Roundabout sign

What it means

There is a roundabout on the road ahead. The warning gives you time to slow down, plan which exit you need and get into the right lane.

The three arrows show traffic going round a central island in a clockwise direction. Because the sign is a triangle, it is a warning: it tells you what's coming rather than giving an order.

When you reach the roundabout, give priority to traffic approaching from your right unless signs, road markings or traffic lights tell you otherwise. Look out for cyclists and horse riders, who may stay in the left-hand lane while going all the way round.

Where you'll see it

On the approach to a roundabout. It may have a plate underneath with extra information.

Rules to know

• Decide as early as possible which exit you need, give an appropriate signal and get into the correct lane.

  The Highway Code, Rule 184

• Give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights.

  The Highway Code, Rule 185

• Give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, give them plenty of room and don't try to overtake them within their lane.

  The Highway Code, Rule 186

Spot the difference

Roundabout vs Mini-roundabout

The key difference: The red triangle warns that a roundabout is ahead. The blue circle is an instruction at the mini-roundabout itself.

Differences between the Roundabout and Mini-roundabout signs

	Roundabout	Mini-roundabout
Type of sign	Warning (red-bordered triangle)	Instruction (blue circle)
What it tells you	There is a roundabout ahead	Mini-roundabout: give way to traffic from your immediate right

Know Your Traffic Signs, Warning signs, p. 10; Regulatory signs, p. 20

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing it with the mini-roundabout sign.

  Instead: This roundabout sign is a red-bordered warning triangle. The mini-roundabout sign is a blue circle: an instruction that applies at the junction itself.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of a level crossing ahead with a gate or barrier.
• BWarns of a roundabout ahead.
• CGive way to traffic from your immediate right and go round the central markings.
• DWarns of a crossroads ahead.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned