No, it's generally not illegal to circle a roundabout more than three times, as there's usually no specific law limiting the number of loops, but it can lead to a police stop for careless driving, obstructing traffic, or suspicion of impaired driving, especially if it causes delays or appears erratic. While not inherently against the law in most places, excessive circling is unusual and can be interpreted as dangerous or a nuisance, making it risky.
So, how many times can you drive around a roundabout in Australia before it's considered a crime? It turns out there's no road rule stipulating a limit on the number of times you can drive around a roundabout.
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.
As a general rule, you should expect to slow down to at least 25-30mph for most large roundabouts. At these speeds, 3rd gear is often selected. However, if you need to slow down less than 20mph then expect to use/need 2nd gear to pull away. If you are slowing down to less than 10mph then be prepared to use 1st gear.
Roundabouts in Victoria – Rules Every Driver Must Know
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.
Yes, you can touch a phone in a holder while driving in many places, but only for specific, brief actions like answering a call, using navigation, or playing audio, not for texting, scrolling, or watching videos; rules vary by location and license type, so always check your local laws, but generally, it must be for permitted functions and not for prolonged distraction, even at traffic lights.
Legally, as many times as you want. Realistically, if a police officer sees you doing this, they'll likely pull you over to make sure you're not high or something. They'll probably tell you to move on afterwards.
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.
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.
Give way. The most important rule – when entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on the roundabout, unless road markings or signs say otherwise. If the way is clear keep moving. Stopping at a clear roundabout slows traffic and can cause frustrating delays.
Most roundabouts have a speed limit of 15 to 20 mph.
Roundabouts typically operate at relatively low speeds (25 MPH) while traffic circles allow higher speeds (> 25 MPH). Roundabouts restrict pedestrians from entering the central island while some traffic circles allow pedestrians to cross to and from the central island.
Is it illegal to go around a roundabout more than once? Circling a roundabout more than twice is careless driving. You should plan ahead as you enter a roundabout and carefully exit at the desired street.
Do driving examiners know how many tests you've taken? As the tests and routes are allocated at random, all the examiner will know about you is your name and licence number. Unless, of course, you end up with the same one, as many test centres only have a small group of examiners.
Australian Road Rule 72 dictates that at intersections without traffic lights or stop/give way signs, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right, slowing down and stopping if necessary to avoid a collision. This applies to standard intersections, but T-intersections, roundabouts, and intersections with specific signs or lights have different rules, and you must also give way to pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road you're entering.
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.
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.
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).
When reaching a roundabout you should: Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights. Check if the road markings allow you to proceed without giving way (always look right before joining just in case)
Even connecting your mobile phone through Bluetooth or a USB cable is not allowed, effectively ruling out mobile phone use entirely while driving as an L or P-plater. If you're caught using your mobile phone in any of these ways, you could face a fine of $387 and 5 demerit points.
Teen drivers aged 15–20 have the highest rate of fatal crashes involving distraction, accounting for 7% of such incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this age group consistently shows a greater proportion of distraction-related crashes compared to older demographics.
Drivers are able to use their mobile phone as a driver's aid (e.g. GPS) only if the phone is in a cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure their view of the road.