Roundabouts can feel a bit daunting if you’re not familiar with New Zealand’s give way rules, but they don’t have to be! This guide will help you feel more confident and in control next time you approach one. Knowing when to give way and how to use your indicators properly will help you with safe navigation while also keeping traffic moving with ease.

Basics of Driving Through Roundabouts

Traffic moves clockwise in New Zealand roundabouts, and vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. This means that when approaching a roundabout, you must always give way to traffic coming from your right.

Using Indicators Correctly

Indicators

Proper signalling is essential whenever you're entering or exiting roundabouts. Here's how to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Turning left (first exit): Signal left as you approach.
  • Going straight ahead (second exit): Do not signal as you enter but indicate left just before your exit.
  • Turning right (exiting beyond the straight-through): Signal right as you approach, then switch to a left signal before your exit.

Choosing the Correct Lane

Selecting the right lane as you approach the roundabout not only keeps everyone safe, but also ensures the roundabout is efficient:

  • Use the left lane for the first exit.
  • Stay in the left or marked lane when going straight ahead.
  • Choose the right-hand lane for turning right or taking an exit beyond the straight-through.

It's also a good idea to avoid unnecessary lane changes inside the roundabout to reduce the risk of collisions. If you do miss your exit, just take the next one and do a u-turn (so long as it's safe to do so) a little further down the road so you can re-enter the roundabout.

Check Your Blind Spots

Always check your blind spots when approaching and before exiting a roundabout. This is particularly important for spotting smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles, as well as pedestrians who may be crossing adjacent to the roundabout.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow ample time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. This is even more important when you're in the heavy traffic that is common in urban roundabouts.

Be Patient and Courteous

Patience and courtesy cost nothing, and will make the biggest difference to your safety in roundabouts. If you're unsure where other drivers are heading or exiting, it's better to wait a few extra seconds rather than pull out and risk an accident. It should also go without saying that you want to avoid aggressive behaviour, such as tailgating other drives or changing lanes suddenly when you're in the roundabout.

Roundabout Etiquette

Give way sign

In multi-lane roundabouts, sometimes you can choose your exit lane once inside the roundabout. In such scenarios, it's important to signal clearly and change lanes safely. Always adhere to the give-way rules and be mindful of the vehicles in the lane you wish to enter.

Practice and Stay Informed

Like any part of driving, feeling confident in roundabouts comes with practice. Start with less busy roundabouts and slowly challenge yourself with busier or multi-lane roundabouts as your confidence grows. Additionally, make sure you keep up to date with the latest road rules and regulations from the NZ Transport Agency so you don't accidentally end up with a ticket.

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