Negotiate Round-a-Bouts Like a Local

Negotiate Round-a-Bouts Like a Local

If you're not familiar with driving through a round-a-bout, it can be intimidating, especially if your are also driving on the "wrong" side of the road on your vacation! Take a deep breath; it will be okay. You can do this!

The most important thing to remember is to give way (yield) to vehicles already in the roundabout. You can enter the roundabout once they have cleared your entryway.

If you are taking the first exit of a dual carriage roundabout you must keep in the left lane and use your left-turn signal to leave the circle.  

If you are taking the second exit [in general going straight across to the opposite side of the roundabout] the Road Code states: “Select the appropriate lane on approaching the roundabout; stay in the chosen lane until you need to alter course to exit; signal left after you have passed the exit preceding the one you want.”  

If you are taking the last exit [moving three-quarters of the way around the circle] you must signal right and approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane.  

“Keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit,” the code states. “Signal left after you have passed the exit preceding the one you want.”  

For mini-roundabouts: “Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles must pass to the left of the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Beware of vehicles making U-turns.”  

For single carriage roundabouts: “The same rules apply on approach as normal roundabouts. However, when exiting onto a single lane from the roundabout, you must indicate and be on the left to exit properly. Any vehicle on the right intending also to exit on the single lane, must give way and reposition by going around and then exit correctly. If there is a merge lane on exit, then you must remain in this lane and give way to traffic on your left before exiting.”  

Overtaking and stopping while on the roundabout are strictly prohibited.

Don't Forget Your Driver's License

If you do not have an International Driving Permit, you must obtain a Visitors Permit before getting behind the wheel of your rental car. As long as you have a valid drivers license from your home state or country, it's quick and easy to obtain one when you pick up your rental car. Expect to pay an additional fee (about $20 USD).

Visitors Permit

To obtain a visitors permit to drive a privately-owned vehicle, simply visit any one of our locations, and a Licensing Officer will be happy to assist you. A nominal fee of CI$16.00 is charged for this service.

http://www.dvdl.gov.ky