Wrongly entering the oncoming lane when leaving a roundabout is one of the most common causes of accidents and fines from photo recording cameras. Drivers often get confused in traffic trajectories, especially when there are more than two exits or the markings on the asphalt are erased, which leads to chaos and violation of clause 13.9 of the traffic rules. Understanding the correct exit trajectory directly depends on which lane you occupied when entering the roundabout and how many directions of movement are provided for by the design of the intersection.
There is a fundamental misconception that a roundabout is always the main road, but priority is determined solely by road signs 4.3 and 2.4. If you are driving around a circle without priority signs, the "interference on the right" rule comes into effect and cars entering the circle may have priority over you. That's why visual assessment of signs before a maneuver is critical to the safe completion of the trip.
Let's look in detail at how not to get lost in the traffic and choose the right lane to exit the roundabout. An error in choosing a lane at the entrance often dictates the need to make dangerous lane changes inside the circle or, conversely, forces you to miss the desired exit. It is critically important to remember: you can only exit a roundabout from the far right lane, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise. Violating this rule is almost guaranteed to result in an accident with a car driving straight along the outer radius.
Basic principles of organizing movement in a circle
Traffic around the roundabout is organized counter-clockwise, which is the standard in countries with right-hand traffic. The main task of such an organization is to reduce the number of intersection points and eliminate the need for traffic light regulation at moderately busy intersections. The driver, entering the roundabout, must immediately determine how many lanes are available for him to maneuver, and choose a position depending on which exit he needs.
If the circle is multi-lane, the inside left lane is usually for passing through or turning left (270 degrees), while the outside right lane is for merging or turning right. Driving in the middle of the circle is allowed, but it requires increased attention, since you are in an area of potential conflict with cars that will change lanes to exit to the right or to overtake on the left.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence of dedicated lanes for public transport. If the right lane at the entrance to the roundabout is marked with a sign 5.14 or markings, ordinary cars are prohibited from entering it, which automatically narrows the choice of trajectory. Ignoring this requirement leads to a fine, and an attempt to change lanes from such a lane deeper into the circle can create an emergency situation.
- 🚗 Movement is carried out strictly counter-clockwise, moving “against the grain” is prohibited and constitutes driving into oncoming traffic.
- 🛑 Entering the circle without priority signs means applying the rule of interference on the right (give way to those already on the circle).
- 🔄 Leaving any lane is possible only if it does not contradict signs or markings, but by default - from the right.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to cut a corner when leaving the inner lane of the circle onto the outer road often ends in a head-on collision with a car moving along the outer radius. Always maneuver to the far right lane before exiting, if the geometry of the intersection allows it.
How to choose a lane to enter an intersection
Choosing an entry lane is a strategic decision that determines the entire future trajectory of your movement. If you need to turn right (at the first exit), you must move into the right lane in advance. Trying to enter the roundabout from the left lane to turn right will force you to rush through traffic, which is almost impossible to do safely at a busy intersection.
To drive straight or to the left (to the second, third exits), it is optimal to occupy the middle or left lanes. This will allow you to complete half or three-quarters of the circle without having to clash with the traffic that leaves en masse at the first exits. Left lane on the circle is often fast, but it requires a mandatory change to the right before exiting the ring if you do not plan to make a full circle.
It is important to consider the width of the roadway at the entrance. If the road from which you are entering has two lanes, and the circle is two-lane, then from the right lane enter the right lane of the circle, and from the left into the left lane. Chaotic lane changes immediately after entering (“checkers”) disorient other drivers and are a common cause of side collisions and accidents.
| Purpose of movement | Entrance lane | Stripe on a circle | Action before the convention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn right | Far right | Far right | Exit without changing lanes |
| Go straight | Middle/Left | Middle/Left | Change lane to the right (if necessary) |
| Turn left | Left | Left/Inner | Mandatory lane change to the right |
| U-turn | Left | Left/Inner | Change lane to the right before exiting |
Rules for changing lanes inside a roundabout
The roundabout is not a static zone, but a dynamic flow that requires constant monitoring of neighbors. Changing lanes inside a circle is subject to general rules: you must not interfere with vehicles moving in the same direction. If you are in the inside lane and need to move over, you must in advance turn on the right turn signal and move into the right lane.
Many drivers make the mistake of starting to change lanes just before an exit. This is dangerous, since at this moment there may be motorists in the right lane who are driving straight or moving to the previous exit. Safe lane change should occur on straight sections between exits, when you are sure there is free space.
If the circle is large and has several rows, driving in the inner lane allows you to reach a higher speed, but requires double control: mirrors on the right for changing lanes and the traffic ahead. In dense traffic, it can be difficult to change lanes from the inside to the outside, so sometimes it’s more effective to immediately take the middle lane, even if it’s a little slower.
☑️ Check before changing lanes on a circle
It is worth remembering that a solid marking line in front of an exit prohibits changing lanes. If you did not have time to change lanes before the start of the continuous line, you are obliged to go through the extra roundabout or follow your lane if it leads to the desired exit. Violating the markings when leaving the circle is a guaranteed penalty.
Using turn signals when driving around a roundabout
The issue of using illuminated direction indicators on roundabouts is often controversial, but the Traffic Regulations provide clear, albeit general, instructions. The turn signal should inform other road users of your intention to change direction or change lanes. The absence of a signal or its untimely activation misleads others.
