Perth drivers are being slammed for getting the basics wrong at roundabouts — with confusion, hesitation and bad habits turning simple intersections into daily danger zones.
Despite clear rules under WA’s Road Traffic Code 2000, motorists are still bungling the fundamentals — and it is sparking fury on the road and online.
The golden rule is simple: give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
Not the right. Not the fastest car.
The golden ruled: anyone already in it.
But many drivers are not getting the memo.
“Why do Perth drivers treat every roundabout like a stop sign? If it’s clear — go,” one frustrated commuter wrote online.
Another added: “People still think you give way to the right. It’s not 1995.”
The biggest gripe? lack of or use of the wrong indicators.
“This annoys me more than it should,” Databo wrote.
“End up coming to a complete stop because someone is indicating to turn yet going straight through, and they usually don’t indicate on their exit of the roundabout just to top it off.”
Another commented: “Indicate when you exit. It’s not optional. You’re holding up everyone waiting.”
Others slammed dangerous signalling.
“Every roundabout turning into a faith-based exercise,” a Reddit user said.
Another chimed in: “The worst is people indicating right but going straight. You’re basically lying to every other driver.”
Perth local Jackson Flindell said poor education — particularly among older drivers — was fuelling the problem.
“Roundabouts weren’t even a thing when some people started driving. They haven’t been educated — and that’s the truth,” he said.
“They leave their indicator on while going around then exit — so you wait, miss your opportunity and traffic just piles up behind you.”
Mr Flindell said what should streamline traffic was doing the opposite.
“Roundabouts were brought in to control flow but when people don’t know how to use them, it just makes it worse,” he said.
“People get angry, frustrated. They start cutting in, going when there’s no room. It becomes dangerous.”
Online, drivers say the frustration is boiling over.
“Nothing worse than someone stopping at an empty roundabout while five cars stack up behind them,” one wrote.
Even those doing the right thing say they are copping abuse.
“I gave way to a car already on the roundabout and got honked. People have no idea.”
Mr Flindell said better education — even basic advertising — could fix the problem.
“If the Government can run ads about recycling, surely they can run a 30-second ad on how to use a roundabout properly,” he said.
“It would save lives and keep traffic moving.”
Under WA law, failing to give way can cost drivers $150 and three demerit points, while not indicating properly can land a $100 fine and two demerit points.
Below are the WA road rules for roundabouts:
Turning left
- On approach, indicate left from the left lane.
- Stay in the left lane.
- Exit the roundabout from this lane.
Driving straight ahead
- You do not need to indicate on approach.
- Enter either the left or right lane.
- Stay in and exit from the same lane.
- Indicate left when you have passed the last exit before the one you intend to use.
Turning right or making a full turn
- On approach, indicate right from the right lane.
- Stay in the right lane and exit the roundabout from this lane.
- Indicate left when you have passed the last exit before the one you intend to use.
Cyclists and roundabouts
Motorists entering a roundabout, please be aware of cyclists. While in the roundabout, don’t try to squeeze past or overtake them.
Source: Road Safety Commission
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