Junctions, roundabouts, and U-turns
Highway Code give-way rules at junctions and roundabouts, the ban on U-turns except where a traffic sign permits, and Traffic Police composition for unauthorised U-turns and failing to give way.
Primary source: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RTA1961-R11?ProvIds=P1IV-
Uncontrolled junctions
When approaching a junction you must observe (SSO, Highway Code r 69A):
- If going straight across, give way to traffic going straight from the right.
- If turning right, give way to traffic going from all directions, to traffic turning right from the right, and to traffic turning left from the opposite direction.
- If turning left, give way to traffic going straight from the right.
When approaching a junction with a major road, slow down gradually and give way to traffic on the major road. Where there is a “STOP” sign, stop at the major road (SSO, Highway Code r 70).
Where there are no traffic lights, give-way signs or stop signs, give way to all traffic on your right, including cyclists (SSO, Highway Code r 71).
At a junction look right, then left, then right again. Do not move off until you are sure it is safe (SSO, Highway Code r 72).
Turning
Well before you turn right, take full account of traffic behind you, signal early, and drive cautiously towards the centre of the junction. Give way to approaching vehicles and crossing pedestrians adjacent to you. Wait until it is safe to cross or wait for the green arrow signal. Turn swiftly to the correct lane, looking out for pedestrians (SSO, Highway Code r 73).
If you intend to turn left, keep to the left, signal in good time, and do not swing out to the right either before or after the turn (SSO, Highway Code r 74).
When turning left or right, drivers must always give way to vehicles going straight on and to pedestrians (SSO, Highway Code r 75).
OneMotoring’s RAG-arrow rule for signalised right turns is in road-markings-and-parking. Yellow-box obstruction is in yellow-box-junctions.
Roundabouts
Slow down when approaching a roundabout, and give way to traffic on your right. You must always give way to traffic approaching from your right. The general rule illustrated in the Code is that traffic from Lane A goes to ‘A’, Lane B to ‘B’, and Lane C to ‘C’. If your correct lane is overcrowded, you may use another lane provided you give clear signals in good time, obey the right-hand rule, do not inconvenience other drivers, and use your mirror so you do not obstruct vehicles behind you (SSO, Highway Code r 76).
OneMotoring’s “roundabout ahead” warning caption is: slow down and stop if necessary; give way to traffic on the right (OneMotoring, Driving Rules and Information). LTA’s Silver Zone road-safety page adds that roundabouts reduce conflict points at unsignalised intersections, and that drivers are only required to give way to others already in the roundabout before entering (OneMotoring, Road Safety). This article records both official wordings.
U-turns
Do not make a U-turn at any road intersection, junction or any opening in a road divider unless permitted to do so by a traffic sign (SSO, Highway Code r 66).
The official handbook states the same rule as: do not make a U-turn at any road intersection, junction or opening in a road divider except where a U-turn sign is located, and to negotiate a U-turn carefully, especially if trees or hedges obstruct the view, watching for vehicles (especially motorcycles) turning with you on your right (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving).
Never cross double white lines; a U-turn or right turn is not allowed on a road where such lines are painted (SSO, Highway Code r 53).
Composition as published by Traffic Police
Making an unauthorised U-turn is grouped with yellow-box stopping and insufficient warning signals: no demerit points in that row, $100 (light) / $150 (heavy) (SPF, Penalties for Traffic Offences).
Failing to give way to oncoming traffic at a controlled junction, and failing to give way at an uncontrolled junction, junction, or roundabout, are 4 demerit points and $150 / $200, and are asterisked zone-uplift offences (SPF, Penalties for Traffic Offences). Forming up incorrectly when turning left or right is in the same 4-point group (SPF, Penalties for Traffic Offences).
Coverage debt
- Highway Code r 76’s lane-letter diagram is not reproduced.
- Woodlands Centre Road right-turn restriction to Woodlands Checkpoint is a separate OneMotoring operational rule, not a general U-turn rule.