Quick question on exiting a roundabout.

wet-paint

Hey folks,
I was positive I was right, but recent experience has made me question myself.

If the exit I'm making for has two lanes instead of one, am I required to exit in the left hand lane, regardless of what lane I'm in on the roundabout itself?

ie - if I'm in the inside lane, closest to the roundabout, and I go to exit on the right hand lane of the exit, am I wrong? Do I have to leave the roundabout in the left?

This is on the presumption that it's the second exit I'm taking, not the first or third.
Cheers,
WP

DriveSkill

Normal practice would be exit into the left-most lane.

However, it is acceptable to exit into the right lane where there are 2 lanes on the roundabout and traffic is heavy (if traffic is not heavy you should be in the left lane from the beginning ) - for example you'll see this where there is a roundabout on a dual-carriageway, you'll have 2 lanes entering the roundabout, 2 lanes on the roundabout itself and then 2 lanes exiting. Its make sense for traffic in the right lane as you approach the roundabout to stay to the right on the roundabout and then exit into the right lane again.

One confusing point in your post is you mention

if I'm in the inside lane, closest to the roundabout, and I go to exit on the right hand lane of the exit, am I wrong?

and later you say :

This is on the presumption that it's the second exit I'm taking, not the first or third

If you are taking the 2nd exit on the roundabout you should be approaching in the left lane and keep to the left on the roundabout and not be 'closest to the roundabout' - unless it is of course the scenario I described above for dual-carriageways.

The main time you will be changing lane on a roundabout is when you are taking the 3rd or subsequent exit - in that case you will be approaching in the right hand lane but changing to the left lane after you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

wet-paint

Aye, that's the scenario I had in mind, leaving a roundabout, entering a D/C way, cheers.

I knew that f**ker should have stuck in the left lane, and not try to come in on top of me in the right...

Wishbone Ash

DriveSkill wrote: »

However, it is acceptable to exit into the right lane where there are 2 lanes on the roundabout and traffic is heavy (if traffic is not heavy you should be in the left lane from the beginning ) - for example you'll see this where there is a roundabout on a dual-carriageway, you'll have 2 lanes entering the roundabout, 2 lanes on the roundabout itself and then 2 lanes exiting. Its make sense for traffic in the right lane as you approach the roundabout to stay to the right on the roundabout and then exit into the right lane again

That's been a contentious issue here and in the Motors forum for several years.

If you open the ROTR on page 109 it shows a pic of a roundabout on dual carriageway. It shows a red line to illustrate a motorist entering and exiting (2nd exit) on the right lane. It then states that this course may only be used if:

1. the left lane is dedicated for turning left or is closed/blocked.

2. when directed to do so by a Garda.

My interpretation of it is that a motorist intending to take the 2nd exit (on a standard roundabout) should enter and exit in the left lane.

**Timbuk2**

Just an image of the page that Wishbone Ash is referring to

WexCan

If you do happen to enter in the right hand lane, maybe because of traffic in the left hand lane, then keep to the inside lane on the roundabout, indicate to exit as normal, check your left shoulder and if it's safe, exit into the left hand lane. If not, just exit into the right hand lane.

DriveSkill

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

That's been a contentious issue here and in the Motors forum for several years.

If you open the ROTR on page 109 it shows a pic of a roundabout on dual carriageway. It shows a red line to illustrate a motorist entering and exiting (2nd exit) on the right lane. It then states that this course may only be used if:

1. the left lane is dedicated for turning left or is closed/blocked.

2. when directed to do so by a Garda.

My interpretation of it is that a motorist intending to take the 2nd exit (on a standard roundabout) should enter and exit in the left lane.

I think the question though is - what is meant by 'blocked' ? This is just one example where the ROTR are a little vague. The description under the diagram uses a different wording of "where conditions dictate otherwise". I think it would be reasonable to assume that if there is a heavy traffic and long queues it is OK to use the right lane and follow the red line course - seems the sensible thing to do in my opinion anyway . I agree in quiet traffic conditions you should remain in the left lane.

Thanks for posting up the picture!

thehomeofDob

As far as I look at it.
If it's two lanes in and two lanes out, then whichever lane you enter the roundabout in, stay in it. I'm sick of almost being knocked off the bike because of drivers entering roundabout in the inside (right lane) and exiting straight into the outside (left lane) without looking properly.