So how do you use a roundabout?

Posted on By Reedz

A few days ago, I came across a letter in Brunei Times that perfectly captured something many of us have probably experienced — the chaos of the Kiulap three-lane roundabout.

The Letter

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern about the growing misuse of the three-lane roundabout in Kiulap.

Despite numerous complaints over the years, the situation seems to be getting worse, especially during peak hours. Many drivers cut from the inner and outer lanes into the middle one without consideration, simply to avoid a longer queue.

This behaviour is extremely dangerous. I’ve witnessed several near-misses that forced everyone to slam on their brakes to avoid collisions — followed, inevitably, by shouting, honking, and even vulgar gestures. Not exactly a good example for the younger passengers in our cars.

I urge the relevant authorities to take action. Drivers must be able to follow basic safety rules — or they don’t deserve a licence at all.

Perhaps one solution could be to introduce traffic lights, like those at the Berakas/Muara roundabout. They’ve been effective in maintaining order and improving traffic flow. It might be time for Kiulap to adopt the same system.

A Worried Motorist

A Reader’s Response

One of my readers, marx-x, had this to say:

“Please help raise road safety awareness by posting some tips — for example, how to use the Kiulap roundabout properly, or reminders that slower cars should keep left and only use the right lane for overtaking.”

Good point, marx-x! Though honestly, I’m not sure we should be overtaking at roundabouts at all. The best thing anyone can do there is slow down, stay calm, and follow the proper lane rules.

So, let’s revisit how roundabouts are actually supposed to work — with a little help from my buddy DC, who once wrote this excellent explanation.

How to Use a Three-Lane Roundabout (Brunei Edition)

Roundabouts are designed for smooth, continuous traffic flow — if everyone follows the rules.
Here’s how:

  1. Left Lane (Outer Lane):
    Use this for the first exit only.
    ? Example: From Kiulap to RIPAS. Stay left and exit immediately.

  2. Middle Lane:
    For the second exit.
    ? Example: From Kiulap to Beribi. Stay in the middle lane until you reach the second exit.
    Don’t cut into the left lane — that’s for cars coming from RIPAS heading to Beribi.

  3. Right Lane (Inner Lane):
    For all exits beyond the second.
    ? Example: From Kiulap to Gadong or the Airport.

    • To Gadong: Stay in the inner lane, pass Beribi, then move into the middle lane and exit.

    • To the Airport: Stay in the middle lane until after Gadong-Mall, then signal and move into the correct lane for the Airport exit.

Golden Rules for Roundabout Etiquette

  • Always give way to vehicles on your right.

  • Signal early and clearly before changing lanes or exiting.

  • Never cut from the outer lane across to the inner lane — especially during traffic jams.

  • If you miss your exit, don’t panic. Keep circulating calmly, signal right, and try again.

  • Above all, be patient. Impatience and aggression cause most roundabout accidents — and even longer delays.

The Bigger Picture

We often think Brunei’s traffic problems are about infrastructure, but in truth, they’re just as much about attitude.
A little patience, discipline, and respect for the rules go a long way — not just toward safer roads, but toward becoming a more considerate society.

Comments (4)

  1. With regards to the three lane roundabout at Gadong, what if the authorities put cones, small curbs or those vertical orange and white rubber barriers along the continuous lines in between the left lane and the middle lane at the exits of the roundabout? Drivers aren't supposed to drive across the continuous lines in the first place anyway but do so because the option of doing so is easily possible. What if the option of doing so isn't possible?

  2. It's not only Kiulap Roundabout. Many drivers are so used to using the outer lane in the 2-lanes roundabouts (Manggis, Sg. Akar etc) to make one whole round, bypassing 2-3 exits.

    To see cars cut in front of each other; inner lane exiting when there is a car in the outer lane, sometimes barely metres from each other, ALL THE TIME, is like watching some stunt movies 🙂 except this is real life.

    The troubling thing is, I have seen drivers of training cars do the same thing. So how then?

  3. Hazwan…not a bad idea…but ugh i really hate it when people do that…so inconsiderate…the continuous line is supposed to be there for a reason…even in the rule book says you cannot cross a continuous line…but do they ever listen? no…cos they are impatient bad drivers…even worse…they take the left lane and go around the roundabout staying on the left lane until they take the 3rd or 4th exit…its just plain ignorant of them…i usually take the right lane but it's frustrating when cars in the middle lane drive so close behind or beside me and ignores my signal light to the left so i could take the middle lane to go into the 3rd or 4th exit…sometimes i had to circle another time…it's just plain ignorant and almost arrogant that people don't take the Kiulap roundabout rules seriously…and they call themselves drivers…

  4. I'd like to add my two cents to this issue as i've had near-accident experiences with roundabouts particularly around the Beribi/Mata-Mata area. It's amazing how drivers cut across from one lane to the other without any sign/indication without a care in the world, let alone the driver/s on the first lane! And they even have the bloody cheek to gesture at you for our supposed wrong-doing!?!

    I think the key word here is educating. It's not enough that the authorities slap on some how-to/dummies' guide on tv which hardly anybody watches anyway..and even if they do, they should introduce a more user-friendly guide which our people can relate to instead of showing arrows and whatnots.

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