Roundabout Ahead Sign: Meaning and Rules

A roundabout ahead sign warns that a traffic circle is coming up, where you must give way to traffic already in the circle and to traffic approaching from your right. It is a red-bordered triangular warning sign, and in South Africa traffic moves clockwise around the circle.

What does a roundabout ahead sign mean?

A roundabout ahead sign is a triangular warning sign with a red border and circular arrows. It tells you that a roundabout, also called a traffic circle, is a short distance ahead. Slow down, choose your lane, and prepare to give way. In South Africa, traffic circulates clockwise around a roundabout.

Who has right of way at a roundabout?

You give way before you enter the roundabout:

• Give way to traffic in the circle: vehicles already in the roundabout go first.
• Give way to the right: give way to traffic approaching from your right.
• Enter on a safe gap: only enter when there is a clear gap in the circulating traffic.

How do you drive through a roundabout safely?

1. Slow down: reduce speed as soon as you see the sign.
2. Choose your lane: keep left to turn left or go straight; use the right lane to turn right or go all the way around.
3. Give way and enter: give way to traffic in the circle and from your right, then enter on a safe gap.
4. Signal and exit: signal left before the exit you want, and stay in your lane until you leave.

The roundabout ahead sign is a warning sign. Browse all warning signs or the full K53 road signs guide, and revise traffic-circle priority in the rules of the road.

Roundabout ahead sign FAQ

Who has right of way at a roundabout in South Africa?
You give way to traffic already in the circle and to traffic approaching from your right before you enter.

Which way does traffic go around a roundabout in South Africa?
Traffic moves clockwise, because South Africa drives on the left.

What must you do when you see a roundabout ahead sign?
Slow down, choose the correct lane, and prepare to give way to traffic in the circle.