Indiana Bill Gives Semis The Right Of Way In Roundabouts

New legislation would require passenger vehicles to yield to semis on Indiana roundabouts.

The bill authored by Rep. Jerry Torr gives trucks longer than 40 feet and wider than 10 feet the right of way if the truck approaches a roundabout at the same time as a passenger vehicle or if the truck is already in the roundabout when the passenger vehicle approaches.

Torr notes that the bill would give trucks the right to use both lanes of the roundabout: “The roundabouts are not designed for trucks to stay in one lane so this is an effort to get drivers to use the roundabouts as they were designed.”

Torr was approached about authoring the bill by Carmel Mayor Jim Brained. The city of Carmel has more roundabouts than any other city in the U.S.

The fine for failing to yield to a semi would be $500.

The bill’s supporters say that it could have prevented as many as 91 roundabout crashes last year alone.

The bill passed the House with a unanimous vote and is now headed for the Senate.

Sources:
The Indianapolis Star
IBJ