Roundabouts remain one of the most controversial elements of road infrastructure in Russia. Even experienced drivers are not always sure how to properly perform second exit on the roundabout - especially when it comes to multi-lane traffic or non-standard markings. Mistakes here are fraught not only with fines (up to 5,000 rubles according to Art. 12.15 of the Administrative Code), but also road accidents with serious consequences.

In 2026, the rules for driving roundabouts were clarified, and judicial practice in controversial situations formed new precedents. For example, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in its ruling dated March 2023 explained that leaving the second exit does not always require a preliminary change to the right lane — it all depends on the configuration of the ring and the presence of markings. In this article, we will analyze current maneuver schemes, analyze typical mistakes and provide a checklist for safe passage.

We will pay special attention unequal rings (where the main road changes priority) and cases where the markings conflict with the signs. These nuances cause 38% of accidents at roundabouts, according to traffic police statistics for 2023.

1. Basic rules of the second congress: what the traffic rules say

According to clause 8.5 of the traffic rules, before turning right or left (and the second exit is equivalent to a left turn on the roundabout), the driver must take corresponding extreme position. However, in practice this rule is interpreted ambiguously:

  • 🔄 On a single-lane ring — take the right lane 50–100 meters before the exit, turn on the right turn signal and smoothly change lanes.
  • 🛣️ On a multi-lane ring — if the markings allow, you can stay in the middle lane until the exit (but not in the left!).
  • ⚠️ If there is a sign 5.15.1 (“Direction of traffic along the lanes”) - follow the markings, even if they contradict your logic.

Key Point: on a roundabout without markings, the second exit is considered “straight” along the traffic path, and not a left turn. This means that it is not necessary to occupy the far left lane before such a maneuver - it is enough to stay in your lane. The exception is rings with dedicated turning lanes (indicated by signs 5.15.2).

Supreme Court in ruling no. 5-AD23-117-K7 dated 03/15/2023 emphasized: if the markings on the roundabout are absent or not visible, the driver cannot be punished for failure to comply with the exit lane. However, this does not cancel the obligation to give way to those moving along the main road (if the ring is unequal).

📊 How do you usually take the second exit on the roundabout?
I take the right lane early
I stay in the middle row until the exit
I'm rearranging at the last minute
I don't pay attention to the markings

2. Traffic patterns: how to avoid getting into an accident

Let's look at three typical roundabout intersections and the correct trajectories for the second exit. Please note high risk areas (highlighted in red on the diagrams):

Scheme 1. Classic ring without markings

At such an intersection, priority is given to those who are already moving along the roundabout (Section 13.11 of the Traffic Regulations). For the second meeting:

  1. Borrow middle or right row at the entrance to the roundabout.
  2. Don't turn on your left turn signal - it will hit other drivers.
  3. Turn on the right turn signal only when direct congress.

Scheme 2. Multi-lane ring with 5.15.1/5.15.2 signs

Here the markup dictates the rules. For example, if the sign indicates that the second exit is only possible from the two right lanes, changing lanes to the left will be considered a violation (fine 1,500 rubles according to Part 1 of Art. 12.16 Code of Administrative Offences).

Ring type Required exit lane Penalty for violation
Single lane without markings Any (priority for those moving around the ring) 500–1,500 ₽ (Article 12.14)
Multi-lane with signs 5.15.1 According to the markup 1,500 ₽ (Article 12.16)
Unequal (the main road changes) Give in to those in charge 1,000 ₽ (Article 12.13)

⚠️ Attention! On rings with turbo markings (solid lines between lanes) lane changing is prohibited. If you are in the wrong row, you will have to make a full circle.

