Car Rental in Ireland - Roundabouts
Roundabouts can be initially confusing but after a few minutes of reading about them on this page you should be confident enough to safely navigate one in real life. There are three options when approaching a roundabout, either you are turning left, driving straight through or turning right. No matter which direction you choose, always remember the cardinal rule of safely using a roundabout is that you YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON YOUR RIGHT. Also, all traffic on roundabouts goes in a clockwise direction, you never turn directly right on a roundabout as you'll be driving into oncoming traffic.
The following diagrams should make it quite clear how to proceed.
Going left
- Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.
- On approach you must be in the left lane unless otherwise marked on the road, and indicate a left turn.
- You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of a collision.
- Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
- Stay in the left lane.
- Keep your left indicator on until you have exited the roundabout.
Going right
- Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.
- On approach you must be in the right lane unless otherwise marked on the road, and indicate a right turn.
- You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of a collision.
- Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
- Stay in the right lane.
- You must indicate a left turn just before your exit unless it is not practical to do so.
Going straight ahead
- Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.
- On approach you can be in either lane, unless otherwise marked on road.
- When going straight ahead you do not need to indicate on approach.
- You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of collision.
- Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
- You must indicate a left turn just before you exit unless it is not practical to do so.
|