Roundabouts and the Highway Code: What Rules 184 to 190 Say, Step by Step

The Highway Code deals with roundabouts in seven numbered rules, 184 to 190, within its “Using the road” section. This guide takes them in the order a driver meets them, from the approach to the exit. The GOV.UK edition quoted here says it applies to England, Scotland and Wales; the Code’s GOV.UK page links to separate guidance for Northern Ireland, which this guide does not cover. It is a summary of the rules, not a substitute for reading them.

Step 1: Read the approach (Rule 184)

Rule 184 says that on approaching a roundabout you should take notice of and act on all the information available, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings that direct you into the correct lane. The rule lists what you should do:

• use Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre at all stages;
• decide as early as possible which exit you need to take;
• give an appropriate signal (the rule points to Rule 186) and time your signals so as not to confuse other road users;
• get into the correct lane;
• adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions;
• be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you.

Step 2: Giving priority on entry (Rule 185)

When reaching the roundabout, Rule 185 says you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights. It also says to check whether road markings allow you to enter without giving way; if they do, you proceed but still look to the right before joining.

Two further points in the same rule: watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout, because they may not be signalling correctly or at all, and look forward before moving off to make sure the traffic in front has moved off.

Step 3: Match signal and lane to your exit (Rule 186)

Rule 186 gives separate instructions for three cases, each marked “unless signs or markings indicate otherwise”.

• First exit to the left: signal left and approach in the left-hand lane, keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.
• An exit to the right, or going full circle: signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit, and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
• Any intermediate exit: select the appropriate lane on approach, stay in it until you need to alter course to exit, and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want. The rule says you should not normally need to signal on approach.

The rule adds that when there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, you use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.

Cyclists are covered in the same rule. It says you should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, who will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic, give them plenty of room and not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout, and should signal right to show they are not leaving it. Drivers should take extra care when entering so they do not cut across them.

Step 4: Who else is there (Rule 187)

Rule 187 says that in all cases you should watch out for, and give plenty of room to:

• pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads;
• traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit;
• traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly;
• motorcyclists;
• long vehicles, including those towing trailers, which might have to take a different course or straddle lanes because of their length.

Mini, double and multiple roundabouts (Rules 188 to 190)

Rule 188 says to approach mini-roundabouts in the same way as normal roundabouts. It adds that all vehicles MUST pass round the central markings, except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so. It also says there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal, to avoid U-turns at mini-roundabouts and to beware of others doing this. The law reference printed under the rule is RTA 1988 section 36 and TSRGD schedule 9 parts 7 and 8.

Rule 189 deals with double mini-roundabouts: treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right. Rule 190 covers complex junctions with a series of mini-roundabouts at each intersection: treat each one separately and follow the normal rules.

Which words in the rules carry legal weight?

The Code’s introduction explains that many rules are legal requirements, identified by the words MUST or MUST NOT, and that disobeying them is a criminal offence for which you may be fined, given penalty points or disqualified. Rule 188’s MUST about the central markings is the only such wording in rules 184 to 190. The introduction also says that rules using advisory wording such as “should” do not in themselves lead to prosecution, but may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability.

For learners in Northern Ireland, this site has a separate guide to learning to drive under Graduated Driver Licensing.

The bottom line

Rules 184 to 190 of the Highway Code (England, Scotland and Wales edition) set out how to approach, enter and leave roundabouts, with separate wording for the first exit left, exits to the right or full circle, intermediate exits, cyclists and horse riders, and mini, double and multiple roundabouts. Rule 184 starts with reading signs, lights and lane markings, and Rule 185 gives priority to traffic from the right unless directed otherwise.

Sources

• The Highway Code, Using the road (159 to 203), Roundabouts (rules 184 to 190) (gov.uk), read 26 October 2026
• The Highway Code, Introduction (gov.uk), read 26 October 2026
• The Highway Code (gov.uk), read 26 October 2026