Check for markings and signs 5.15.1/5.15.2|

Determine whether the ring is equivalent or not|

Take the correct lane 100–150 meters before the exit|

Turn on the right turn signal only when exiting (not earlier!) |

Give way to pedestrians at the exit (if there is a zebra crossing -->

>

3. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Analysis of accidents at roundabouts (data from the traffic police for 2023) shows that 65% of accidents occurs due to three errors:

  • 🚗 Early change to the right lane — drivers occupy the far right position too far from the exit, blocking those driving straight.
  • 🔥 Late turn signal activation — the maneuver signal must be given before 3–5 seconds before the congress, and not at the last moment.
  • 🚧 Ignoring markup - especially dangerous on turbo rings, where solid lines separate the flow.

A common situation: a driver is driving in the middle lane of a multi-lane roundabout and decides to take the second exit without yielding to those driving in the right lane. According to clause 8.4 of the traffic rules, changing lanes must be safe - that is, you are obliged to let those who are already driving in the target row pass.

⚠️ Attention! If there is a sign on the ring 4.3 ("Roundabout") along with the sign 2.4 (“Give way”), this means that all exits are non-essential. Here you need to yield not only when entering, but also when leaving the roundabout.

What to do if you miss a convention?

If you find yourself in the wrong lane or miss the right exit, do not brake sharply and do not change lanes. It is better to make a full circle around the ring and move out of the correct lane. Abrupt maneuvers are the reason 22% of head-on collisions at such intersections.

4. Fines for violations: current rates for 2026

Punishments for illegal exit from the roundabout are regulated by several articles of the Code of Administrative Offences. Let's look at the most common cases:

1. Failure to give way when changing lanes (clause 8.4 of traffic rules) - fine 500 rubles (Part 1 Article 12.14). A typical scenario: you are driving in the middle lane and decide to take the second exit without allowing the car on the right to pass.

2. Violation of rows (clause 9.4 of the traffic rules) - if you left the roundabout not from the permitted lane (for example, from the left lane on a multi-lane roundabout with signs 5.15.1), the fine will be 1,500 rubles (Part 1 Article 12.16).

3. Turn signal not turned on — 500 rubles (Part 1 Article 12.14). Please note: the turn signal must work and at the entrance to the ring, and when exiting (even if you are moving in a straight line).

4. Driving in the oncoming lane — if you drive off the roundabout “against the grain” (for example, from the left lane to the right through a solid lane), this qualifies as driving into oncoming traffic. Penalty: 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights to 4–6 months (Part 4, Article 12.15).

⚠️ Attention! In 2026, amendments came into force tightening penalties for repeated violations on the ring. If you were fined for taking an illegal exit, and a year later you repeated the mistake, the fine will increase by 2 times (for example, instead of 500 ₽ - 1,000 ₽).

💡

If an inspector stopped you for allegedly taking an illegal exit, ask him to indicate in the protocol specific traffic ruleswhich you violated. Often inspectors refer to “general rules of maneuvering”, which can be challenged in court.

5. Uneven rings: how to determine the main road

One of the most difficult places in traffic rules is driving unequal roundabouts, where the main road changes direction. Here the second exit can be either on the main or secondary road. Let's figure out how not to make mistakes:

Signs of an unequal ring:

  • 🛑 Sign 2.1 ("Main Road") with a sign 8.13 ("Main Road Direction").
  • 🚦 Markup 1.2 (solid line) at exits, marking the boundaries of the main road.
  • 📛 No sign 4.3 (“Roundabout”) - this means that the ring is subject to the general rules for driving through intersections.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Determine where the main road is changes direction (usually this is indicated on the sign under the sign 2.1).
  2. If the second exit is at main road, you don’t need to give in - those entering the ring should let you through.
  3. If the congress minor, give way to those moving along the main road (even if they are leaving the roundabout!).

⚠️ Attention! On unequal rings they are often installed additional traffic light sections for conventions. If the green arrow to the left is on, this allows you to leave the roundabout, but does not cancel the obligation to yield to pedestrians (the fine for violation is 1,500–2,500 rubles).

💡

On an unequal ring, the second exit can be either along the main or secondary road. Always look at sign 8.13 under sign 2.1 - it shows where the main road "turns".

