallet hard with a $227 fine and add two demerit points to your driving record.
The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the NSW Police Force, has taken to social media to remind drivers about the correct way to signal at roundabouts.
NSW Police reminded drivers to signal when exiting a roundabout, even if going straight. Credit: Transport NSW Website
Drivers must indicate their exit from the roundabout with their left blinker, even if they're going straight through at a multi-lane roundabout.
As you approach your exit, you must flick on that left indicator to let other drivers know you're about to leave the roundabout.
If you're taking the roundabout all the way around to the right before exiting, you must indicate right while circulating and then switch to your left indicator as you prepare to exit.
This small action can prevent a big hit to your bank account and driving record.
Police have noted several myths about roundabouts that can lead to dangerous situations.
One such myth is the belief that drivers only need to give way to vehicles on their right.
This is incorrect and could lead to collisions.
‘The rules are clear: when entering a roundabout, drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout,’ the police explained.
‘The myth that drivers need only give way to vehicles on their right has long persisted and is completely wrong. Believing this can lead to collisions, insurance claims and action from police.’
This rule is consistent throughout Australia, but roundabouts remain a point of contention for many drivers.
Just last month, a Perth teacher sparked a debate over who has the right of way when entering a roundabout.
A spokesperson for Western Australia’s Road Safety Commission stated that most roundabouts have giveaway lines at each entry to remind drivers of their obligation to yield.
‘However, even without the lines, the rule will still apply,’
The revelation of this rule on social media has surprised many drivers, with some admitting they were unaware of the requirement to indicate when exiting a roundabout.
Others have criticised the rule, calling it confusing, particularly for elderly drivers who might mistakenly use their right indicator even when going straight.
Some argue that the ‘rule works only on the very large roundabouts’, as smaller ones need more time to signal while navigating the roundabout itself.
In other news, a woman in Lismore, NSW, received a $302 fine and two demerit points for driving over a small roundabout.
Unaware it was illegal, she now warned others about this little-known rule. You can read more about it here.
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