RoundaboutUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
17. Roundabout
A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.
Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Dickbauch • CC0
Who has priority at a roundabout in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, the Highway Code says to give priority to traffic approaching from the right unless signs, markings or signals direct otherwise. Watch for traffic already circulating; Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 184–190: priority, lanes and signalling
Mandatory roundabout direction.
English • GB diagram 611.1 • Mini-roundabout. Give priority to traffic from the right at the give-way markings. Pass to the left of the central white circle and circulate clockwise, unless the size of the vehicle or layout makes passing to the left impracticable.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-12-21. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])
Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 611.1.
Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.
Warning for a roundabout.
English • GB diagram 510 • Roundabout ahead. A roundabout is ahead. Reduce speed and prepare to give way as required by the signs and markings at the junction.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2013-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should you choose a roundabout lane in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, the approach lane and signal depend on the exit: normally left for the first exit, right for an exit to the right or a full circle, and the appropriate marked lane for an intermediate exit. Signs and markings can direct otherwise.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 184–190: priority, lanes and signalling
What should you check when leaving a roundabout in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, use the approach signal for your intended exit and normally signal left after passing the exit before yours. Check cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians; do not cut across a road user continuing around.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 184–190: priority, lanes and signalling
