Roundabout Rules — Right of Way at Traffic Circles
Vehicles already in the roundabout have right of way. Enter only when there is a safe gap.
At a roundabout, vehicles already circulating inside have right of way. Enter by yielding at the give-way line, keep left, signal before exiting, and never stop inside the roundabout.
Penalty Under Law
₹500 under Sec. 177 MV Act for failure to yield.
Legal Source
CMVR Rule 3; MV Act Sec. 119; IRC:65 (Geometric Design of Roundabouts)
What the Law Says
CMVR Rule 3 requires vehicles approaching a roundabout to give way to traffic already circulating. Traffic moves clockwise (since India drives on the left). The vehicle must slow down at the yield/give-way line and enter only when a safe gap is available. Lane usage: use the left lane if taking the first or second exit; use the right lane for exits past the halfway point and move left before exiting.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Roundabouts replace signal-controlled intersections at many locations. When used correctly, they reduce fatal T-bone (right-angle) collisions by converting them into lower-speed, same-direction merges. Studies in India and globally show that properly designed roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by 70–90% compared to signalised junctions.
Key Facts
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Traffic flows clockwise in Indian roundabouts.
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Vehicles inside the roundabout have priority over those entering.
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Signal your intention: left indicator when you are about to exit.
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Do not change lanes inside a roundabout.
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Larger vehicles (trucks, buses) may need both lanes to navigate — give them room.
- 6
Pedestrian crossings are placed at each entry/exit arm — yield to pedestrians there.
⚠️ Common Violations
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Entering the roundabout without yielding.
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Stopping inside the roundabout to let someone in.
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Cutting across lanes to take an exit.
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Going the wrong way (anti-clockwise) in a roundabout.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Rules of the Road Rules
Always Drive on the Left Side of the Road
All vehicles in India must travel on the left side of the road. Wrong-side driving is a leading cause of head-on collision deaths.
₹500 – first offence
Lane Discipline and Lane Markings
Lane markings are legally binding instructions. A solid yellow centre line means no overtaking. A broken white line permits lane changes when safe.
₹500 under Sec
Rules for Overtaking (Passing) Vehicles
You may overtake only from the right, only when the road ahead is clear, and never in prohibited zones. The vehicle being overtaken must make way.
Illegal overtaking: ₹500 (Sec
Mandatory Use of Indicators and Hand Signals
Every driver must signal their intention to turn, change lanes, or stop — using indicators or prescribed hand signals. Failing to signal before a manoeuvre is a legal violation.
₹500 under Sec