Do you have to indicate when going straight through a roundabout NSW

Debate has reignited over an obscure road rule after a key motoring body released an instructional video to remind drivers that indicating “out” of a roundabout is required.

In a training video posted to the National Roads and Motorists Association’s (NRMA)

Facebook and YouTube accounts, drivers are given some tips by driving trainer Darrin Tucker on how to safely enter and exit a roundabout.

Firstly, Darrin says motorists should always be prepared to come to a stop as they approach a roundabout so they can give way to other vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

He then reminds drivers that they must indicate on their way into a roundabout if turning left, right or doing a U-turn.

But what has caused a stir among motorists is the next point Darrin makes, which is to flash your left indicator on your way out of a roundabout “if practicable” – even if you’re going straight.

While flashing your left indicator when you exit the roundabout isn’t always achievable at smaller roundabouts, it’s always required when coming out of a multi-lane roundabout.

“When exiting a roundabout you must signal left, if it is practical to do so,” the NSW Government states online.

The road rule, while unbeknown to some, applies across all Australian states.

If a motorist in NSW is caught failing to adhere to it, they face a fine of $194 and two demerit points.

But not all are convinced with some labelling the rule as “flawed”, “crazy” and “(defying) logic”.

“I cannot see the point of indicating at all, when to all intents and purposes one is going straight ahead,” one driver commented on Facebook. “I know the rules say ‘when practicable’ but whoever suggested it in the first place is crazy.”

Another suggested going straight at a roundabout is “self evident” and thus there’s no need to indicate you’re going straight.

“The rule is flawed. In a roundabout, you can do one of three things – turn right, turn left, or continue straight through,” the NSW driver stated.

“If turning left, indicate your intention, if turning right indicate your intention, if going straight through, why indicate?”

Another road user said he had witnessed police vehicles not following the rule.

“Seen plenty of police driving through roundabouts and not once did they indicate when exiting one,” the driver from Penrith said.

But not all drivers are against the rule, some calling for stricter enforcement.

“I mostly indicate when leaving a roundabout but rarely see anyone else do it,” one driver said.

“I think there needs to be more policing of this. Sadly, so many exit with their right blinker on. That confuses pedestrians and disrupts the flow of the roundabout,” commented another.

Another driver said it takes little effort to operate a blinker and therefore should be done when exiting a roundabout.

“If you could just operate the blinker, it will cost you nothing in terms of dollars, time or effort. The road rules say to indicate so that actually applies to everyone. You don’t get to make your own rules,” he said.

Road Rules Awareness Week is giving road users the chance to refresh their knowledge of the NSW road rules.

Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, passenger or bicycle rider, it is important to be aware of how to use the roads safely.

The rules of roundabouts is one of the topics being highlighted this week.

How many of the following rules do you know?

When you approach a roundabout, you must use your indicator if you intend to turn left or right or make a U-turn at the roundabout.

You must give other road users sufficient notice of your intention to turn.

When entering a roundabout, you must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. 

You must also continue to use your indicators if you intend to turn left or right, or make a U-turn.

When turning left, you must indicate left on approach and be travelling in the left-hand lane, unless there are road markings with other instructions.

Stay in the left lane and exit in the left lane.

When turning right, you must indicate right on approach and be travelling in the right hand lane, unless there are road markings with other instructions.

When using a roundabout to make a U-turn, you must approach in the right lane and signal right. 

Changing lanes in a roundabout

Drivers may change lanes in a roundabout if they wish.

The usual road rules for changing lanes apply. You must use your indicator and give way to any vehicle in the lane you are entering.

You don't need to signal when approaching the roundabout if you are going straight ahead.

You may approach the roundabout from either the left or right lane, unless there are road markings with other instructions.

As when you exit a road, you must signal left when leaving a roundabout if it is practical to do so, and you should stop indicating as soon as you have exited the roundabout.

However, when you are travelling straight ahead on a small single lane roundabout, it may be impractical to indicate when exiting.

Do you have to signal when going straight on a roundabout?