Roundabout lanes (response from the RSA!)

I have a query about roundabouts and would greatly appreciate your assistance.

I'm looking at the information provided here: http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/junctions-roundabouts/roundabouts.html

Taken from that page:


"Making a left turn

• Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane.
• Keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

Going straight ahead:

• Approach in the left-hand lane but do not signal yet.
• Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
• You may follow the course shown in the illustration by the broken red line in situations where:

Taking any later exits

• Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane.
• Keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout.
• Check your mirrors, signal left and proceed to your exit when it is safe to do so.
• Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take."

That's all fine when you're dealing with a standard four-entrance roundabout with the first exit at 90degrees, second exit at 180degrees, and third exit at 270degrees.

My question is, how do you deal with a roundabout with an irregular shape or an irregular number of entrances/exits?

The way I was taught was using the "12 o clock" rule, and as far as I can see, this fits in with the extract above. I.e., irrespective of the number of exits, if I'm taking a turn at 180degrees or less I stay in the left hand lane, and if I'm taking a turn at an angle of over 180degrees I signal right and stay in the right hand lane.

However, I know of a lot of people who base their approach on the number of exits. If they're taking the first or second exit they use the left hand lane; if they're taking the third or subsequent exits they use the right hand lane.

So, say if there was a roundabout with three exits at less than 180degrees from the entrance that I'm coming from and I'm taking the third exit. In my view, I should treat it as "making a left turn" (above.) I would stay in the left lane and indicate left once I'd passed the second exit. However, others would argue that, as it's the third exit, you should approach in the right lane and use the right lane of the roundabout - even though, technically, you're turning left.

Similarly, say if a roundabout had only three entrances/exits with equal space between them - i.e. when I'm coming onto the roundabout, the first exit is at 120degrees and the second is at 240degrees. If I want to take the second exit, I think that I should indicate right and use the right hand lane; others would argue that it is the second exit and you should therefore use the left hand lane.

I'd really appreciate a definitive answer on this!

Thanks and kind regards,

**name**

Dear **name**,

While it is impossible to give a definitive rule on position to be taken at Multi Exit Roundabouts due to their actual layout, size and amount of traffic lanes if any, however as a general rule if taking any Exit between the 8.00am to 1.00pm positions, motorists should approach in the Left Hand Lane, Road Position or as dictated by Road Markings.
If taking any Exit from the 1.pm to 5.pm position motorists should approach in the Right Hand Lane or Position.

Your are correct on your understanding of the procedures to be adopted at Roundabouts in your email.

Your colleagues are not correct in their understanding that they base their approach on the number of exits only and not take into account the layout of the Exits at the Roundabouts.

The above guidelines are for reference only’.

I hope this is of help.

Kind regards,
**name**
Road Safety Authority

(I have way too much time on my hands ...