The rules of the road that all drivers must obey at roundabouts as gardai clamp down on offences – Irish Mirror

With thousands of people still awaiting their driving tests, the RSA have reminded the public of the rules of the road.

After Garda alerted drivers to one change which came into effect at the start of November, many may need a reminder of some of the basics.

One of the stickier situations is in relation to roundabouts.

They can be quite daunting for first-time drivers and even more so for cyclists.

But the RSA have listed out the rules you need to follow - including one golden one.

The 'Golden Rule'

The golden rule is quite a simple one - think of a roundabout like a clock.

You approach the roundabout from the 6 o'clock position. Exit one is at 9 o'clock, exit two is 12 o'clock and exit three is at 3 o'clock.

You always enter the roundabout by turning left onto it.

You must give way to traffic approaching from the right

This can land you up to three penalty points if you disobey, as well as a 90 fine.

If there is traffic already on the roundabout, you need to give them the right of way.

If the roundabout is clear or there is a reasonable distance of a gap, you may proceed.

If exiting the roundabout on the first exit, signal left as you approach the roundabout.

This is a basic thing that plenty of people seem to get confused about.

If you're taking the first exit on the left hand side, you are going left - so signal as such.

If you are exiting the roundabout on the second exit, signal left AFTER you have passed the first exit.

Remember the clock? If you're heading 'straight on' then you're leaving at 12 o'clock.

But this still means that you're turning off, so signal left as or after you have passed the first exit.

If you are exiting the roundabout on the third exit, approach on the right-hand lane if there.

If youre taking the road leading to the right, (third exit/ 3 o'clock), you would normally position just left of the centre line, or select the right-hand lane (but there are some situations where the road signs will tell you what to do)

You would signal right on approach, however when you reach the centre point of the 2nd exit, you would signal left, to let other traffic know that you are leaving at the next exit.

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The rules of the road that all drivers must obey at roundabouts as gardai clamp down on offences - Irish Mirror