Know your way around roundabouts

Print version: Roundabouts (PDF, 823 KB)

On average three people are killed and more than 250 are injured each year in crashes at roundabouts. One of the major factors contributing to these crashes is uncertainty - drivers being unsure of what they are meant to do, and what other drivers are intending to do.

There are now clear rules in place for how you must signal and use lanes at roundabouts. Make sure you know what to do:

• Before entering a roundabout you must indicate if you are intending to exit left or right (if going straight ahead, don't indicate on entry).
• You must give way to all traffic that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
• You then need to signal left as you pass the exit before the one you intend taking.
• At multi-lane roundabouts, you need to approach and enter the roundabout in the correct lane for where you intend to exit.

This sign will replace all Give Way signs at roundabouts around New Zealand by July 2006. It reminds you to give way to all traffic that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.

How this works:

If you're going left at the first exit, use the left-hand lane (or any other lane marked for that purpose) and signal a left turn before entering. Continue to indicate left as you exit the roundabout.

If you're going straight ahead at the roundabout (eg halfway around), you need to use any lane which is marked for that purpose. You must signal a left turn as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take.

If you are going more than halfway around a multi-lane roundabout, you must approach in the right-hand lane (or any other lane marked for that purpose). You must also signal a right turn when entering the roundabout, then a left turn as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take.

For more information visit www.landtransport.govt.nz or call 0800 699 000.

Page created: 1 September 2005