The roundabout remains one of the most controversial elements of the road infrastructure - even experienced drivers are not always sure how to exit the “ring”. Mistakes here are fraught not only with fines (up to 1,500 rubles in 2026), but also by creating emergency situations. The main problem is Since 2017, the rules for exiting a roundabout have changed dramatically, but many are still guided by outdated standards.
In this article we will analyze the current schemes for exits from the ring, taking into account the number of lanes, the presence of signs and markings. We will pay special attention typical mistakes, which are recorded by cameras and traffic police inspectors, as well as nuances for trucks and public transport. If you have ever been confused about which lane you can take to the right exit, or received a fine for changing lanes “wrongly,” this material will be especially useful.
Basic rules for exiting a roundabout according to traffic rules 2026
On November 8, 2017, amendments to Traffic regulations (clause 8.5), which unified the rules for leaving the roundabout. Now in the absence of signs or markings There is only one rule: exit is allowed only from the far right lane. This means that if you are driving in the middle or left lane, you must change lanes to the right before exiting.
However, there are important exceptions:
- 🔹 Presence of signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2 ("Lane Directions") - they can allow exit from multiple lanes. In this case, follow the markings and signs.
- 🔹 Multi-band rings with 1.18 markings (directional arrows) - it takes precedence over the general rule.
- 🔹 Roundabouts with tram tracks — special rules apply here for rail transport.
⚠️ Attention: If there is a sign on the ring4.3(“Circular traffic”) along with a sign8.5.1(“Saturdays, Sundays and holidays”), the rules of the convention may vary by day of the week. Check the current map on local road portals.
It is important to understand that changing lanes on the roundabout is not equivalent to leaving. You can change lanes inside the traffic circle as much as you like (observing the “interference on the right”), but the exit must be carried out strictly according to the rules. Ignoring this nuance is the most common reason for fines.
Exit layouts depending on the number of lanes
Let's look at ternary situations: one-, two- and three-band rings. For clarity, we use diagrams indicating trajectories and permitted maneuvers.
1. Single strip ring
The easiest option is here exit is only possible to the right, since there are no other bands. The main rule is turn on the right turn signal 30–50 meters before the exitto warn other drivers. A typical mistake is turning on the signal late, which confuses those driving behind.
2. Two-way ring
On such a roundabout, the “right lane rule” applies: exiting is only allowed from it. If you are driving in the left lane and want to take the nearest exit, you must:
- Turn on the right turn signal in advance.
- Make sure that you are allowed to pass from the right lane (according to the “interference on the right” rule).
- Change lanes and then move out.
Exception: if there are markings on the asphalt 1.18 with arrows allowing exit from both lanes, you can follow it. But such schemes are rare - usually at large transport junctions.
3. Three-lane (or more) ring
On multi-lane roundabouts, exit from the inner lanes (second, third) prohibited, if there are no special characters. A typical mistake is an attempt to leave the second lane “in a straight line”, avoiding changing lanes. This is regarded as violation of the location of the vehicle on the roadway (Part 1 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code) and is punishable by a fine 500 rubles.
In practice, on wide rings (for example, in Moscow or St. Petersburg) they often install additional signs 5.15.1, allowing exit from several lanes. In this case, follow the signs above the road.
Occupy the far right lane in advance
Turned on the right turn signal 30–50 meters away
Made sure there was no interference on the right
Reduced speed before exit
Let pedestrians pass (if there is a crossing) -->
| Number of stripes on the ring | Permitted exit | Penalty for violation | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 strip | Only to the right | 500 rub. (Article 12.14 of the Administrative Code) | No |
| 2 stripes | Only from the right lane | 500 rub. (Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code) | Marking 1.18 or signs 5.15.1/5.15.2 |
| 3+ stripes | Only on the far right | 1,000–1,500 rub. | Signs above lanes allowing otherwise |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even knowing the rules, drivers often make the same mistakes. Here are the most common:
- 🚗 Late turn signal activation - a signal must be given before the start of the maneuver, and not at the time of the congress. This gives time for other drivers to adjust their trajectory.
- 🚙 Leaving the second lane “in a straight line” - this violation is recorded by cameras on most large rings. Fine - 1,000 rubles.
- 🚛 Ignoring pedestrian crossings — on many roundabouts the exits are equipped with zebra crossings. If you fail to let a pedestrian pass, you risk getting a fine 1,500–2,500 rubles.
- 🏍️ Sharp braking before an exit - this creates an “accordion effect” and increases the risk of accidents. Reduce speed gradually.
Another common problem is misunderstanding of priorities. At the roundabout, the “interference on the right” rule applies: if you change lanes to the left (for example, to avoid an obstacle), let those moving in the target lane pass. But when congress priority goes to the one who is already in the right lane!
⚠️ Attention: On some rings (for example, in historical city centers) they install reversible stripes with traffic lights. In this case, the exit is allowed only when the signal is green. Ignoring the reverse mode is punishable by a fine 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.
If you missed the right exit, don't brake suddenly and do not try to change lanes across multiple lanes. It's better to make a full circle and move out of the right lane - it's safer and cheaper than a fine.
