What is the “first exit” on a roundabout and why is it important?
Roundabouts are one of the most controversial elements of road infrastructure in Russia. Even experienced drivers sometimes get confused who must give way when entering a roundabout: the one who is already moving around the ring, or the one who is just about to enter it. And the phrase “first congress” generally throws many people into a stupor. In fact, we are not talking about physically leaving the ring, but about priority rule for a driver who is about to leave the circle at the first turn.
Since 2017, Russia has had uniform rules for driving roundabouts, but there are still signs on the roads installed according to the old standards. This creates confusion: somewhere the circle is the main road, and somewhere it’s a secondary road. In this article we will look at how to determine priority on a roundabout in 2026, even if there are no signs or they contradict the markings, as well as what the term “first exit” means and how it affects the maneuver.
We will pay special attention to typical mistakes for which the traffic police fines 1,500–2,500 rubles, and we will analyze real situations with video recording. If you've ever gotten lost in a traffic circle or argued with other drivers about who should yield, this article will help put the matter to rest once and for all.
Official rules: who's in charge at the roundabout in 2026
According to clause 13.11(1) Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation, when entering a roundabout intersection, the driver is obliged to give way to those who are already moving in a circle. This rule applies default, if there are no other priority signs. That is:
- 🚗 You're coming to a circle → you give way to those who are already driving around the ring.
- 🔄 You're driving in circles → you have priority over those who arrive.
- 🚦 There are “Give Way” or “STOP” signs** → act on them, even if they contradict the general rule.
However, there is a nuance: if there is a sign in front of the roundabout 4.3 "Circular movement" in combination with a sign 2.1 "Main Road", then the priority changes. In this case the main road goes through the circle, and drivers on the roundabout must yield to those entering along the main road. Such intersections are rare, but you need to be able to recognize them.
Important: starting from 2026, the traffic police has tightened control over violations at roundabouts. Security cameras now recognize whether the driver has given way when entering a roundabout, even if no accident has occurred. Penalty for failure to comply with traffic regulations - 1,500 rubles (Article 12.13 of the Administrative Code).
What does “first exit” mean and how does it affect the maneuver?
The term “first exit” is not official, but it is often used by drivers and driving school instructors. It denotes a situation where the car enters the circle and immediately leaves at the first turn (that is, it moves along a trajectory close to a turn). In this case, the driver does not actually become a participant in the roundabout; he passes through the intersection in transit.
According to the rules, the driver who is about to take the first exit must take the far right lane even before entering the circle. This is logical: if you move right away, there is no point in interfering with those moving around the ring. However, in practice, many people ignore this rule, which leads to accidents.
Example of an emergency
If the driver at the first exit did not give way to pedestrians at the zebra crossing or to a car moving in the second lane of the circle, the blame will be entirely on him. Courts often side with the victim, even if the markings are erased.—>
| Situation | Who gives in | Penalty for violation |
|---|---|---|
| Entering the roundabout without priority signs | The one who stops by | 1 500 ₽ |
| First exit (immediately right) | Yields to pedestrians and cyclists | 1 500–2 500 ₽ |
| Circle - main road (sign 2.1) | The one who enters the secondary route | 1 500 ₽ |
| Changing lanes inside a circle | The one who rebuilds gives way | 500 ₽ |
Please note: if you are leaving the circle at the first turn, but crossing a pedestrian crossing, you are obliged to yield to pedestrians (clause 14.1 of the traffic rules). This rule is often ignored, although cameras record such violations.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced drivers make mistakes at roundabouts. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Failure to comply with rows. Many people enter the circle in the left lane, although they intend to leave at the first turn. This creates interference and can lead to an accident.
- 🚦 Ignoring signs. Some drivers believe that the circle is always the main road and do not look at the signs
2.4 "Give way"or2.5 «STOP». - 🔄 Incorrect lane change. When leaving the roundabout, you need to take the far right lane in advance, and not change lanes at the last moment.
- 🚗 Failure to Yield to Pedestrians. At the first exit, pedestrian crossings are often forgotten, although the fine for this is the same as at a regular intersection.
