Roundabout in left drive countries
I live in a right-drive country and plan to motor in left-driving Jamaica this month. That being said we do not have roundabouts in my state so I am trying to learn the rules-of-engagement as it pertains to left-drive roundabouts.
For right-drive roundabouts in the US I understand that:
- Traffic on the left has priority and flow is CCW (counter clockwise)
- The outer lane should be used only when departing the roundabout at the next exit (red path in diagram) or when traversing straight through (180 degrees) the roundabout (blue path in diagram)
- The inner lane should be used when traversing more than 180: in the case of the green path 270 degrees
Can I expect this to be true in left-drive Jamaica except that the flow is clockwise and the traffic approaching you from the right has priority?
If you have significant driving experience in left-drive roundabouts, please state this in your response.
Best Answer
I have extensive experience with left-drive roundabouts thanks to many years of driving in the UK, and plenty of other places.
The rules for giving way are the exact reverse of right-hand drive - circulate clockwise, and give way to traffic already in the roundabout (i.e. from your right). You are also correct that you should be in the left lane if you are turning left, and the right lane for turning right.
However the other rules are going to be specific to Jamaica. Signalling conventions at roundabouts vary from country to country, and you should look them up for Jamaica. Also which lanes you are allowed to use for going straight are country dependent. Getting them wrong however is unlikely to put you in an accident.
You may also find that rules of the road are not adhered to strictly in Jamaica - a country which I believe originated the saying:
"Some countries drive on the right; some countries drive on the left; we drive in the shade."
Pictures about "Roundabout in left drive countries"
What countries drive on left list?
The bulk of countries that drive on the left are former British colonies including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Only four countries in Europe still drive on the left and they are all islands. They consist of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.Are there roundabouts in other countries?
Modern roundabouts were first standardized in the UK in 1966 and were found to be a significant improvement over previous traffic circles and rotaries. Since then, modern roundabouts have become commonplace throughout the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom and France.Can you go around a roundabout in the left lane?
Knowing which lane you need to be in when approaching a roundabout is crucial. As a basic rule of thumb, you should be in the left hand lane if you're going less than half way or half way around the roundabout, and you should be in the right hand lane if you're going more than half way around the roundabout.Are we the only country that drives on the left?
Today, only four European countries still drive on the left: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.Left-hand driving Demo - roundabout
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Answer 2
I drove 1 months in australia, so I have some "experience" with left-drive roundabouts. With right ones I have even more experience because they are very common in my country.
Regarding your question: Yes this is true. BUT (but!) like for every rule not everyone is following it, so prepare to see some lane changes also in the roundabout.
Furthermore, flashing is an interesting point as it is different in different countries when it comes to roundabouts. E.g. in Australia you blink before entering the roundabout like the following:
Left - you take first exit
No flashing - you take the 180° exit
- Right - you take the third exit
(Just like at a crossing)
However, in other countries like germany you flash when you are in the roundabout and you are about to exit the roundabout. Don't get stressed, watch 1 minute an jamaican roundabout and you will get the feeling. Maybe start with a small one with only one lane, than it is pretty easy to do.
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