Features for trucks and public transport
Drivers trucks (weighing more than 3.5 tons) and buses must take into account additional restrictions:
- 🚚 On many roundabouts in city centers there is a ban on trucks driving in the far left lane (sign
5.15.7). - 🚌 Buses and minibuses can leave the ring using special “pockets” marked with markings
1.1(yellow broken line). - 🚛 Long vehicles (more than 7 meters) are sometimes allowed to exit the second lane if indicated on the sign
5.15.2with a sign8.4.3(“Type of vehicle”).
For public transport (trams, trolleybuses) separate rules apply:
- 🚋 Tram tracks on the ring are considered separate strip. Exit from them is permitted only in places marked with a sign.
6.8.3(“Entering a road with a lane for route vehicles”). - 🚎 If the bus moves along a dedicated lane (marking
1.23.3), it has priority at the exit.
Important: in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan work on some rings experimental designs with dynamic markings that change depending on workload. For example, in the morning exit is allowed from two lanes, and in the evening - only from one. Such nuances are usually duplicated on electronic displays.
What happens if you drive off the roundabout from the second lane?
If there are no signs on the roundabout permitting exit from several lanes, such a violation is qualified under Part 1 of Article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses as “Violation of the rules for positioning a vehicle on the roadway.” Fine - 500 rubles. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the amount can be increased to 1,500 rubles according to regional standards. In addition, if the maneuver created interference with other traffic participants, the inspector may classify it as “failure to provide an advantage” (fine 1,000 rubles).
How do the security cameras on the ring behave?
Since 2023, most large rings will have automatic fixation complexesthat track:
- 📷 Driving from the wrong lane (if there are no permitting signs).
- 📷 Turn signal not turned on.
- 📷 Speeding (there is usually a limit on the roundabout
40–60 km/h). - 📷 Violation of markings (for example, crossing a solid line when changing lanes).
Cameras record violations movement trajectories, and not based on the fact of the congress. For example, if you changed lanes from the second lane to the first already at the congress (and not before), the system will regard this as a violation. The fine will be sent by mail or to your personal account at Public services within 3–5 days.
Important: appeal the fine leaving the roundabout is difficult, but possible if:
- 📄 Markings or signs were unreadable (snow-covered, erased).
- 📄 The camera worked incorrectly (for example, it recorded a departure from the permitted lane).
- 📄 Road work was carried out on the roundabout and traffic patterns were changed.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, in Moscow region) there are “pilot zones” with expanded use of cameras. There, fines for violations on the ring can be 30–50% higher. Check the current rates on the local traffic police website.
The cameras record not the fact of the exit itself, but the trajectory of the lane change. If you left the second lane, but reorganized before the congress - there is no violation. If you changed lanes at the congress - a fine is inevitable.
Roundabouts with tram tracks: separate rules
If the ring includes tram tracks, leaving them has its own nuances:
- 🚋 Tram tracks located on the same level with the roadway (not separated by a curb), are considered leftmost lane. Exit from them is allowed only if they are duplicated with a sign
5.15.1with an arrow to the right. - 🚗 Passenger cars prohibited move along tram tracks, even if they are free, except when all other lanes are occupied (Section 9.6 of the Traffic Regulations).
- 🚦 At intersections with tram tracks they often install additional traffic light sections. Exit is allowed only when the main section has a green signal. and arrows.
A common mistake: drivers think they can leave the tram tracks “in a straight line” if they are parallel to the right lane. This is not true - exit is possible only in places marked with markings 1.18 or signs. Otherwise the penalty will be 1,500 rubles (Part 1.1 of Article 12.17 of the Administrative Code).
For trams the rules are simpler: they can leave the ring from any route as long as it does not interfere with other trams. However, priority at the exit has those who move along right path (same as the rule for passenger cars).
Frequently asked questions and controversial situations
Is it possible to exit the roundabout from the second lane if there is a car on the right?
No, even if the right lane is occupied, leaving the second lane is prohibited (except when signs allow it). You need to wait until the right lane is free before moving over. The exception is if you manage long vehicle (more than 7 meters) and there is a sign on the roundabout allowing you to exit from several lanes.
Do I need to turn on the turn signal when changing lanes inside the ring?
Yes, any time you change lanes on the roundabout (even if you don’t move over), you must turn on your turn signal. For example, when driving in the second lane and changing lanes to the first, use right signal. When changing lanes to the left (to a faster lane) - left.
What to do if the markings on the ring are erased or not visible?
In this case, focus on signs (if they exist) or on general rule - exit only from the right lane. If there are no signs and the markings are unreadable, you have the right to move out of any lane, but be prepared to prove in court that the markings were invisible (for example, using photos/videos).
How to leave the roundabout if the exit is located immediately after the entrance?
This is one of the most difficult situations. You need:
- Borrow far right lane even before entering the ring.
- Enter the roundabout without changing lanes.
- Immediately turn on the right turn signal and leave at the first exit.
If you did not have time to change lanes before entering, you will have to make a full circle.
What are the penalties for violations on the ring in 2026?
Current fines:
- Leaving the wrong lane: 500–1,500 rubles (Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code).
- Turn signal not on: 500 rubles (Article 12.14 of the Administrative Code).
- Not allowing a pedestrian to pass on an exit ramp: 1,500–2,500 rubles (Article 12.18 of the Administrative Code).
- Traffic on tram tracks: 1,500 rubles (Article 12.17 of the Administrative Code).
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, fines may be 30–50% higher.