You may have seen it done. You could have done it yourself. You know the situation – there’s a little bump in the road pretending to be a ‘proper’ roundabout, so you drive over it.
- Detour rules are many, varied and complex
- States may apply different rules
- However, driving through the central traffic island is not legal
If you do so, you may be breaking the law. Not to make a mountain out of a molehill or anything, but roundabouts are designed for you to drive around, not over.
That is the purpose of these traffic management islands, motorists must enter from the left (at least in Australia) and must not drive over the top of the man-made structure.
If you do, you may be fined. The Model Australian Road Rules 2014, regulation 115, is the code most commonly referred to by individual jurisdictions across the country. It says:
Driving in roundabouts:
(1) Drivers driving in a roundabout must drive–
- (a) to the left of the central traffic island in a roundabout, or
- (b) if subrule (2) applies to a driver – on the edge of the center traffic island, to the left of the center of the island, or
- (c) if subrule (3) applies to the driver – through the center traffic island, as close as possible to the left of the center of the island.
(2)
- (a) the driver’s vehicle is too large to enter the roundabout without driving to the edge of the central traffic island, and
- b) Drivers are allowed to drive safely to the edge of the central traffic island;
(3)
- (a) the driver’s vehicle is too large to enter the roundabout without driving through the central traffic island, and
- (b) the central traffic island is designed to allow that type of vehicle to pass through the island and (c) the driver can safely drive through the central traffic island.
So if you are driving a large vehicle and the roundabout allows you to pass it, you can do it legally. But if you’re in a Jimny and jumping around on the obstacles, you could be fined.
New South Wales
In NSW, if you have to appear in court, the maximum penalty will be 20 penalty units, or $2200. You will most likely be fined $272 and lose 4 penalty points.
Victoria
Victoria enforces a similar ruling, with a potential on-the-spot fine of $337 and the imposition of three demerit points.
Queensland
In the Sunshine State, if you have to appear in court, you could face a $3096 fine. Ouch.
Western Australia
In WA, you can lose two points on your license and be fined $100 “for all offenses relating to the improper use of a roundabout”.
South Australia
South Australia’s interpretation of Road Rule 115 could land you a $499 fine if caught doing something wrong.
Tasmania
Tasmania was given two demerit points, with an on-the-spot fine of $243.75.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, also known as the land of roundabouts, there is a maximum court-imposed fine of 20 units, or $3200, for failing to drive to the left of a roundabout.
Northern Territory
We couldn’t find any current laws specific to the Northern Territory for Road Rule 115 – but is there a roundabout in the Top End? If you live there, let us know in the comments.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant roads authority in your state or territory.
