'Road User' rule changes

The 'Road User' Rule changes of 27 February 2005 clarified what you should do at pedestrian crossings, special vehicle lanes (such as cycle and bus lanes) and roundabouts (particularly multi-lane roundabouts).

Please study the following information carefully – and make sure you understand what you have to do.

Pedestrian crossings

Drivers must give way to pedestrians on both sides of a pedestrian crossing, unless that crossing is divided by a raised traffic island.

Special vehicle lanes (cycle and bus lanes)

Only cyclists are allowed to use cycle lanes.

Only cyclists, motorcyclists and buses are allowed to use bus lanes.

You can cross a special vehicle lane in order to turn or park clear of the lane, as long as you give way to vehicles that are entitled to use that lane.

No vehicle can stop or park on a special vehicle lane (unless signs permit it).

By making sure you follow these simple rules at roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and special vehicle lanes, you can help make the roads safer for everyone.

Roundabouts

Before entering a roundabout you must indicate if you are intending to exit left or right – if you’re going straight ahead, don’t indicate.

You must give way to all traffic that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.

You then need to signal left as you pass the exit before the one you intend taking.

At multi-lane roundabouts, you also need to approach and enter the roundabout in the correct lane for where you intend to exit.

How this works:

If you're going less than halfway around, you must use the
left-hand lane (or any other lane marked for that purpose)
and signal a left turn before entering. Continue to indicate
left as you exit the roundabout.

If you're going straight ahead at the roundabout (eg halfway
around), you need to use any lane which is marked for that
purpose. You must signal a left turn as you pass the exit
before the one you intend to take.

If you are going more than halfway around a multi-lane
roundabout, you must approach in the right-hand lane (or any
other lane marked for that purpose). You must also signal a
right turn when entering the roundabout, then a left turn as
you pass the exit before the one you intend to take.

More information on the Road User Rule and summary of all changes

Page updated: 1 March 2007