Kansas lawmakers discover unexpected gap in traffic rules
It turns out that drivers in the state of Kansas are technically not required to use turn signals at roundabouts. This legislative oversight remained unnoticed until someone delved into the details of the law. Now local lawmakers want to fix this, and unlike their colleagues from Utah who are trying to repeal a similar rule, they do not plan to introduce any grace period for public familiarization.
New bill and politicians’ reaction
Senator Brad Starns, who calls himself a “roundabout guy,” introduced Senate Bill 318. This document would require drivers to signal when changing lanes or exiting a roundabout. Reportedly, many legislators were surprised to learn that such a rule did not already exist.
I get in the left lane, the one closest to the center of the circle, and I try to turn right from that lane, Starns explained. I want to make sure people in that situation use a signal to exit that traffic feature.
While roundabouts often improve traffic flow, two-lane versions can cause real confusion for American drivers. Some Kansas legislators also admit they don’t fully understand how they work.
Support and indifference among senators
Other lawmakers expressed their support for the bill. Leawood Republican Senator Kelly Warren noted that clarifying intentions would be helpful. The committee chairman, Republican Senator Mike Argbright, remained almost indifferent, stating he had no objections to the bill.
As much as I hate this nonsense, I like this bill, said Burrton Republican Senator Rick Kloos.
At this stage, the bill still has to pass its first hearing. If that happens, it will proceed to full debate and a vote in the Senate. That is where the initiative could fail, but if not, a similar process awaits it in the House of Representatives. If the law is passed in its current form, drivers will not receive any grace period to get used to the new requirements.
Current situation and context
For now, the use of turn signals at roundabouts in Kansas remains at the driver’s discretion. It is assumed that this makes some sense, given the complexity of such situations. The goal of the bill is to provide clarity and increase road safety, especially at complex multi-lane roundabouts where maneuvers may not be obvious to other road users. This discussion is taking place against the backdrop of similar debates in other states, such as Utah, where, on the contrary, they are considering the possibility of relaxing similar rules due to the confusion they, in the opinion of some, create. The issue of the efficiency and safety of roundabout traffic remains relevant for many regions where this infrastructure is relatively new for drivers.