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RoundaboutWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Worldwide

30. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Warning for a roundabout. (Saint-Yorre, France)
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout?

Follow the local priority rules, signs and signals. Entering traffic commonly gives way to circulating traffic, but the applicable rule depends on the country and layout.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rule 185; 🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Article 12.3.1

Mandatory roundabout direction. Mandatory roundabout direction.

Warning for a roundabout. Warning for a roundabout.

How should you approach a roundabout?

Choose your exit early, read the signs and lane markings, and adjust your speed. Check the position of other road users before entering.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rules 184–185

Which lane should you use?

Follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Choose an appropriate lane before entering and follow it towards your exit. Exact lane-selection rules vary between countries.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rules 184 and 186; 🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Article 9.3.1

When should you use your indicators?

Check the local signalling rules. Belgium requires an indicator when leaving, but not when entering. In the UK, the approach signal depends on the intended exit.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Article 19.2; 🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rule 186

How should you change lanes on a roundabout?

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal as required and move only when it is safe. Signalling does not give you priority. Follow the lane markings and local manoeuvring rules.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rule 161; 🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Article 12.4

What should you check before leaving?

Look for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians near your exit, and avoid cutting across another road user. Follow the local crossing and priority rules.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Highway Code, Rules 186–187

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...