Driving in a roundabout is one of the situations that raises the most questions for drivers. But the difficulties at these types of intersections are not limited to a lack of knowledge of the rules; many of those who do know them systematically break them.
In this special feature, we explain in a simple and straightforward way how to navigate a roundabout , when to use your turn signals, who has the right of way in each situation, and how to exit them safely and without inconveniencing other drivers. It might seem like a whole new world, especially for novice drivers, but with a few basic tips, it becomes very easy.
Who has priority at a roundabout?
Right-of-way rules are the most important of those affecting a roundabout. There are two circumstances to consider:
Priority between vehicles inside and outside the roundabout
The first consideration is the priority of the vehicle already circulating in the roundabout compared to those trying to enter it . Generally, priority in these cases belongs to vehicles already in the roundabout lanes, so those wanting to enter must wait their turn.
What if there are signs regulating right-of-way? There are cases where roundabouts have been modified with traffic lights or yield signs inside , requiring vehicles already circulating within them to stop if other vehicles wish to enter. As in any other situation, these signs are mandatory (both vertical and on the road), even if we are accustomed to using these types of intersections in the manner described above.
Priority between vehicles inside the roundabout
The second rule is the priority of vehicles already in a specific lane of the roundabout over those wishing to enter that lane . This is especially important because it is the rule most frequently violated, leading to dangerous collisions. The vehicle already in a lane always has priority . Those wishing to enter must yield or overtake it safely, maintaining a safe following distance and never forcing it to brake.
This is the rule that is broken when you "cut" the roundabout while other cars are circulating within it. Instead of following the circular path marked by the lanes of the roundabout, you drive as straight a line as possible, cutting across all the lanes. This means that cutting across the path of cars navigating the roundabout correctly is very common and often results in a collision. Here's a video that clearly shows how not to drive in a roundabout :
Can I exit directly from an inside lane?
As with any road, lane changes should be made with extreme caution and one at a time . Crossing multiple lanes at once should be avoided as it creates a dangerous situation. This is precisely what should be done when exiting a roundabout from an inner lane (the aforementioned maneuver of "cutting" the roundabout). You must exit the roundabout lane by lane until you reach the outer lane before your desired exit.
What if the outside lane is busy?
If there's no space in the outer lane to exit the roundabout, don't be impatient. Simply go around the roundabout again to merge into that lane properly.
Which lane should you drive in?
Normally, when we get our driver's license, we're given some pointers on how to avoid mistakes when entering a roundabout. Besides the rules regarding right-of-way, these might include, for example: if you're taking the first or second exit, use the outside lane; if you're taking the third or fourth, use the middle lane. These tips vary depending on the instructor and are simply meant to make things easier.
There's actually no rule that requires you to use a specific lane depending on which exit you want to take later. The only rule is that you must be in the outer lane to be able to exit . Before reaching that point, as long as you respect the right-of-way rules, you can use any lane, within reason, of course—if you're taking the first exit, you don't need to go all the way to the inner lane. And if you're making a U-turn (exiting at the same lane you entered), driving around a roundabout with seven exits in the outer lane might not violate any right-of-way rules, but it's not the best approach in real-world traffic.
How do I use the turn signals in a roundabout?
You must use your turn signals to change lanes and when taking the next exit . In both cases, just as you would on a straight road. Therefore, the old practice of using the left turn signal to indicate that you will continue within the roundabout is incorrect . In reality, doing so signals to other drivers that you are moving into an inner lane.
The current rules regarding the use of turn signals in a roundabout are simple. Even so, not many people consistently follow them . This lack of compliance not only affects safety in some situations but can also slow down traffic . To understand this consequence, consider an example that any driver has likely experienced: if a vehicle already in the roundabout doesn't signal its intention to exit, drivers wanting to enter must wait longer to see what it's doing. However, if the driver uses their turn signals correctly, vehicles wanting to enter know they don't need to yield because the vehicle is leaving the roundabout and can enter first, thus improving traffic flow.
Ok, but when do I put the turn signals on?
There's also some confusion among drivers about when to signal to exit. A good time is after the exit before the one you want to take . Of course, if you're in a particularly large roundabout with widely spaced exits, you don't need to signal so far in advance. Just like on any straight road, if you're going to take the next exit, a few seconds beforehand is enough. Conversely, if the roundabout is very small, you have no choice but to signal after the exit before the one you want to take, even if you only have a second to spare.
turbo roundabouts
Turbo roundabouts differ from conventional roundabouts primarily in that they have lanes marked with a solid line , forcing drivers to take the correct exit and thus reducing the likelihood of collisions. In principle, this also allows for a higher volume of traffic to pass through without becoming congested.
When entering a turbo roundabout, drivers must carefully choose their lane , because if they don't enter correctly, they won't be able to take their intended exit and will have to make a complete circuit to do so. Some turbo roundabouts can even force drivers to exit the roundabout prematurely, causing them to lose their intended route . The first turbo roundabout opened in 2009 in Grado, Asturias, and their use is spreading throughout the rest of Spain.
Difference between roundabout and roundabout
Consulting the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy reveals that "Rotonda" is defined as a "circular plaza" and "Glorieta" as a "plaza, usually circular, where several streets, avenues, or roads converge." Therefore, in our case, "Glorieta" would be the more precise term.
The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) uses the term "Glorieta" to refer to these intersections, although in some geographical areas the term "rotonda" is more common. In some Latin American countries, they are also referred to as "redondel," "redoma," or "óvalo."
Images – Marcel Sala, Valdosta-Lowndes MPO, DGT, Actualidad Motor, Dario Alvarez and Adrián Fernández García.