Yes, you must indicate left when exiting a roundabout for the second exit (or any exit, for that matter) after passing the exit before yours, even if going "straight," to signal your intention clearly and keep traffic flowing, though you don't signal right on approach unless turning right or U-turning. On multi-lane roundabouts, follow road arrows, use the left lane for early exits and the right for later ones (past halfway), indicating left after the prior exit.
The ol' 12 o'clock rule for taking the second exit. Yes, indicate right (then left once you pass the first exit).
When taking any intermediate exit (unless signs or markings indicate otherwise): Select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout. Stay in the lane until you need to alter your lane to exit. Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take.
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.
Use your turn signals when you change lanes or exit the roundabout. If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit.
Failing to give way:
This is by far the most common mistake drivers make on roundabouts. Remember, drivers already in the roundabout have the right of way, so give way to them before entering.
The golden rule
You approach the roundabout from the 6 o'clock position, entering the roundabout by turning left so that you go around in a clockwise direction, while at the same time, giving way to traffic coming from your right, who are already on the roundabout.
The four essential rules for roundabouts are: Slow Down, Give Way to traffic already inside (including pedestrians/cyclists), Use the Correct Lane (left for left/straight, right for right/U-turn, following signs), and Signal your intention to exit by indicating left just before your exit, as noted by Transport Victoria, NSW Government, and RAC WA.
“According to road rule 77, all vehicles in a built-up area, in the left lane or left line of traffic, or in a bicycle lane are required to give way to a bus entering traffic from the far left side of traffic that is displaying a 'Give Way to Buses' sign and their right indicator is displayed,” a spokesperson from the ...
Entering drivers must also signal their intention to turn left, right, or make a U-turn, and continue signaling while on the roundabout. When leaving, drivers should signal left if practical.
Some drivers may not have seen the roundabout in time to slow down sufficiently. A review of crashes at 39 roundabouts in the United States found that entering-circulating, exiting-circulating and rear-end collisions were the most common crash types (Rodegerdts et al., 2007).
In Australia, the core roundabout rule is to give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout, regardless of which side they're on, and use indicators to show your exit direction (left for first exit/straight, right for turning right/U-turn). For multi-lane roundabouts, follow lane arrows, use the left lane for left turns/straight, the right for right turns/U-turns (signalling right on approach), and signal left as you exit. Always check for cyclists and pedestrians, and remember that the vehicle entering must give way to the circulating vehicle.
Explanation: When you approach a roundabout, look across it and identify the exit if you can. If you wish to go straight ahead, don't signal as you approach. You should then indicate left just after you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.
Ensure you're signalling in the direction you want to take before entering the roundabout, unless you're travelling straight on, in which case you don't need to signal until you pass the exit before the one you are going to use.
The exit rule means that you have an obligation to give way when exiting: A car park (both from the parking space and the parking area itself). A property (e.g. house), a petrol station or any other similar area in connection to the road. A pedestrian street, home zone, bicycle street, hard shoulder or off-road area.
Australian Road Rule 20 (ARR 20) is a foundational rule stating that a driver must not drive at a speed exceeding the applicable speed limit for the length of road they are on, with subsequent rules defining what those limits are (e.g., signs, school zones, shared zones) and specifying that drivers must obey them. It sets the general principle of adhering to posted speed limits or default limits where none are indicated, emphasizing that exceeding them is illegal and subject to penalties like fines and demerit points, with severe cases leading to license suspension or vehicle impoundment.
In Australia, the general rule is simple: only use your car's horn when it's necessary to warn others of your vehicle's presence or for safety-related purposes. Beeping your horn to express frustration or for non-essential reasons can lead to fines, and in some cases, serious penalties.
Commonly Misunderstood Traffic Safety Laws
However, driving around more than twice could be considered careless driving. If a police officer observes excessive circling, they may pull you over and investigate, potentially under suspicion of impaired driving.
Roundabouts Rules
If a multilane roundabout, choose your lane based on your intended exit. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop at the crosswalk. Signal left or right to warn other drivers if you intend on turning at the roundabout (no signal if you plan to proceed straight through the roundabout).
12 o'clock rule for roundabouts
The easiest way to remember which lane you need to be in on a roundabout, is to think of the roundabout. As a clock. We split the roundabout down the middle. If the exit you require is 12 o'clock or before you need the left hand lane.
stay in the same lane when driving through the roundabout. do not indicate as you approach the roundabout, but if possible, signal left as you exit.
It's something you should do anytime you change direction to the left or right. It's a safety thing, and part of having good situational awareness is checking your blind spots before you maneuver.