Most misunderstood road rule could cost drivers $227 fine
Drivers across the country are being warned about the roundabout rule which police say is often ignored.
No matter how comfortable you feel driving on Aussie roads it appears many are still making one major mistake. Drivers in New South Wales are being warned of a common road rule they're likely breaking — and it could cost them $277 if caught.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the NSW Police Force, has reminded drivers of the roundabout rule this week, claiming it's one of the most misunderstood on our roads. It's not just NSW residents though as similar rules applies across the country.
Drivers are required to indicate their exit from the roundabout with their left blinker, even if going straight at a multi-lane roundabout. "This indiscretion could land the driver liable for a $227 fine and 2 demerit points," police shared on Facebook this week.
This also applies if you're going right around the roundabout before exiting. In this scenario, drivers are required to indicate right before switching to left upon exiting.
Roundabout myths on Aussie roads
Police said "there are a number of myths surrounding roundabouts". Another common one is "who gives way to who," police said.
"The rules are clear, when entering a roundabout drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout," they 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".
Similar rules apply across the country with roundabouts often proving problematic. Last month, a Perth teacher raged over a common scenario at roundabouts, arguing about who should give way when entering.
Setting the record straight, a spokesperson for Western Australia’s Road Safety Commission rules told Yahoo News Australia, "Most roundabouts have give way lines at each entry to remind drivers that they must give way when entering."
"However, even without the lines, the rule will still apply," he added as all vehicles entering a roundabout should give way to oncoming traffic.
Common road act Aussie drivers don't realise can attract a $2,200 fine
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Aussies react to little-known road rule
Responding to the post, many drivers were shocked to learn they must indicate when exiting a roundabout. One person described it as "the worst rule" suggesting "it causes too much confusion, mainly with elderly drivers using their right indicator even when going straight through".
While another said "That rule works on the very large roundabouts only". "Indicating on exit on the small roundabouts is impossible when you have other things to cope with," they said.
Meanwhile, many suggested they didn't know it existed admitting they don't often indicate.
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