6. Features of travel on motorcycles and trucks

Drivers two-wheeled transport and large vehicles face additional difficulties at roundabouts. Let's look at the nuances:

For motorcycles and scooters:

  • 🏍️ It is allowed to move between the rows (clause 9.1 of the traffic rules), but only if it does not cause interference other participants.
  • 🚦 When exiting the second row, a motorcyclist must let those driving in the right lane pass.
  • ⚠️ It is forbidden to move off the ring dividing strip - this is considered driving in oncoming traffic.

For trucks and buses:

  • 🚛 If the vehicle’s dimensions do not allow it to fit into a turn from the far right lane, it is allowed deviate from the requirements of clause 8.5 of the traffic rules (Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court No. 20 of June 25, 2019).
  • 📏 On turbo roundabouts, truck drivers often have to occupy two rows - this is not considered a violation if there is no other way to pass.

⚠️ Attention! Drivers of trucks longer than 12 meters must include alarm when driving through roundabouts at night (Section 19.1 of the Traffic Regulations). Ignoring this rule will result in a fine. 500 rubles.

7. How to challenge a fine for an incorrect exit

If you are fined for violating the rules of leaving the roundabout, you can challenge the fine within 10 days from the moment of receipt of the decision. Grounds for appeal:

1. Lack of markings or signs

If there were no markings on the ring 1.18 (direction of traffic along lanes) or signs 5.15.1/5.15.2, you could not clearly determine the correct trajectory. In this case, the fine can be canceled by referring to clause 1.2 of the traffic rules (“traffic participants are obliged to act in such a way as not to create danger”).

2. Incorrect classification of the violation

Inspectors often get confused failure to give way (Art. 12.13) and row violation (v. 12.16). If an incorrect article is indicated in the protocol, this is grounds for canceling the fine.

3. Technical fixation error

When auto-locking (camera), check:

  • Photo/video clarity - if the license plate is not legible, the ticket is invalid.
  • Compliance with the requirements for the placement of cameras (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 of 2017).

⚠️ Attention! If you are going to dispute the fine, ask the traffic police full package of case materials (photo, video, intersection diagram). Without these documents, the court will side with the inspector.

💡

When appealing please refer to traffic police letter No. 13/2-124 dated 02/20/2020, where it is explained that the absence of markings on the ring cannot be the basis for a fine for violating the lane.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the second exit on the roundabout

Is it possible to exit the second exit from the left lane if the roundabout is three-lane?

No, this is a violation of clause 9.4 of the traffic rules. On multi-lane roundabouts, the second exit is only allowed from right or middle row (unless markings or signs indicate otherwise). The exception is if you manage large vehicles and you physically cannot fit into the turn.

Do I need to turn on my turn signal when entering the roundabout if I'm driving straight?

Yes, right turn signal is required when entering the ring (section 8.1 of the traffic rules), even if you plan to drive straight. This signals your intention to other drivers. The left turn signal only turns on when changing lanes inside the ring.

Who is to blame for the accident if I was leaving the second exit and was hit from behind?

In most cases the culprit rear-end driver (Clause 10.1 of the traffic rules obliges you to maintain distance). However, if you brake sharply before an exit or do not turn on your turn signal, the fault may be mutual (Supreme Court decision no. AKPI19-1037).

What to do if the markings on the ring are erased or contradict the signs?

In such a situation, priority is given to signs above the markings (clause 1.2 of the traffic rules). If both signs and markings are unreadable, follow the “noise on the right” rule. In the event of an accident or a fine, you can challenge the punishment by citing inconsistency of traffic organization (Letter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 13/5-121 of 2018).

Can an inspector fine you for leaving the roundabout without stopping if there is no “STOP line”?

No if there is no sign 2.5 (“Driving without stopping is prohibited”) or markings 1.12 ("STOP line"). Regular sign 2.4 ("Give way") does not oblige you to stop - enough reduce speed to safe (Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Council No. 20).