Another common mistake is driving in the middle lane unnecessarily. If you are not going to leave the second or third lane, stay on the right. This makes maneuvering easier for all road users.
⚠️ Attention: If traffic lights are installed on a roundabout, priority signs don't work. In this case, rely only on traffic lights.
How to behave on a multi-lane roundabout
Circles with two or more lanes are a separate headache for drivers. The same priority rules apply here, but the nuances of rebuilding are added. Main rule: When leaving the roundabout, you need to take the far right lane in advance. Changing lanes immediately before an exit is considered a violation (Section 8.5 of the Traffic Regulations) and is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles.
Let's look at the example of a three-lane circle:
- Right lane: for those who exit at the first or second turn.
- Middle lane: for driving in a circle (if you need to drive straight or get off at the third or fourth exit).
- Left lane: for those who drive in circles for a long time or pull off at late exits.
☑️ Rules for driving on a multi-lane circle
Important: on multi-lane circles, traffic jams often occur due to drivers who cannot change lanes correctly. If you see someone honking or flashing their turn signal, let them pass - this will help avoid a traffic jam.
Fines for violating the rules on a roundabout
Violations at roundabouts are recorded both by cameras and by traffic police inspectors. Here are the current fines for 2026:
| Violation | Fine (rub.) | Deprivation of rights |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to give way when entering a roundabout | 1 500 | No |
| Failure to yield to a pedestrian on an exit ramp | 1 500–2 500 | No |
| Violation of the row (incorrect lane change) | 500 | No |
| Movement counterclockwise (counterclockwise) | 5 000 | Yes (6–12 months) |
They are especially severely punished for movement in a circle counterclockwise (that is, in the oncoming lane). This is regarded as driving into oncoming traffic and is punishable by deprivation of rights for up to a year. Even if you accidentally turned in the wrong direction, the inspector has the right to draw up a report.
⚠️ Attention: If you don't agree with the fine for failing to yield on a roundabout, you can challenge it. To do this, request a video from a recording camera - it often happens that the markings are erased or the signs are hidden, and the court takes the driver’s side.
Real situations: analysis of controversial issues
Let's look at a few typical situations that cause controversy among drivers.
Situation 1: There are no signs, the markings are erased. Who gives in?
By default, the circle is the main road. If there are no signs 2.1 or 2.4, the one who drives in gives way. But if the markings are completely missing, it is better to let everyone through to avoid an accident.
Situation 2: Circle with traffic lights. How to go?
If there is a traffic light at the entrance to the roundabout, priority signs are not effective. Go to the green signal, even if someone on the circle does not want to let you pass.
Situation 3: Accident on the first exit. Who's to blame?
If you were leaving the circle on the first turn and hit a car moving in the second lane, the blame would be on you - you should have given way to those who remained on the circle.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about roundabouts
Do I need to turn on my turn signal when entering a roundabout?
According to traffic rules, It is not necessary to turn on the right turn signal when entering a roundabout, since this does not count as a turn. However, many instructors recommend turning it on so that other drivers understand your intentions. The main thing is not to turn on the left turn signal, as this can be misleading.
Is it possible to stop in a roundabout?
Stopping on the circle itself is prohibited (Section 12.4 of the Traffic Regulations), except in cases when it is related to pedestrian access or preventing road accidents. If you are stopped due to a traffic jam or breakdown, turn on your hazard lights and try to pull over to the side of the road.
How to exit the roundabout correctly if there are many exits?
If you need to exit at the third or fourth exit, take middle or left lane in advance. Before exiting, move into the right lane, remembering to yield to those already moving along it. A sudden change of lane before an exit is one of the main causes of accidents on the roundabout.
What to do if there are no markings on the circle?
If there are no markings, follow the “interference on the right” rule: give way to those who are already moving in a circle. If no lanes are visible, assume the circle is single lane and stay to the right.
Is it possible to turn around in a roundabout?
Yes, turning around on a circle is allowed, but only from the exit to the first or second turn. To do this, take the right lane, go around the circle counterclockwise and exit in the right direction. A turn through the left lane (along a short trajectory) is prohibited and is equivalent to driving in oncoming traffic.