Thread: Roundabouts & Semi-Trailer- Any rules?

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Any semi trailer is entitled to make wide turns, this includes turning left from the right lane and turning right from the left lane. They are required to display the Attachment 132174 sign and either two Attachment 132175 or the pair of striped signs Attachment 132176.

The fact that you start to overtake a long vehicle before the turn still gives the truck the right of way, but the driver should take all care to avoid other vehicles.

And another basic law forgotten by so many - the overtaking vehicle has to ensure safe to overtake, otherwise give way/pull back.
For us old farts, pretty basic, but I take the point about newbies just not being aware.

Originally Posted by pop058

All road users have an obligation to ensure lanes are clear before they try and occupy them, but I think the semi does have right of way if he was on the scene first and the relevant sign are displayed on the rear of the trailer.

As a side note without checking rule books, keep clear when turning signs are only permitted on vehicles/combos over 7.5 MTS in length.

Spot on, Paul.

Lots of sound and good advice on this subject, I​ drove semis for many years and encountered this over taking on roundabouts often, I adapted a method that prevented it, on approach to a roundabout I would straddle both lanes on entry preventing any one passing me.
The other thing I have drummed into those I have taught to drive is some times when a semi is turning sharp like in a smallish round about or tight corner where he needs both lane to turn from he may not have rear vision as the mirror could be looking at the forward part of the trailer and not be able to see another smaller vehicle coming up the side of him

Many years ago my landlord's son, whom I used to tutor, had a set of rear duals turning left pass over the bonnet of his Austin Healey Sprite - he was below the level of the truck's LH mirror vision. Exit one Sprite. He replaced it with a DB3, from memory.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Did the truck have a "Do not overtake turning vehicle" sign on the rear? I believe this sign gives authority to cross lanes when turning. That said the driver would have an obligation to make sure that any adjacent lane was not occupied before they tracked into it.

If it didn't it was unroadworthy. 7.5 metres or more must have one fitted.

The truckie has a responsibility as well. Back in the dark ages when I first got my semi licence I was taught to 'double lane block' when turning. That included roundabouts.

Originally Posted by hodgo

Lots of sound and good advice on this subject, I​ drove semis for many years and encountered this over taking on roundabouts often, I adapted a method that prevented it, on approach to a roundabout I would straddle both lanes on entry preventing any one passing me.
The other thing I have drummed into those I have taught to drive is some times when a semi is turning sharp like in a smallish round about or tight corner where he needs both lane to turn from he may not have rear vision as the mirror could be looking at the forward part of the trailer and not be able to see another smaller vehicle coming up the side of him

Double lane block is, I believe, mandatory. I know that I was taught to do it. But, who knows what they teach these days?

Originally Posted by johntins

The truckie has a responsibility as well. Back in the dark ages when I first got my semi licence I was taught to 'double lane block' when turning. That included roundabouts.

Yep. I was taught that as well. It's in the truck drivers handbook you can get from Vicroads.
It's a pity car drivers aren't taught to expect truck drivers to do this manoeuvre for the safety of all road users.