When entering the roundabout, if you continue to drive in the right lane (actually turning right), turning on the left turn signal is unnecessary and even erroneous. However, if you are in the left lane to drive straight ahead or to the left, turning on left turn signal when entering, it can signal your intention to move along an internal trajectory, although this is not a strict obligation under the traffic rules, but is considered good manners.
The most important moment is leaving the circle. Here necessarily turning on the right turn signal. You must turn on the turn signal in advance, even before you start changing lanes into the right lane or before the exit itself, if changing lanes is not required. This is a signal to drivers entering the circle and to those driving to your right that you are leaving the line.
- 🔴 Left turn signal when entering: optional, indicates the intention to walk in the inner lane.
- 🟢 Right turn signal when exiting: mandatory, informs about leaving the traffic.
- 🟡Hazard warning light: only used when stopping in a circle or heavy braking.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on your left turn signal when driving around the outer radius of a circle unless you plan to change lanes to the left. This may cause the driver in the inside lane to think you are clearing the way and cause a collision.
Priority of passage and signs on the circle
Determining who is more important - you or the one entering the circle - is based solely on road signs. According to changes in traffic rules, if a sign is installed in front of the intersection 4.3 "Roundabout" in combination with a sign 2.4 "Give way" (or 2.5 “Moving without stopping”), then vehicles already moving in a circle have priority.
If there are no priority signs (which is rare, but happens at old junctions), the general rule for equivalent intersections comes into force: “interference on the right.” In this case, the car entering the circle is to the right of the one already moving along it and has the right of way. This creates a dangerous "carousel" situation, with those entering blocking traffic in a circle, so special vigilance is required at such intersections.
It is also worth paying attention to temporary signs and traffic controllers. If there is a traffic light or a policeman standing on the circle, their signals have the highest priority over any markings and permanent signs. Ignoring a red traffic light when exiting a roundabout is a gross violation.
Nuances of the "Main Road" sign
If the "Main Road" sign is accompanied by a sign showing the configuration of the intersection, you should clearly understand whether you are on the main road. Often the main road on the roundabout changes direction, and you need to carefully look at the diagram.> If there is no sign, but the “Main Road” sign is installed, those on the roundabout have priority. However, the person entering from the right may still have the right of way in specific cases, so making eye contact with other drivers is a good idea.
Typical errors and emergency situations
The most common mistake is “cutting off” when leaving. A driver moving in the inner lane suddenly changes lanes to the right just before the exit, not allowing a car to pass, which is already driving straight in the outer lane. This is a classic road accident in which the person changing lanes is always to blame.
The second common problem is stopping in a circle. Many drivers, not understanding the exit, stop in the middle of traffic to look at the navigator or map. On a roundabout stopping is prohibited (except in cases of an accident or breakdown), as this paralyzes the operation of the entire interchange. If you missed the exit, take another circle.
The third mistake is related to large vehicles. Long trucks and buses may take up two lanes when turning right. Passenger cars should not try to slip between the side of the truck and the curb (“into the pocket”), as when turning, the rear wheels of the truck can carry the car off.
Golden circle rule: It is better to make an extra circle than to make a sudden change of lane or stop in traffic. Safety is more important than a lost minute.
Don't forget about pedestrians. Roundabout exits often intersect with pedestrian crossings. The driver is required to give way to pedestrians crossing the road on an exit ramp, even if the light is green (unless there is a separate turning section). Ignoring this rule is a common cause of collisions.
What should I do if I get lost on a roundabout and don’t know which exit is mine?
Never stop or slow down suddenly. Turn on your right turn signal, move into the right lane (if safe) and skip one lap. While you are making a circle, calmly study the navigator or map so that you know exactly the number of the desired exit. It is better to lose 2 minutes than to create an emergency situation.
Is it possible to overtake in a roundabout?
Overtaking on a roundabout is permitted because it is an intersection and not a no-overtaking zone (unless there are signs or markings prohibiting it). However, you can only overtake on the left side, without interfering with those moving along the way. Remember that the person you are overtaking can turn on the turn signal at any time and begin changing lanes.
Who is to blame for an accident if you collide while exiting a roundabout?
In most cases, the fault is the one who did not give way when changing lanes. If you were leaving the inside lane and hit a car on the outside, it’s your fault. If you were driving on the outside road and someone cut you off on the inside road, it’s the fault of the one who cut you off. If a collision occurs when entering a circle without priority signs, the one who did not yield to the “obstruction on the right” is to blame.
Do I need to turn on my turn signal if I'm driving straight through a circle?
When entering a circle to drive straight (if the circle is multi-lane and you are in the middle row), you don’t have to turn on the turn signal if your trajectory is obvious. However, when exiting a roundabout, a right turn signal is always required. Some instructors recommend flashing your hazard lights or left turn signal briefly when entering to identify yourself, but this is not a traffic requirement.
What to do if there is a traffic jam on the circle?
The “locked intersection” rule (clause 13.2 of the traffic rules) states: it is prohibited to enter the intersection if there is a traffic jam ahead that will force the driver to stop. If you see that the circle is stopped, enter only if you can completely leave the intersection (move off from it). Stopping on the “body” of the circle will block the movement of cross flows and worsen the traffic jam.