Roundabout Rules in the UK
CLOCKWISE Direction!
UK roundabouts go clockwise - opposite to continental Europe:
- Enter from the left
- Give way to traffic from your RIGHT
- Exit to the left
Basic Rules
- Give way to traffic already on roundabout (from your right)
- Drive clockwise
- Signal left when exiting
- Check mirrors before changing lane or exiting
Lane Selection
| Your Exit | Approach Lane | Signaling |
|---|---|---|
| First exit (left) | Left lane | Signal left on approach |
| Second exit (straight) | Left lane | Signal left after first exit |
| Third+ exit (right) | Right lane | Signal right, then left to exit |
Step by Step
Approaching
- Look for roundabout ahead signs
- Decide which exit you need
- Get in correct lane
- Slow down
Entering
- Give way to traffic from right
- Wait for safe gap
- Enter when clear
- No need to signal when entering (unless taking first exit)
On the Roundabout
- Stay in your lane
- Check mirrors regularly
- Move to left lane approaching exit
- Signal left before exit
Exiting
- Signal left
- Check left mirror
- Exit to left side of road
Spiral Roundabouts
Some roundabouts have spiral road markings:
- Follow your lane markings
- Lane changes are guided
- Safer and reduces lane-changing conflicts
Mini Roundabouts
- Small white circles painted on road
- Same rules apply
- Can drive over the dome if necessary (large vehicles)
- Give way to traffic from right
Common Mistakes
- Not giving way to traffic from right
- Wrong lane selection
- Not signaling (especially when exiting)
- Cutting across lanes
- Going anti-clockwise (tourists!)